Pico de la Zarza Jandía
Hike to Fuerteventura's highest peak for unparalleled views of the Atlantic and the wild Cofete beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Pico de la Zarza Jandía
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to Fuerteventura's highest peak for unparalleled views of the Atlantic and the wild Cofete beach.
"The breathtaking scenery at the top makes every step worthwhile."
💧 Bring Ample Water
Essential for the hike! No water sources on the trail.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Proper shoes are key for the ascent and descent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Summit of Pico de la Zarza
Sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the wild Cofete beach await. A truly breathtaking reward after the climb.
The Ascent Trail
Trail from Morro Jable
A well-maintained path offering increasingly dramatic vistas as you gain elevation. The journey is as rewarding as the destination.
Dramatic Cliff Edge
Summit viewpoint
Stand at the edge of the island and gaze out at the vast Atlantic. A powerful and unforgettable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key!
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Ample Water
Essential for the hike! No water sources on the trail.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Proper shoes are key for the ascent and descent.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
☁️ Check the Weather
Clouds can obscure views, but can also offer a unique atmosphere. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Ample Water
Essential for the hike! No water sources on the trail.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Proper shoes are key for the ascent and descent.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
☁️ Check the Weather
Clouds can obscure views, but can also offer a unique atmosphere. +1
📱 AllTrails App
Great for navigation and trail info.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise Pico de la Zarza for its challenging yet rewarding trail and absolutely breathtaking summit views of the Atlantic and Cofete beach. The well-maintained path and the unique geological formations are highlights, though visitors strongly advise bringing plenty of water and sun protection due to the lack of shade. Some recent construction may limit full access to the very top, but the experience remains highly recommended for its scenic beauty.
"This hiking trail offers a great mix of challenge and reward. The final kilometer features a fairly steep ascent, which can be demanding, but the breathtaking scenery at the top makes every step worthwhile. The highlight is a magnificent cliff with an open view of the sea.
Walking at a steady pace with occasional breaks, our hike took around four hours in total. Since there is little to no shade along the route, it’s best to plan this trip for a partly cloudy day. Bringing enough water is essential to stay hydrated.
Overall, this trail is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge and stunning coastal views. Highly recommended!"
anna heikkinen
"Excellent walk. Well made trail. Go early before hot.
Obviously doing a lot of conservation work now and top is much greener than previously."
Brian Crossland
"Easy hike with amazing view of the other side of the island. The path is not step at all and it takes about 2 hours. Even the top of the mountain was in clouds we had beautiful view. Highly recommended."
Veronika Olsarova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The hike typically starts from near Morro Jable. You can drive to a parking area near the trailhead. Some visitors mention it's a popular spot for day trips from various parts of Fuerteventura. +1
While direct public transport to the trailhead might be limited, you can likely reach Morro Jable by bus and then arrange local transport or a taxi to the starting point of the hike.
The hike usually begins from a point accessible from Morro Jable, often referred to as the starting point for the Pico de la Zarza trail. +1
The hike typically takes around 4-5 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
The trail is generally well-marked, especially with hiking apps like AllTrails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Pico de la Zarza and its hiking trails is generally free. It's a natural attraction.
Pico de la Zarza is an outdoor natural site, so it's accessible at any time. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to hike Pico de la Zarza. It's a public access trail.
While generally open, there might be temporary closures for maintenance or conservation work. It's always good to check recent local information if possible.
Hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Pico de la Zarza is the highest point on Fuerteventura, standing at 807 meters (approximately 2,648 feet) above sea level. +1
You'll get incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Jandía Peninsula, and the stunning, wild Cofete beach.
No, there is very little to no shade along the entire hiking route, making sun protection and hydration essential.
There are no facilities like restrooms or shops at the summit. Be prepared to carry everything you need with you.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local regulations regarding pets on hiking trails in natural parks. Always keep dogs on a leash if permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Capture sweeping landscapes, dramatic cliff views, the vast ocean, and the unique terrain of Fuerteventura. Time-lapses of clouds are also popular. +1
Yes, sunsets can be spectacular from the summit, offering a different perspective of the island and the ocean.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can help capture details of the distant beaches. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
The main summit viewpoint offers the most iconic shots, but explore the surrounding areas for different angles and perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the summit offers stunning views, the steep final ascent might be difficult for very young children or those with mobility issues. It's advisable to assess your children's capabilities before embarking on the full hike. The experience can be a fantastic way to teach kids about geography, geology, and the importance of respecting nature.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans, including your estimated return time. Prioritize safety by carrying sufficient water, sun protection, and a fully charged phone. The sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking views are incredibly rewarding for a solo journey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for the best light. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a telephoto lens for details. Time-lapses of the clouds or the changing light can also be very effective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to the Summit
It's crucial to be prepared for the elements. The trail is exposed with minimal shade, so starting early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the intense midday sun and heat. Bringing ample water is non-negotiable, as there are no water sources along the path. Proper hiking shoes are also advised for comfort and stability on the varied terrain.
Despite the effort, the payoff is immense. The summit provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, with the vast Atlantic Ocean on one side and the rugged Jandía Peninsula and the famous Cofete beach on the other. Even on cloudy days, the experience of being above the clouds can be magical.
Geological Significance and Views
The strategic location of Pico de la Zarza offers extraordinary views. On clear days, hikers are treated to spectacular vistas of the remote and wild beaches of Cofete and Barlovento, which appear almost dreamlike from above. The Jandía Peninsula stretches out below, providing a commanding perspective of the island's unique geography.
These views are a major draw for visitors, with many describing the scenery as some of the most interesting and impressive they have ever experienced. The contrast between the arid volcanic landscape and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean is particularly striking.
Recent Trail Conditions and Advice
Travelers consistently emphasize the importance of preparation. This includes wearing appropriate footwear, carrying plenty of water, and using sun protection. Some visitors have noted that even with clouds obscuring the distant views, the hike itself and the immediate surroundings offer beautiful scenery.
For those planning their hike, downloading an app like 'AllTrails' is a frequently recommended tip, as it provides detailed trail information and maps, which can be invaluable for navigation.
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