What is Calderón Hondo?
Calderón Hondo (roughly “deep cauldron” in Spanish) is a volcanic cone in the north of the island, a short way from Lajares, in the municipality of La Oliva. It belongs to the line of volcanoes that runs across the north of Fuerteventura and, from above, looks exactly like its name: a near-perfect ring of reddish-brown rock with a steep, deep crater in the middle.
Around it lies the malpaís, the old lava field that the eruptions left behind. It is a dark, rough landscape dotted with low dry-stone walls and circular enclosures built by farmers in the past. Riding through it is a lesson in how volcanoes shaped this island, and it feels a world away from the beaches of Corralejo, even though they are close by.
Getting there from Corralejo by e-bike
From Corralejo you head inland, south-west, towards the volcanic area between the town and Lajares. Most of the route follows dirt tracks across the lava field: compact surfaces, a few loose stretches and some gentle climbs. On a normal bike the steady uphill against the trade wind can wear you out; with an e-bike the motor smooths out the climbs, so you can keep your energy for the views.
The last part, up to the crater rim, is a footpath. Plan to leave your bike at the bottom, lock it and walk the final stretch. Comfortable shoes with a decent sole make a real difference on the volcanic gravel.
If you want to ride on your own, you can rent an e-bike in Corralejo and ask us in the shop for route tips before you set off. If you would rather not think about navigation, the guided tour takes you there and back on the best tracks.
What you will see
The highlight is, of course, the crater itself: from the viewpoint on the rim you look straight down into the cone and can see the layers of rock left by the eruption. Turn around and the panorama opens up over the north of the island: the lava fields, the other volcanic cones, the white houses of Lajares and, on clear days, the sea on the horizon.
Keep an eye on the rocks too. The area is home to Barbary ground squirrels, small striped squirrels that are not native to the island but are now a common sight in the north. They are lively and curious; enjoy watching them, but do not feed them: human food is not good for wildlife.
- The deep crater of Calderón Hondo, seen from the rim
- Wide views over the northern volcanoes and the Lajares plain
- The malpaís lava field with its old dry-stone walls
- Barbary ground squirrels among the rocks
Practical tips for your ride
The north of Fuerteventura is sunny almost all year and there is very little shade on the lava fields. A bit of planning makes the ride far more enjoyable.
- Ride in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the heat less intense.
- Bring plenty of water, sun cream, sunglasses and a cap for the walk to the rim.
- Expect wind: the trade winds often blow from the north-east and can be strong.
- Stay on the existing tracks and paths: the volcanic landscape is fragile and slow to recover.
- Wear closed shoes; sandals are uncomfortable on the gravel of the footpath.
- Take your rubbish home with you and leave the stones where they are.
Our guided Volcano Tour
With DuneEbike you can see Calderón Hondo on our guided Volcano Tour, an easy introduction to the island by e-bike. We start from our shop in Corralejo (CC Lobos Bahía, Av. Ntra. Sra. del Carmen 33), ride through the volcanic area of the north, stop at the Calderón Hondo crater and cross the petrified lava fields before heading back to Corralejo.
Groups are small, with a maximum of 8 riders per departure, and our local guides speak Spanish, Italian and English; German and French are available on request. You send a booking request online, we confirm it by email and you pay in the shop: nothing is paid online. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.
- Duration: 3 hours, about 30 km
- Level: easy
- Departures: every day at 9:00 and 14:30
- Price: from €60 per person
- Included: premium e-bike in your size, helmet, gloves, water, repair kit, accident insurance and guide
Want to see more of the north?
If you enjoy the volcano, there is more to explore. The Wine and Volcanoes tour combines the volcanic landscapes with a visit to a local winery and a tasting, while the Barranco tour adds a coffee stop in Lajares, the desert, a hidden canyon and the ride back along the North Shore.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cycle to Calderón Hondo from Corralejo?
Yes. Dirt tracks lead from Corralejo across the lava field towards Lajares and the volcano. An e-bike makes the gentle climbs and the wind much easier. The final stretch to the crater rim is a footpath, so you walk it.
How long is the guided Volcano Tour?
Our Volcano Tour lasts 3 hours and covers about 30 km. It is rated easy and leaves from our shop in Corralejo every day at 9:00 and 14:30.
How much does the Volcano Tour cost?
From €60 per person, including a premium e-bike, helmet, gloves, water, repair kit, accident insurance and a local guide. You pay in the shop, not online.
Will I see the squirrels at Calderón Hondo?
Barbary ground squirrels are common around the volcano, so there is a good chance, but they are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Please do not feed them.
What should I bring?
Water, sun cream, sunglasses, a cap and closed shoes for the walk to the rim. A light windproof layer is useful when the trade winds are strong.
