Barranco de los Encantados, a magical place in Fuerteventura

The Barranco de los Encantados, a magical place in Fuerteventura , also called Barranco de Los Enamorados.

This place is a great geological heritage of the canary island and one of the most visited places from the turists.

It should be preserved, but unfortunately many visitors have left traces of their presence, spoiling an environment of historical and cultural interest.

More than 100,000 years ago, the water of the Atlantic Ocean reached Lajares, about 7 km inland and over time the water level dropped significantly.

And so underwater sandbanks were created, formations that were dragged into the interior of the island by the trade winds, forming the current landscape.

The name of this ravine comes from the fact that, during the summer solstice, banks of fog form here which the aborigines thought were magic dust.

It was only in 1900 that it began to be called Barranco de los Enamorados, because young couples met in this private place.

In this ravine, in the past there was the seabed raised by volcanic activity and for this reason here you can see fossils of animal or vegetable nature.

The most wonderful part is the one that was then smoothed by the wind and the sun, creating a labyrinthine path of white and yellow rock.

In places like these of extraordinary and unique beauty, you have to leave only your footprints in the sand and take with you so many indescribable emotions.

The history of the Barranco de los Enamorados

Barranco de los Enamorados is a unique geological formation in Fuerteventura, located in the north of the island, near the charming town of Fuerteventura , El Cotillo . 

It is a volcanic cone about 100 meters high, which rises on a landscape of fossilized dunes, created by the retreat of the sea thousands of years ago. 

The volcano is around 10,000 years old and is made up of black basalt rocks, which contrast with the white of the dunes and the breathtaking colours of the Atlantic Ocean . 

According to an ancient legend, two young lovers took refuge in a cave in the volcano to escape the wrath of their respective families, who were against their relationship. 

They lived there happily together until one day a volcanic eruption surprised them and buried them under lava, hence the name “ Barranco de los Enamorados”.

Since then it is said that the volcano emits a sound similar to a sigh, which is the lament of lovers.

The area surrounding the ravine is a site of great landscape, geological and paleontological value, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the Paleontological Zone category. 

Marine and terrestrial fossils are visible on the walls of the Barranco de los Encantados, evidence of the climatic and environmental changes of the island throughout its history. 

The bizarre shapes, sculpted by the erosion of wind and water, recall human and animal figures.

The name “Barranco de los Encantados” came about due to the magical effect that the sunlight produces on the dunes, which change color depending on the time of day .

How to get to Barranco de los Encantados?

To get to the beginning of the Barranco de los Encantados trail , you have to follow almost 7 km of dirt paths, so a lot of patience and caution when driving are required.

Starting from Puerto del Rosario it is almost 25 km, which can be covered in 34 minutes, proceeding on the FV10 towards Tetir, continuing towards Tamariche, Tindaya and Esquinzo.

The dirt road begins before reaching Tindaya and the road is very winding, so it is necessary to use a suitable vehicle.

You can choose a car rental, taking into account the dirt roads, or a taxi (if possible).

Of course, you cannot discover the magic of this special place by bus, as public transport does not reach this area.

It is recommended to wear suitable footwear for trekking  like: water, drinks, sunscreen and respect the environment, avoiding abandoning waste or damaging the dunes. 

Barranco de los Enamorados and its surroundings are a place that will leave you speechless and will allow you to discover a different side of Fuerteventura.