Visit Ajuy on Fuerteventura: caves, wild waves and a black beach

The little village of Ajuy has a number of striking ‘attractions’. The black sand beach comes with large rock formations. The wild waves slap against them. Caves included, Ajuy is worth a visit.

A black pearl among 50 shades of yellow

The beaches on Fuerteventura come in 50 shades of yellow. Cofete and Costa Calma alone offer kilometres of golden and ochre beach pleasure.

Among those picture-postcard scenes a black pearl rises up. Meet The Black Pearl of Fuerteventura: the black sand beach of Ajuy. Great to see. A good spot for unusual holiday photos as well. A beach like this is rather rarer, after all.

The beach is sometimes swamped by the waves. So do think about whether and where you put your things down. Sometimes the water comes right up to the streets.

Wild waves, scorching sun

Now and then those waves are a sight in their own right. On this side of the coast they take on impressive proportions. Swimming is therefore rarely possible. Often it is life-threatening. The big waves throw you in every direction.

From the higher rock formations the picturesque scene comes into its own. Wild natural violence along the black beach, accompanied by the scorching sun. The backdrop of a fishing village with its authentic little houses completes the picture. Around sunset especially.

Ajuy and the beach of the dead

This romantic image comes with a contrasting nickname. Ajuy has its own Playa de los Muertos (beach of the dead). There are various accounts of why.

• One of them is that there used to be many pirate attacks. Which gives The Black Pearl another dimension.
• Another account points to the wild waves. The strong currents are said to have washed up drowned people often. Bye then.

The caves of Ajuy

On the north side of the main beach a set of steps begins. Follow that route towards the caves. The footpath runs past natural beauty worth seeing. The whole of Ajuy is known as a nature monument.

Earlier in the day

The Ajuy nature monument combines well with other sights. Read up on renting a car on Fuerteventura en Explore the island afterwards.

• Earlier in the day, for instance, drive past the viewpoint Mirador Morro Velosa.
• You can also plan a culturally rich and filling stop at the village oasis of Betancuria.

On the way to Ajuy you come across a few more viewpoints. Who knows, you may run into the Barbary ground squirrel (again). Enjoy.