Sunset in La Pared - Always worth a trip
Adventure at the Crocodile Rock – A Hike Turns into a Legend
Today’s coastal hike began modestly in the parking lot of Caretta Beach Restaurant in La Pared. Back then, our backpack was still heavy with life-saving water, and our shoes untouched by sand—basically, we looked like perfect Instagram hikers. The sky, untouched by clouds, promised a day of sunshine and adventure. Our first leg took us across barren landscapes to the Punta Guadalupe viewpoint. Armed with our cameras and sunglasses confidently perched on our noses, we stood there, gazing out at the wild Atlantic. The wind blasted salty spray into our faces, as if saying, “Welcome, Earthlings, but don’t think you’re in charge here!”
After painstakingly cleaning our lenses—who wants water spots in their photos?—we turned our backs on the viewpoint and stumbled into our next challenge. In the Barranco Puerto Nuevo, we found ourselves asking, “Is this a hiking trail or geological revenge?” The sharp, loose ground seemed to be working against us. Every step demanded full concentration. “This isn’t hiking; it’s an audition for the next survival show,” Sandra muttered as she tripped over a particularly treacherous rock. I could only nod, picturing us on TV battling bears and other hikers.
Next came Playa de las Hermosa, a stunning, solitary black-sand beach framed by cliffs that looked like sculptures from a surrealist artist. The sea, with its wild waves, was as enticing as it was dangerous. “So inviting!” I quipped as a wave almost swallowed the entire beach. We sat in the sand to regain our strength, trying to look casual, while the black sand sneakily invaded our pockets and shoes.
The centerpiece of the hike was the “Crocodile Rock.” From afar, it resembled the head of a massive crocodile with its jaws wide open, as if ready to devour us. “That’s an invitation!” I declared, boldly lying down in its stony jaws. “If it eats me, make sure to get a good shot, Sandra!” Ever the adventurer, Sandra climbed onto the crocodile’s head. “You look like Rose from Titanic,” I shouted. “Then go back to third class, Jack,” she retorted.
The way back was tough, but nature had a final gift for us: a sunset like no other. The sky turned into a sea of orange, red, and purple, enhanced by a typical Kalima. We stood silently on the cliffs of Playa del Viejo Reyes, gazing at the surfers below, feeling like part of a masterpiece painted just for us.
Back home in Giniginámar, the day ended with homemade bocadillos, roasted garlic, a glass of red wine, and soft music. As we ate, we noticed the black sand had not only invaded our shoes but also our table. “Souvenirs of the day,” I commented dryly. And that’s when we realized: this wasn’t just a hike. It was an adventure filled with challenges, laughter, awe, and unforgettable moments. A hike that turned into a legend—at least for us. Welcome to Fuerteventura, where even a simple walk becomes epic.
Tips:
Here you can download the route – it's almost like an adventure, only without the hiking.
The viewpoint for a spectacular sunset – a moment you definitely shouldn't miss.
And if you'd prefer to skip the hike, no worries! You can conveniently park nearby. From the parking lot, it's just about a 1 km walk over the enduring limestone slabs – and don't worry, the rock doesn't bite. The parking lot (GPS: 28.24126, -14.21265) – your starting point for this small but wonderful adventure.
