Fuerteventura is the second-largest island of the Canary Islands and was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO on May 26, 2009. It is also the longest of the Canary Islands from end to end. Its vast landscapes, mountains, and the soft contours of the sea dunes create a unique combination. Beautiful landscapes with rounded shapes and light colors, set against a backdrop of a spectacular turquoise sea and white beaches. While walking on the GR131 trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views and a remarkable landscape.
The island is rich in protected nature reserves, many of which can be admired along the way. While walking the GR131 trail, you’ll come across places like the Islote de Lobos Nature Park, the Malpaís de la Arena natural monument with its lava fields—the last volcanic remnants on the island, the “sacred” Tindaya Mountain, an iconic place for the Majos (the indigenous people of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote), the Betancuria Rural Park—the largest natural area on the island with its landscape of U-shaped ravines, the Cardón natural monument, and of course, in the far south, the Jandía Nature Park.
In this blog, we share our practical tips and inspiration for the GR131 trail with you.
How long does it take to complete the GR131 trail in Fuerteventura?
The GR131 on Fuerteventura officially consists of 9 stages and covers a total of 164 kilometers. So, you’ll need 9 days in total to complete the entire route.
What stages does the GR131 trail consist of?
The GR131 trail offers not only diverse landscapes but also takes you through charming villages where the locals greet you warmly. Colorful stone houses line the streets, adding to the enchantment of the hike. It’s not just the stunning views that make this walk magical. As a hiker, this island has much to offer in many ways. The stages of the route are as follows:
- Stage 1: Isla de Lobos (8 km)
- Stage 2: Corralejo – La Oliva (24,3 km)
- Stage 3: La Oliva – Tefía (20,3 km)
- Stage 4: Tefía – Betancuria (17,5 km)
- Stage 5: Betancuria – Pájara (15,8 km)
- Stage 6: Pájara – La Pared (24,7)
- Stage 7: La Pared – Casas del Risco del Paso (18 km)
- Stage 8: Casas del Risco del Paso – Morro Jable (15,5 km)
- Stage 9: Morro Jable – Punta de Jandía (20 km)
What does the day-to-day program look like?
In our opinion, these are the six most beautiful stages of the GR131 trail.
Day 1: Isla de Lobos (8 km)
From the harbor in Corralejo, you take a boat to the island of Lobos. It’s like a water taxi that departs every half hour, and a round-trip ticket costs €15 per person: https://www.barracudafuerteventura.com/excursiones/water-taxi-isla-de-lobos. The crossing itself takes 5-10 minutes—hold on tight! Once on the island, you’ll immediately see the signs marking the GR131 trail. There’s also a small visitor center with information about the island.
Day 2: Corralejo – Villaverde (23 km)
Today, you leave Corralejo, and the first stage of the GR131 trail takes you to Villaverde. From the center of Corralejo, you’ll quickly enter the volcanic landscapes that make the island so unique. Halfway through, you’ll pass through Lajares, where you can stop for a coffee and stock up on water for the second part of the stage.
At the highest point, you’ll see your destination for the day—Villaverde—off in the distance, with a beautiful volcano in the background.
Day 3: Villaverde – Tefía (18 km)
This stage of the GR131 trail takes you past the legendary Tindaya Mountain, a sacred place for the island’s original inhabitants. In Tefía, it’s worth visiting the San Agustín de Tefía, a small church.
Day 4: Tefía – Betancuria (16 km)
Starting from the church in Tefía, today’s leg of the GR131 trail leads you towards the island’s historical capital, Betancuria. Before reaching Betancuria, you’ll have to cross the Bermeja Mountain—a steep climb! At the top, you’ll find statues of Guise and Ayose, the kings of Lanzarote before the European arrival. From here, you’ll also have a stunning view of Betancuria, your destination for today, nestled in greenery with palm trees scattered throughout.
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Day 5: Betancuria – Pájara (16 km)
Leaving Betancuria, you have two options. The official GR131 Fuerteventura climbs a bit and then descends again, or you can follow the riverbed along the Camino de Peña. This path is entirely flat and a little shorter, about 1 km less.
Whichever route you choose, both rejoin near the church in Peña, dedicated to the island’s patron saint. The church opens daily at 10:30 AM and is worth a visit. After La Peña, there’s another climb to tackle.
Day 6: Risco del Paso (Playa Sotovento) – Faro de Morro Jable (14 km)
A few days ago, you started on the northern coast, and today, you’ll finish at the western coast of the island. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the most beautiful beaches, with water that’s bluer than blue. Playa Salmo stands out in particular! You can stop at one of the beach bars for a delicious coffee—or maybe even take a dip. The crystal-clear blue water is hard to resist!
When is the best time to walk on the GR131 trail on Fuerteventura?
One of the great things about the GR131 trail on Fuerteventura is that you have the opportunity to do a long-distance hike in Europe during the winter. This is also true for Lanzarote.
The best time to hike the GR131 is during the winter months, from November to March. We walked through the GR131 trail in May-June, and the daytime temperatures were around 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the expected average (20 to 22 degrees during the day). The evenings and mornings can be cooler, with lows around 15 degrees Celsius.
Do I need to be trained for the GR131 trail?
The GR131 trail is a moderately difficult to challenging route. It requires a good level of fitness and the ability to handle steep climbs and tough descents. Due to the topography of the Canary Islands, you’ll face significant elevation changes, narrow paths, and some challenging sections, particularly in areas with steep slopes.
Because the route can be quite demanding, some prior training is definitely recommended.
6 Practical tips for hikers
To fully enjoy the GR131 trail on Fuerteventura, here are a few practical tips:
- Make sure to carry a large water bottle so you always have enough water with you. There are some water points along the way, but not on every stage. With a large bottle, you’ll stay well-hydrated and avoid the risk of dehydration.
- Although the route is well-marked with white and red signs, it’s possible to lose track of the path. We recommend paying close attention to these markers. For example, on the beach sections, you might not see a marker for a while. Just follow the coastline, as it will lead you to your destination. Additionally, you can use the Wiki.loc map for a detailed map of the route.
- Sun protection is essential on the GR131 trail. We recommend bringing a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Hiking boots or trail shoes are highly recommended. Regular trainers or sneakers aren’t ideal, as some parts of the trail can be rocky.
- ring flip-flops or sandals for relaxing once you’re done hiking. They’re also handy for the beach sections along the GR131 trail.
- During the final coastal stages, bring swimwear. You can take a refreshing dip or relax on the beach, either during the walk or at the end of the day.
Take your first step
Excited about the GR131 trail in Fuerteventura after reading this blog? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! During this walking holiday, you’ll discover the best of what Fuerteventura has to offer. We can customize the experience for you, so feel free to ask about the options. Perhaps you’d like to extend your stay and enjoy a few extra days on the beach? Or maybe rent a car to explore more of the island? We’re happy to offer some advice for you.
Do you want to start the GR131 trail in Lanzarote? On this 8-day GR131 trail through Lanzarote, you’ll discover the island’s volcanic wonders, pass through authentic villages, admire the unique architecture of César Manrique, enjoy panoramic views, and watch the waves crash against the rocks.
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