After the Maratón de Corralejo: Isla de Lobos
The Route: Corralejo harbour → Isla de Lobos → Corralejo harbour Logistics: Passenger boat, about 15 minutes each way. Level earth and gravel trails; one optional climb. Marathon Month: December Duration: Day trip
Corralejo harbour ──(about 15 mins by boat)──> Isla de Lobos ──(about 15 mins)──> Corralejo harbour
The Maratón de Corralejo is two laps of the road through the dunes south of town. From the finish, the low island visible across the strait to the north is Isla de Lobos, about 2 km offshore. It is a nature reserve with no roads and no cars, and the walking is gentle enough for the Sunday or Monday after the race.
December on Isla de Lobos is usually sunny and mild, warm enough in the middle of the day for a swim in the lagoon, but the island has no shade and the wind can be strong. Take water, a hat and sunscreen. Rough seas occasionally cancel boats.
Several companies run passenger boats from Corralejo harbour, taking about 15 minutes. Because the island is protected, visitor numbers are limited and an authorisation, separate from the boat ticket, is required; apply in advance through the official LobosPass website and choose a time slot. Book the boat for the same slot.
El Puertito and the lagoon
Boats land at the jetty near El Puertito, a cluster of old fishermen's huts beside a shallow, sheltered lagoon of clear water over rock and sand. On a calm day it is the best swimming within reach of Corralejo, and cold water is kind to marathon legs.
The trail
A marked trail loops around the island. The path to the Punta Martiño lighthouse at the northern tip is packed earth and gravel, fairly level and exposed, a few kilometres each way across lava fields with views back to the dunes of Corralejo and across to Lanzarote. Walk as far as the legs agree and turn back.
The optional climb is Montaña de la Caldera, the island's volcanic cone, a little over 100 m high, with a view into its crater. The path is loose and steep near the top. Leave it unless the legs feel good.
Lunch and the return
A small restaurant at El Puertito serves simple fish dishes and paella to visitors who book on arrival, and its opening depends on the season; bring a picnic to be safe. There are no shops on the island. Be at the jetty in good time for the booked return boat.