A beautiful island known as the “Caribbean of the Canary Islands” gets hardly any tourists.

Isla de Lobos, off the coast of Fuerteventura, is a hidden gem of the Canaries that rivals the beauty of the Caribbean.

It offers a tropical experience without the need to travel across the Atlantic, with turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

Its resemblance to the Caribbean, combined with its proximity and regulated access, makes it a must-visit destination in the Canary Islands.

Just six square kilometres, Isla de Lobos is largely undeveloped, which helps preserve its natural beauty. There are no crowded resorts or busy hotels.

At the northeastern end of the island is the Punta Martiño Lighthouse, the lighthouse keeper and his family were the last permanent inhabitants of Lobos, until the light was automated in the 1960s.

Because of its great ecological diversity, the site has been designated as a protected zone, the Parque Natural del Islote de Lobos. It has a great variety of seabirds that usually nest on cliffs and rocks. 

The island has been declared a special protection area for birds, as well as being recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

In addition to birds, a great diversity of fish can be spotted in its waters. Of these, abound barracuda, hammerhead shark and bream.

The island is accessible to tourists via a short 15-minute ferry ride from Fuerteventura. It has day facilities and weekend homes of local fishermen. It offers hiking and snorkelling tours. 

To maintain the island’s delicate ecosystem, access is strictly controlled. Only 700 visitors per day (reduced to 400 during certain times of year) are allowed on the island, and they may only stay for a maximum of four hours.