The most precious aspect of the island of Fuerteventura is its nature, which not only it is declared a Biosphere Reserve in its entirety but also has many protective measures in place in order to safeguard the natural environment which makes it special and unique. The La Oliva municipality protects an important number of these territories as a result of the dedication given by its people to care for an environment worthy of such protection.

Five Protected Natural Areas in La Oliva, the north of Fuerteventura, you have to discover and protect

Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park

The Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park boasts one of the most breathtaking views of Fuerteventura. An authentic sand dunes desert of 2300 hectares which covers as far as the eye can see, bathed by a deep turquoise sea, resulting in the most expansive and spectacular beaches of the north of the island.
It is a fascinating landscape which is protected due to its natural, scenic, and scientific value. The wafer-thin sand that makes up the dunes is organic in origin, and is home to numerous species, both plant and animal, especially birds, such as the Guirre or the Hubara canaria.
It’s an absolute must for any visit to Fuerteventura, are we are sure that it will blow each and every visitor away.

Islote de Lobos Natural Park

Lobos Islands, which is separated from the Fuerteventura coast by about two kilometers of sea, has been declared a Natural Park in its entirety and represents one of the most valuable areas of the island since, in addition to its scenic beauty, it is home to a wealth of natural, historical, and cultural attractions.
This little island, of roughly 5 kilometers, is home to more than a hundred plant species, some of them are endemic such as the everlasting flower, and there are also unique birds and an extensive range of marine species to the delight divers and nature lover. A spectacular white sand beach in the middle of the ocean, a path which traverses the island, the Estampa del Puertito,, one of the most sought-after and charming spots of Fuerteventura, are just some of the wonders that this little spot has inside.
The boat trip from Corralejo is one of total absolute comfort but, precisely because of its condition of protected and sensitive area, a permit must be requested via www.lobospass.com prior to the visit.

Malpaís de la Arena Natural Monument

Between the La Olivia and Lajares localities, a volcanic, steep and unique landscape is visible to us. This is known as the Malpaís de la Arena Natural Monument and originated from volcanic eruptions which took place not so long ago. That’s why it’s named “Malpaís” (meaning “bad country” in Spanish), from about ten thousand years ago. Today it is an area of great geological, scientific, scenic and ecological interest.
The Tarabilla canaria, an endemic bird of the island, has its biggest population among the volcanic stones of this areas, and the same happens with unique plants of this arid ecosystem, such as Balsam spurge or lichens.
In terms of the views, it is an absolutely unique landscape, really colorful and extraordinary despite its overwhelming aridity.

Tindaya Mountain Natural Monument

Tindaya Mountain, located in a small homonymous locality in the north of Fuerteventura, and is the worthy deserved protagonist of thousands of aboriginal, artistic, and even witchcraft tales.
Raising stunningly from the ground and visible from several kilometers away, you only need to glance at it once to realize that this mountain has something special.
Its geological value is immeasurable. A very old trachyte can be seen with the naked eye as a consequence of intense and long processes of erosion.
As a natural area, is home to rare endemism. It also has witnessed hundreds of engravings, situated on the top of the mountain, which are shaped like feet (called podomorfos in Spanish), which were made by the Mahos, island aborigines.
Visitors are able to climb to the top and be delighted by its extraordinary views, but always on a guided tour and with the prior permission which has to be requested through Cabildo de Fuerteventura (Tel. number: 928858600)

Vallebrón Protected Landscape

The Vallebrón landscape is composed of two big ravines with an enlarged crest in the middle, flanked by the Muda Mountain on its southern side, with an altitude of 689 meters. It is one of the highest peaks in the area and is also Fuerteventura’s youngest volcano.
With a surface area of almost 1700 hectares, it represents an important enclave for Fuerteventura’s ecosystems. Its nature, less arid than the majority of the island’s territory, is home to a huge number of animal species, including Hubara canaria, Calandria, Tarabilla, Abubilla, the Kestrel or the Atlantic lizard, and plants, such as Balsam spurge, Gorse, and the Prickly Canary Pear.
In addition, the La Muda Mountain is an archeological complex of great interest, used by Mahos as housing and a burial site. The Degollada Viewpoint of Valle Grande offers astonishing views of the northeast side of the wonderful Fuerteventura island.