Malpaís de la Arena, a natural monument at Fuerteventura

Malpaís de la Arena is a natural place, located in the municipality of La Oliva, between Lajares and Villaverde and is considered to be of great scientific value.

This is thanks to its geological, geomorphological, archaeological characteristics and, of course, its spectacular visual beauty.

Malpaís de la Arena is one of the most spectacular Protected Areas at Fuerteventura, a volcanic area made up of several craters and lava flows, also known as “Malpaís”.

In this “Malpais”, covering an area of approximately 12 square kilometers, a special ecosystem of characteristic flora and fauna has been created.

The Malpaís de La Arena Monument is a 900-hectare area of badlands, with its spectacular 420-meter-high Volcan de la Arena .

From Volcan de la Arena you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lanzarote and the entire northern area of Fuerteventura:

The Lobos Island, Corralejo and the Dunes , Lajares , El Cotillo , Tindaya , Villaverde and La Oliva

Characteristics of the Natural Monument 

The Malpaís de la Arena volcanic complex is of scientific, geological, and geomorphological interest due to its nature as an identifying element of the landscape.

Its flora is home to rare species protected by regional legislation, and the lava flows and crater slopes, less populated by vegetation, are a habitat for invertebrate species.

Malpais de la Arena was declared a Natural Area of National Interest in 1987 and was reclassified as a Natural Monument in 1994.

It has two large lava springs, one towards La Oliva and the other towards Lajares.

Inside the Malpais you can see several “ovens”, small holes through which gases from volcanic eruptions were released.

Some of the ovens have formed small caves with vertical entrances and several meters high, used by the inhabitants of Fuerteventura since pre-Hispanic times.

Among these we can list the Cave of the Peaks , the Devil’s Cave , the Grotta di Las Burras , the Cave of the Pascuales , the Cave of the Aldeíta and Tisajoyre .

Tips for preserving unspoiled nature

• Wear comfortable shoes, not flip-flops
• Don’t forget your hat to protect yourself from the sun
• Sunscreen is also essential to avoid sunburn.
• Respect animals, do not disturb them and do not feed them
• Do not collect or take anything away, not even a stone or a plant.
• Do not disturb the tranquility of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, shouting, etc.) or disturbing activities.
• Preferably use sunscreens that are marine-friendly.

How to get to Malpais de la Arena?

Malpaís de la Arena is 25 km from Puerto del Rosario , a 30-minute drive.

Continue on the FV-102 towards La Oliva for 22 km and then continue towards Villaverde, up to Malpais de la Arena.