Punta Martiño Lighthouse

Punta Martiño Lighthouse is an active lighthouse on the island of Lobos, a small landmass in the channel between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, administratively part of the municipality of La Oliva.

Where is it and what is Isla de Lobos?

Lobos is a tiny volcanic island just off the northern coast of Fuerteventura, separated from it by a narrow strait known as El Río. The entire island is a protected nature reserve — there are no permanent residents, no cars, and virtually no buildings apart from the facilities that support visitors and the lighthouse itself. Punta Martiño marks one of the island's landmark points, a rugged, rocky stretch of its coastline.

The lighthouse is still operational, warning boats away from the rocks and shallows in the strait between the two islands, waters that can turn tricky because of strong currents.

How do you get to Isla de Lobos and the lighthouse?

The only way onto Lobos is by ferry from Corralejo, on Fuerteventura. Boats run regularly during the tourist season and the crossing itself takes only a few minutes. Once ashore, the whole island is explored on foot — there's no vehicle transport of any kind, and the trails, while well marked, can be stony and call for sturdy footwear.

A walking trail across the interior of the island leads to the lighthouse. Bring water and sun protection, since Lobos offers almost no shade and both wind and sun are felt throughout the day.

What will you see there?

Punta Martiño Lighthouse is a distinctive white tower standing on a stark, rocky shoreline. From here the views stretch across the open ocean, the El Río channel, and, in the distance, the outlines of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The landscape around the lighthouse is unmistakably volcanic — black rock, low drought-resistant vegetation, and small coves with strikingly clear water.

Beyond the lighthouse, the island offers walking trails up to its highest point, the volcanic cone of Montaña de la Caldera, which rewards the climb with a panoramic view of the whole area, as well as a route to the lagoon known as Puertito, a favourite spot among snorkellers. Since the entire island is a nature reserve, visitor numbers are managed and straying off the marked paths isn't permitted.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a visit, with pleasant temperatures and less intense heat than in the height of summer. Wind is a near-constant feature on Lobos, so dress accordingly. Because there's no shade anywhere on the island, it's worth avoiding the middle of the day during the hottest months and aiming for a morning visit instead.

Keep in mind that daily visitor numbers to the island are capped due to its protected status, so booking your trip ahead of time significantly improves your chances of a relaxed visit to the lighthouse and the surrounding trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Punta Martiño Lighthouse? The lighthouse is an active navigational structure, so visits are limited to viewing it from the outside as part of a walk across the island.

How long does it take to walk to the lighthouse from the ferry landing? The route crosses the island's interior on a marked footpath; the exact time depends on your pace and chosen path, so it's best to set aside a full day for the trip.

Can you buy food or water on Isla de Lobos? Facilities on the island are very limited, so it's safest to bring your own water and food from Corralejo before setting off.

Is it worth combining the lighthouse visit with snorkelling? Yes — the waters around the Puertito lagoon are calm and clear, making it a popular spot to snorkel after exploring the lighthouse and the island's trails.