Montaña Roja at Fuerteventura, a volcanic cone with reddish hues

Montaña Roja at Fuerteventura is an impressive volcanic cone that is part of the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park , located near Parque Holandés and El Jablito.

Montaña Roja , 312 m above sea level, is aligned with the volcanoes of Caima and Escanfraga, forming a relatively flat landscape between them. 

The reddish-hued mountain is characterised by its gentle slopes, interrupted by numerous ravines, formed by the action of water over millennia.

The filtration of these waters has created a powerful aquifer in the subsoil, in the area there are also small fields of lapilli from nearby volcanoes.

Montaña Roja is the favorite trekking destination in Fuerteventura for the panorama it offers along the entire trail and for its characteristic red hues from which it takes its name.

Its path starts from Villaverde, is approximately 8 km long and remains an unmissable stop on the itineraries of a trip to Fuerteventura for anyone visiting the island.

When you look at the map of the municipalities of Fuerteventura, the first thing that catches your eye is an infinite number of enchanting places like Montaña Roja, a somewhat challenging journey.

Panoramic views from Montaña Roja

When visiting the island of Fuerteventura, you cannot miss the panoramic views that can be enjoyed from Montaña Roja, both at sunrise and sunset.

On the very steep southern flank , there is a horseshoe-shaped crater, 460 meters wide, open to the north, perfectly visible from the highway.

The volcanic edifice is made up of stratified layers of oxidized lapilli, which give it a particular appearance, unique in its kind and unmissable.

The south-east side is undoubtedly the most photographed by tourists, especially at sunset when the reddish tones intensify, creating unforgettable scenes.

One of the highlights of the route to Montaña Roja is the impressive panoramic views of the coast of Corralejo and the island of Lobos , a true spectacle.

The origin and history of Montaña Roja?

The name alludes to the dark red colour given to the mountain by the numerous scoria, lapilli and clear and porous lava fragments that cover its slopes.

Montaña Roja is dated between 0.8 and 0.4 million years old, however, at the foot of the mountain there are concentrations of very old eolianites.

Aeolianites are aeolian deposits cemented with carbonate, meaning that Montaña Roja was built on a previous volcanic bed, over 5 million years old. 

In the surrounding area there are still remains of residential and livestock structures built before the Franco-Norman conquest.

The reason why the aborigines of Fuerteventura built small settlements in such a wild area full of lava flows for a perfect camouflage of the environment.

In the ravine of Las Pilas there are several sources of fresh water, in addition, with the rain small lagoons formed capable of retaining humidity for days and even weeks. 

That humidity was enough to grow the grasses so essential to the maintenance of the Aboriginal goat herd in such a desert location.

Trekking routes and trails in Montaña Roja?

One of the most beautiful excursions in Fuerteventura, unmissable for every tourist and with breathtaking views, is the trekking path to Montaña Roja .

With a path lined with volcanic stone, through which you can climb to the mouth of the crater and the Mojón de las Velas.

The route is one of the most suggestive at Fuerteventura with an approximate length of 5 – 8 km through a splendid natural landscape. 

The excursion starts from the mouth of the Barranco de Las Pilas, or from Villaverde with two sections to cover:

• The first is the climb to Barranco de Las Pilas
• The second is a very steep and challenging section and is done on the slope of the volcano

It is important to note that for a day of trekking in Montaña Roja, you need to bring everything you need:

• Packed lunch and drinks
• Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin
• Bring suitable and comfortable shoes, as well as a hat
• Bring a sweatshirt in your backpack, as the trade winds are felt more at this altitude.

The trail is an impressive hike and a great way to explore the natural and wild beauty of the island of Fuerteventura.