Lobos Island

Lobos (Spanish: Isla de Lobos) is a small island that is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. It is located just two kilometres north of the island of Fuerteventura and covers an area of 4.68 square kilometres. Since 1982, it has been a protected nature reserve called Parque Natural del Islote de Lobos.

Visitors can reach Lobos Island by taking a short ferry from Corralejo on Fuerteventura. The island offers activities such as hiking and snorkelling. At the northeastern end of the island is the Punta Martiño Lighthouse. Until the lighthouse was automated in the 1960s, the lighthouse keeper and his family were the last permanent residents of the island.

Long ago, in 1405, Lobos Island was used as a place for supplies by Jean de Béthencourt when he was preparing to claim Fuerteventura as his own.

Origin of name

Lobos Island, which means "Wolves Island," was named after the many sea wolves, also known as monk seals, that used to live there. When Spanish explorers first found the island in the fifteenth century, these seals were the only animals there. Sadly, sailors and fishermen hunted them for food, fat, and skin. Because of this, the monk seals disappeared from the island, and now they are only seen there very rarely.

History

Archaeological discoveries show that Ancient Rome may have had a small, seasonal settlement on the island. This was likely linked to collecting a special purple dye.

In 1405, Lobos Island was used as a place to gather supplies for Jean de Béthencourt when he was conquering Fuerteventura. Until 1968, the only people living there were the lighthouse keeper and his family, who cared for the Faro de Lobos lighthouse at Punta Martiño, a well-known landmark on the northern tip of the island. The island became one of the first natural parks in the Canary Islands in 1982 and was later protected as an important area for birds, with many migratory marine birds visiting it.

Geography

Lobos Island is a small volcanic island, just like the other islands in the Canary Islands. It is thought to be between 6,000 and 8,000 years old. The tallest spot on the island is Montaña La Caldera, which is inside an old volcano and stands 127 metres (417 feet) above the sea. Although there is a small lake, the island does not get much rain, so it looks dry and barren.

Fauna and flora

Lobos Island, though dry and volcanic, is home to many plants and animals. Over 130 plant types grow there, including the siempreviva, a plant found only on the island, and the sea uvilla, known for its unique shape and color.

The island is also a important place for birds. Many seabirds nest on its cliffs and rocks, such as Cory's and little shearwaters, as well as European and band-rumped storm petrels. Kentish plovers live on the island too. Because of its birds, Lobos Island is protected for wildlife and recognized as a special area for birds.

The waters around the island have many fish, including barracuda, hammerhead shark, and bream.

Tourism

Lobos Island is a favorite spot for day trips from Fuerteventura, especially for visitors who love nature. Boats leave from Corralejo during the day to take people to the island. To keep the island beautiful, there are special paths for walking and only certain areas where visitors are allowed to go.

There is a nice, quiet beach called Playa de la Concha where people can enjoy the water. In the past, before 2007, people could ask to camp on the island for a few nights, but now camping is not allowed.