The Ajuy Caves (Cuevas de Ajuy) are a protected natural monument and geological site located in the small fishing village of Ajuy on the west coast of Fuerteventura, Spain. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips for those planning a trip to these ancient coastal formations.
The caves are a popular stop tours of Fuerteventura’s south, which also visit the Mirador de Guise y Ayose, the Mirador del Risco de las Peñas and Sotavento Beach.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily: 24 hours |
| Ticket prices | Free |
| Address | Calle de las Cuevas, 35628 Ajuy, Fuerteventura, Spain |
| Nearest transport | Bus Line 16 (from Puerto del Rosario/Gran Tarajal) |
| Typical time needed | 45 to 60 minutes |
The Ajuy Caves opening hours
The Ajuy Caves opening hours are 24 hours a day, as the site is a natural coastal monument with no gated entrance or restricted access times. Visitors are permitted to walk the cliffside path and visit the caves at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety.
The surrounding restaurants and facilities in Ajuy village typically operate from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The Ajuy Caves ticket prices
There are no Ajuy Caves ticket prices, as admission to the caves and the accompanying interpretive trail is free for all visitors. No prior booking or registration is required to access the natural monument.
Public access is maintained by the local government as part of the Betancuria Rural Park. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on official tourism resources and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Coast2Coast Fuerteventura South private excursion?
- 🚐 Exclusive Private Group: Enjoy a completely personalized experience in a private 8-passenger minivan, perfect for families or small groups who want to avoid crowded tour buses.
- ⛰️ Historic Betancuria: Step back in time in the island’s former capital, exploring the colonial architecture and lush valley views of this picturesque mountain village.
- 🌊 Ajuy Sea Caves: Discover the dramatic “black” coast of Fuerteventura, including a walk along the cliffs to the massive, ancient limestone caves of Ajuy.
- 🏖️ Sotavento Lagoon: Visit the world-famous sand dunes and turquoise lagoons of the south, offering some of the most breathtaking coastal vistas in the Canary Islands.
- 🗺️ Tailored Itinerary: Benefit from the deep local knowledge of a professional guide and a flexible pace that allows you to spend more time at the sights you love most.
How to get to the Ajuy Caves
The most efficient way to reach the Ajuy Caves is by rental car via the FV-621 highway, which terminates at the village of Ajuy. The drive from the tourist hub of Costa Calma takes approximately 35 minutes, while the journey from Puerto del Rosario takes about 50 minutes.
Public transport is available via Tiadhe Bus Line 16, which connects Puerto del Rosario and Gran Tarajal to Ajuy. The bus stop is located at the entrance of the village, roughly a five-minute walk from the start of the cave trail.
Alternatively, you can visit as part of a guided tour.
Parking at the Ajuy Caves
Free parking at the Ajuy Caves is available in a large, unpaved dirt lot situated at the entrance of Ajuy village. The car park is located within 200 metres of the black sand beach and the trailhead leading to the caves.
During weekends and peak lunch hours, the car park can become crowded as visitors arrive for the local seafood restaurants. It is advisable to arrive before 11:00 am to secure a space close to the beach.
How long to spend at the Ajuy Caves
Most visitors spend 45 to 60 minutes exploring the site. This includes the walk along the fossilised sand dunes, a visit to the lime kilns, and time to descend into the two main sea caves.
Accessibility at the Ajuy Caves
Accessibility at the Ajuy Caves is limited due to the steep and uneven nature of the coastal terrain. The trail consists of stone steps, narrow paths with wooden railings, and inclines that are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
While the initial portion of the path offers views of the coastline, the descent into the caves themselves requires navigating steep, often slippery stone stairs. Visitors with limited mobility may find the viewing platforms at the start of the trail more accessible than the caves.
Inside / what to see at the Ajuy Caves
The trail to the caves begins on the northern end of Ajuy’s black sand beach and follows a path over fossilised sand dunes. These ancient dunes are millions of years old and demonstrate clear cross-bedding structures formed by prehistoric wind patterns.
Visitors will encounter two historic lime kilns along the path. These stone structures were once used to process limestone for export, which was a significant industry for Fuerteventura in the 19th century.
The primary highlights are the Basal Complex rocks, which are the oldest geological formations in the Canary Islands. These deep-sea sediments and volcanic rocks date back over 100 million years, predating the formation of the island itself.
The two main sea caves are located at the end of the 500-metre path. Visitors can descend stone stairs into these large volcanic caverns, which have been carved out by the continuous erosion of the Atlantic Ocean.
From the cliffside path, the uninterrupted views of the west coast are a significant feature. The area is known for its rough seas and high-energy waves, providing a contrast to the calmer beaches on the eastern side of the island.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and the arrival of large tour buses. |
| Footwear | Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the stone paths are uneven and can be dusty. |
| Safety | Stay behind the wooden railings; the cliffs are high and the wind can be unpredictable. |
| Swimming | Do not swim at Ajuy Beach; the undercurrents and waves are extremely dangerous here. |
| Logistics | There are no facilities on the trail; use the public toilets in the village before starting. |
Frequently asked questions about the Ajuy Caves
| Search Query | Answer |
| Is the Ajuy Caves suitable for children? | Yes, though children must be supervised at all times due to steep drops and stairs. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Ajuy Caves? | No, the site is a public natural monument and does not require tickets. |
| Is the Ajuy Caves open on Sundays? | Yes, the site is open 24 hours a day, including Sundays. |
| Are dogs allowed at the Ajuy Caves? | Yes, dogs are permitted on the trails but should be kept on a lead for safety. |
Things to do near the Ajuy Caves
- Ajuy Beach: A volcanic black sand beach located at the foot of the village.
- Pájara: A nearby town featuring the Church of Nuestra Señora de Regla with its Aztec-style carvings (15-minute drive).
- Betancuria: The historic former capital of the island, offering museums and traditional architecture (30-minute drive).
- Arco de las Peñitas: A natural stone arch located in the nearby ravine, popular with hikers (20-minute drive).
