At the Cuevas de Ajuy, sediment layers formed in the deep sea during the Cretaceous period are exposed. They date back 100 to 150 million years. This geological background connects Ajuy with a very long history of the Earth; alongside it, historical traces, hiking trails and life on the coast shape the village.
Caves and Historical Traces
The Cuevas de Ajuy are designated a natural monument. The Mahos, the island’s ancient inhabitants, used the caves as a refuge and a place of worship. This means that different periods of time converge at the Cuevas: the formation of the rock layers millions of years ago and their historical use by the island’s inhabitants.
Along the access path to the Cuevas, you can see old lime kilns. Dug into the ground, they are up to 12 metres high. Their sunken form and height make them a distinctive architectural feature along the path. Lime production was very important on Fuerteventura for many years and reached its peak between the 19th century and the end of the 20th century.
Hiking Trails with Different Destinations
A green hiking route runs between Ajuy and Madre del Agua. At the top of the cliff, it splits from the blue route and then leads to the wall in the direction of La Aduana. The blue hiking route crosses the Barranco de Ajuy to the caves. The distinction is helpful when choosing an excursion: the caves are the destination of the blue route, while the green route runs between Ajuy and Madre del Agua and continues towards La Aduana. From Playa de Ajuy, a path climbs along the coastal cliff and continues towards Puerto de La Peña. Check current trail conditions before setting off on the path along the coastal cliff.
Coastal Village, Beach and Fish
Ajuy is a small coastal village traditionally shaped by fishing. Playa de Ajuy is 270 metres long and consists of sand, gravel and rounded stones. Ajuy has a beach with dark sand where you can swim. Alongside the caves and hiking trails, time by the water and the beach are also part of the village’s character.
Fresh fish can be enjoyed in Ajuy. Together with the fishing tradition, it adds a local coastal dimension to the geological and historical themes. If you are considering Ajuy as a place to stay, you can choose based on whether caves and history, hiking routes, or the beach and fish are the main features you want for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Llanos De La ConcepciĂłn, Agua de Bueyes, El Roque, Caldereta, TefĂa, Puerto Del Rosario, La Ampuyenta, Majanicho.
For the overview of the wider destination: Fuerteventura.
