Barranco de Los Enamorados – deep calm, heat and natural wonders

“Ravine of Lovers” – what would we find there? We were definitely “in love” after our trip to the Barranco de Los Enamorados – in love with a completely different side of Fuerteventura! The sight of the sandy rock formations delights not only couples but also families and friends, which is why it’s also called “Barranco de los Encantados” – the ravine of the delighted, or enchanted. These shapes of sand and rock in the north of the island truly enchanted us on our trip.

But where do the names “Barranco de los Enamorados” and “Barranco de los Encantados” really come from? Sand! Over the course of history, the extraordinary beauty of the sand in this ravine did not go unnoticed by the locals and shaped how it was named.

What can you expect?

No other ravine in the Canary Islands has such a distinctive and peculiar landscape as the Barranco de los Enamorados – and by the time you hike through it, you’ll be wondering how these extraordinary shapes came about. Here’s the explanation:

Around 135,000 years ago the sea reached far inland, as far as today’s Lajares. When the sea level then dropped significantly, submarine sandbanks were exposed. Our ever-typical “Fuerte” winds and erosion carried this sand inland and piled it up. Hollowed out by water and shaped by the wind, over a long time these amazing fossil dunes and shapes were formed – the Barranco de los Enamorados.

Also remarkable is the presence of fossil remains, such as at least 12 species of land snails. The Barranco de los Enamorados is of even greater scientific importance because of one single snail – the land snail species of the genus Cochlicella. It was found here for the first time, and this is still the only place in the world where it occurs. Sadly, we didn’t see the snail on our trip into the barranco. But what probably thrilled us as much as it did the scientists back then: it was so still and quiet that we could literally hear the wingbeats of a bird high above us. Another magic moment. Besides many bird species, there are also larger, extinct birds in the barranco: while hiking through the Barranco de Los Enamorados, we found a dinosaur. Made of sandstone, admittedly, but at least as impressive. That’s why the hike is perfect for kids, who will have lots of fun interpreting the shapes.

Another interesting fact: the sediment formation of the barranco reveals the cyclical nature of past climate changes. Six wet periods can be clearly distinguished, alternating with dry periods. This made it possible to analyse retrospectively how the fauna changed and developed.

So, scientifically speaking, a real marvel! It’s no coincidence that in 2008 the Barranco de Los Enamorados was declared a “Bien de Interés Cultural” – a cultural heritage site – in the palaeontology category, and it is also of great geological, scenic, historical and cultural interest.

Barranco de los Enamorados: the best way to get there …

There are several ways to get to the Barranco de los Enamorados.

• At the roundabout between La Oliva, Lajares and El Cotillo, an exit leads off the road. You can park there and start enjoying the surroundings. Then head south, and you’ll soon discover the first amazing formations.
• Our recommended start (because we simply love the surfers’ off-road track near Cotillo): coming from the FV-10 towardsEl Cotillo, turn left onto the off-road track that also takes you to Piedra Playa (El Cotillo’s home beach) and Playa de Esquinzo. This time, just keep driving straight on for about 6.6 km. After about 25 minutes you’ll reach a kind of wide fork. You can park your car there perfectly and off you go – turn left into the barranco!

Barranco de los Enamorados: a few impressions of the surroundings

A few more tips:

Be sure to pack your camera and, just as important on hot days, your water and sunglasses. The more time you bring, the better. Because it’s not only interesting to wind your way through the barranco itself, but also to walk the dunes and hills around it. If you come to the spot where a big heart is marked in the sandstone – just lie down on the ground and look up into the bright blue sky. Besides enjoying the beauty of the moment, try gently tapping on the ground – you’ll be amazed how hollow it sounds! Is there a risk of falling through? Probably not – the layers of sand are pretty stable after all, and sand makes a soft landing anyway 😉

Visiting the Barranco de Los Enamorados is definitely worth it. Ideally pick a sunny day while you’re staying with us at the Surfcamp Fuerteventura or in our apartment on Fuerteventura, because here you really feel kissed by the sun. That way you too will fall in love with the island in the ravine.