Spain : The Canary Islands

Walking in Fuerteventura along the GR 131

Trip code: W07FE

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Year round balmy temperatures, perfect for walking
  • Stunning golden beaches, crystal clear waters and pristine nature reserves
  • Rich and diverse walking terrain and well signed paths along the famous GR131

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Breakfasts included
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Fuerteventura is the second largest and some say, the oldest of the Canary Islands. The landscape is richly diverse featuring spectacular beaches that are renowned across Europe. On this trip you will travel through pristine nature reserves such as the Corralejo Park and experience the warm climate that is so perfect for water sports enthusiasts and walkers year round. From picturesque towns and villages, to breathtaking mountain walks, dunes and nature reserves, this is a perfect week-long walking holiday. Unlike the lush, verdant landscapes of the western Canary Islands, Fuerteventura offers a starkly different, yet equally captivating environment with a terrain characterised by vast, rolling hills and tranquil valleys.

The big draw for us is the GR131, also known as the Camino Natural, a long trail that runs from north to south across the island, providing a route through some of the most impressive and protected landscapes that are to be seen on the island. Through the week, we take you through some of Fuerteventura's most breathtaking scenery, including volcanic terrains, coastal views and desert-like expanse. The daily walks have been organised to make the most of your time on the island, including transfers where needed, to take you to the start and pick you up at the end of your walks. We also feature the little known island of Lobos on the first day, a tiny natural paradise with a wealth of flora and fauna. Extra walking transfers can be booked at extra cost, should you wish to make any of the days shorter. This must be requested at time of booking.

Your accommodation has been carefully selected and includes mostly rural hotels that provide a friendly welcome and delicious breakfasts. Please note due to availability, all accommodation is on request and will be confirmed at time of booking. Occasionally the accommodation may not provide meals. If this is the case, we will inform you at time of booking and advise you of the alternative meal arrangements.

Terrain

To fully enjoy this trip on the GR 131, it is necessary to have good physical fitness and it is not recommended for anyone with vertigo. According to the season, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold), so bear this in mind when booking. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone and certain sections are quite steep and require caution. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN FUERTEVENTURA

Arrive into Fuerteventura airport and we will transfer you to your first hotel in Villaverde/La Oliva. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel before starting your walks in the morning.

You stay at Hotel Rural Mahoh.

hotel details



Hotel Rural Mahoh , Villaverde

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


A charming old Majorera farmhouse, dating back to the 19th century and now a welcoming and warm rural hotel and restaurant. A welcome addition is the indoor pool and solarium, perfect after a long days walking. There are 9 rooms decorated with rustic and antique style, all with en suite bathroom, plasma TV's and a fridge. Also on site there is a fabulous Canarian restaurant serving your breakfasts and also providing evening meals (not included).

DAY 2: Isla de Lobos plus Lajares to Corralejo (16km/9.9mi)

Your adventure begins with a quick transfer and then a boat ride to the serene Isla de Lobos. Here, you'll explore the island's own section of the GR 131, a route that transports you back in time to when the island's first settlers gathered sea lion pelts to craft footwear for their journeys. This picturesque walk offers a unique glimpse into the island's history and natural beauty. Returning to mainland Fuerteventura, we will transfer you to where the trail picks up in the charming village of Lajares, nestled between El Cotillo and Corralejo. From here, the GR 131 begins its descent southward, skirting the base of the 10,000-year-old La Arena volcano, Fuerteventura's youngest volcanic formation. As you continue along the 'Camino Natural,' you'll soon arrive at the outskirts of La Oliva, a town rich in traditional Canarian architecture. Here, you'll find thick-walled white houses that harken back to the time when La Oliva served as the island's capital from 1834 to 1860. The walk ends at your hotel.

You stay at Hotel Rural Mahoh.

hotel details



Hotel Rural Mahoh , Villaverde

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


A charming old Majorera farmhouse, dating back to the 19th century and now a welcoming and warm rural hotel and restaurant. A welcome addition is the indoor pool and solarium, perfect after a long days walking. There are 9 rooms decorated with rustic and antique style, all with en suite bathroom, plasma TV's and a fridge. Also on site there is a fabulous Canarian restaurant serving your breakfasts and also providing evening meals (not included).

DAY 3: La Oliva to Tefia (20km/12.4mi)

Today's walk takes you from La Oliva to Tefia, bordering the Sacred Mountain of Tindaya. This is a solitary mountain that rises to a height of 400 metres and at its base more than 300 ancient foot-shaped cave engravings have been found. After leaving the village of Tindaya, the GR 131 climbs up ancient volcanic slopes where in front of you will appear the Monument to Miguel de Unamuno, who was exiled in Fuerteventura during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. From the top you can see the stunning view of the ocean on both sides of the island. A gentle descent leads you to the village of Tefia for your overnight stay.

You stay at Hotel Rural Rosario Martin.

hotel details



Hotel Rural Rosario Martin, Tefia

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


The Hotel Rural Rosario Martin has lovely comfortable rooms, and lots of extras such as an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and garden, with hot tub and a restaurant on-site, a nice touch for unwinding after a day of hiking.

DAY 4: Tefia to Betancuria (17km/10.6mi)

Starting from the hotel in Tefia, the GR 131 trail begins with a gentle, nearly flat path that meanders through the scenic landscape until it reaches the picturesque Santa Ines Valley. From this point, the trail starts to climb steadily toward one of Fuerteventura's highest peaks, where you'll encounter the impressive Guise and Ayose viewpoint. This landmark features two towering bronze statues, each over four meters high, representing the ancient Guanche kings of Fuerteventura. The viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of the entire island, providing one of the few interior locations in Fuerteventura where visitors can enjoy such sweeping views. It's a popular spot for tourists seeking to capture the island's rugged beauty from above. Descending from the viewpoint, the trail takes you towards Betancuria, a historic town nestled at the base of the peak. As you enter this charming urban area, you'll find yourself surrounded by well-preserved architecture that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Betancuria's idyllic environment and historic charm make it a captivating destination on your journey through Fuerteventura. A transfer will take you back to your hotel.

You stay at Hotel Rural Era de la Corte.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Rural Era de la Corte, Antigua

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


A gorgeous rural hotel created with much love by its owners. There is a courtyard with chairs for you to relax and the salon is bright and welcoming. There is also a library, massage room and kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

DAY 5: Betancuria to Pajara (15km/9.3mi)

A taxi transfer takes you to the start of your walk today. This stage from Betancuria to Pajara, while relatively short, presents a challenging and scenic journey through Fuerteventura's mountainous terrain. This segment of the GR 131 is characterised by a series of undulating ascents and descents, offering a dynamic hiking experience. The route begins with a climb to the summit near Betancuria, followed by a descent alongside the dry riverbed of Rio Palma. This river's subterranean waters nourish the Vega de Rio Palma, creating a lush contrast to the surrounding arid landscape and fostering a fertile environment for local crops. From there, the trail ascends once again toward the Las Penas viewpoint. On clear days, the summit provides stunning views, with the island of Gran Canaria visible on the horizon from the highest peaks of Fuerteventura. Following the descent from Las Penas, the path leads through the charming village of Toto before ultimately arriving in Pajara. This final stretch of the stage offers a rewarding end to your journey, with Pajara's welcoming atmosphere and picturesque setting serving as a fitting conclusion to a day of diverse and captivating landscapes. A transfer will take you back to your hotel.

You stay at Hotel Rural Era de la Corte.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Rural Era de la Corte, Antigua

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


A gorgeous rural hotel created with much love by its owners. There is a courtyard with chairs for you to relax and the salon is bright and welcoming. There is also a library, massage room and kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

DAY 6: El Cardon to La Pared (13km/8.1mi)

Today, your luggage will be transported to the next accommodation by taxi, while you're dropped off at the top of El Cardon, near the Melindraga Mount. From this vantage point, the GR 131 trail continues along a small mountain range, heading towards the western side of Fuerteventura. This section of the trail takes you through one of the island's most remote and windy regions. The landscape here is rugged and inhospitable, but the views are truly spectacular. As you traverse this desolate yet stunning terrain, the path gradually descends towards the Ermita de San Benito Abad, situated near La Pared. La Pared marks the start of an extensive sandy area that stretches across the island from east to west. This sandy expanse is a striking intersection of two major mountain ranges that define the northern and southern parts of Fuerteventura, adding to the dramatic and diverse scenery of your hike.

You stay at Bakour Hotel La Pared.

hotel details

 equivalent

Bakour Hotel La Pare, La Pared

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


A comfortable hotel near a beautiful wild beach on the north coast of Fuerteventura and with supermarkets and restaurants of La Pared nearby. There are modern and bright rooms that offer all the comfort you will need, plus the hotel also has a private swimming pool, as well as extensive garden areas and its own restaurant along with the buffet breakfast that is included in your stay.

DAY 7: Risco del Paso to Morro Jable (14km/8.7mi)

Today, the taxi transporting your luggage will once again spare you from traversing the barren sandy expanse that crosses the island, an area that doesn't contribute significantly to the route's scenic value. Your journey resumes at the Risco del Paso, a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas over the turquoise waters of Costa Calma. From here, you'll embark on a coastal walking tour that follows the shoreline. The path alternates between walking directly along the beach and navigating the adjacent cliffs, ensuring continuous contact with the sea. This stage provides ample opportunity for a refreshing dip in the ocean as you hike. The route culminates in Morro Jable, a premier tourist destination renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent amenities.

You stay at Hotel IFA Altamerana.

hotel details



Hotel IFA Altamerana, Morrojable

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


Your last night is in this beautiful beach hotel, situated directly in front of the Jandia beach and near the resort of Morro Jable. Perfectly equipped with everything you will need, the hotel offers all the relaxation you need after completing the last of the 6 stages so you may wish to stay on an extra few days? The hotel has a great swimming pool, spacious rooms with balcony or terrace. There is a buffet restaurant on site, lounge and pool bar.

DAY 8: DEPART

Transfer to airport for your return journey home (transfer included when flights booked through us or as an optional extra).

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$458.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

Prompt, efficient, flexible to amend dates and requirement and very quick responses to enable us to add our own bookings to the holiday through Headwater

Stephen]][ Tibke, 20 Dec 2024

Very personal and thorough. Helen gave me all the information I needed plus more! She really went above and beyond.

Barbara Wallace, 17 Oct 2024

Once we got to talk to a person the service was excellent. It had been confusing trying to contact them by phone but managed to get there via chat on the exodus website who passed on our details. Luke Mcenaney dealt with our booking and non-standard requests very effectively and we are now booked!

31 Jul 2024

Very helpful service. Good to talk to a real person.

24 Jan 2024


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from C$2175

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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