Located on the west coast of Fuerteventura, Puertito de los Molinos is an authentic fishing village with whitewashed houses overlooking a beautiful beach and cliffs. We were charmed by the tranquility of this village, where a wild beach and a sea cave are revealed as the tides ebb and flow.
In this article, check out our photos and all our tips for making the most of your visit to Puertito de los Molinos.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why Visit Puertito de los Molinos
Is Puertito de los Molinos worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, Puertito de los Molinos is worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for an authentic stopover away from the island’s most crowded areas. We appreciated the simplicity of the place: a few whitewashed houses, a small harbor where the fishermen’s boats are moored, and a wild beach stretching for about 200 meters.
This hamlet has only about fifteen residents, which explains its peaceful atmosphere. It is one of the most beautiful villages on Fuerteventura.
Our favorite moments
One of our favorite moments—discovering the little harbor—was a highlight of our stay in Fuerteventura.
- We enjoyed watching the fishing boats moored at the base of the cliffs, whitewashed by the foam.
- In the parking lot, dozens of ducks and a few geese have made themselves at home; they rarely move from their spots, so you have to drive slowly so as not to disturb them.
- You’ll also enjoy the terrace at the local restaurant, which overlooks both the ocean and the creek, where you can savor the warm hospitality and fresh fish from the island.
- We also enjoyed the hike along the nearby cliffs, which offers beautiful views of the coastline and the village below.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
How to Get to Puertito de los Molinos: Directions and Map
Where is Puertito de los Molinos located?
- On the west coast of Fuerteventura, in the Betancuria Rural Park
- Travel time from Puerto del Rosario: about 30 minutes
- Travel time from Corralejo: about 40 minutes
- Travel time from Morro Jable: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Accessible via the FV-207, taking the “Las Parcelas – Los Molinos” exit
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Fuerteventura
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
How to get there? Access road
The easiest way to get to Puertito de los Molinos is still by car, since public transportation is scarce in this coastal area. From Puerto del Rosario, take the FV-20 toward Betancuria, then turn onto the FV-30 at kilometer 12.
After the roundabout, take the first exit toward La Oliva to get onto the FV-207. About 2 km further on, a sign points to the “Las Parcelas – Los Molinos” exit on the left; it’s another 7 km before you reach the village. We drove this route ourselves without any particular difficulty.
Parking
The village parking lot is located right next to the beach and the restaurant. We’ve noticed that it’s shared with ducks and geese that seem to have made it their home; so please drive slowly as you approach.
You won’t have any trouble finding a parking spot, as the area remains relatively quiet all year round. We simply recommend that you be careful around animals, as they do not always move out of the way when you approach them.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Fuerteventura
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
- Best resorts (quiet or lively)
Our favorite: Hotel INNSide – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The site is open to the public free of charge all year round.
The best time to visit Puertito de los Molinos depends mainly on the tide, especially if you want to visit Cueva Herminia. This sea cave can only be explored at low tide—ideally during spring tides—when the ocean recedes far enough to reveal a sandbar.
We recommend that you check the tide tables before you go, as this is essential for safely enjoying this natural wonder.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow about 30 minutes to 2 hours to enjoy the village, the beach, and—weather permitting—the sea cave. The hike to Cueva Herminia takes you across sand and between rocks, so you’ll need sturdy shoes. We would like to emphasize one crucial point: it is absolutely essential to monitor rising water levels, or you risk becoming trapped inside the caves.
You should also exercise caution on the coastal trails, which can be slippery near the cliffs.
And there are also some rocks to the north where you can scramble around, but you’ll need good shoes.
Visiting with children
Puertito de los Molinos is a great spot for a family outing, as long as you keep an eye on the tides. We recommend keeping children away from the cave entrances when the water begins to rise. You’ll enjoy the beach, which is quieter than other spots on the island and perfect for a peaceful moment by the sea. We’ve also noticed that the ducks and geese in the parking lot are a big hit with our youngest visitors.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
On site, a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the ocean and the creek serves fresh fish caught on the island. However, you won’t find many other amenities there; the hamlet remains very simple. We therefore recommend that you pack what you’ll need before you go, especially if you plan to stay for several hours.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Dolphin watching
- Boat to Lobos Island
- Buggy tour
- But also; surfing lessons, 4WD tour in Cofete, windsurfing, scuba diving…
Los Molinos Beach
Playa de los Molinos stretches for about 200 meters along the hamlet. We’ve noticed that its color changes depending on the season and the tide. The width of the beach varies greatly, from a few meters to nearly a hundred, depending on the tides and the season.
We found this beach to be particularly quiet, far from the crowds at the island’s better-known beach resorts. There, you can relax in complete peace and quiet, nestled between the cliffs and the small fishing port.
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Fuerteventura.
Cueva Herminia, a cave that follows the rhythm of the tides
South of the beach, the cliffs are home to several sea caves connected by natural arches. The most impressive one is called Cueva Herminia and stands out for its high vaulted ceiling, which frames a remarkable view of the sea and the village.
It is only visible at low tide, when the ocean reveals a strip of sand that can be walked across. The best time to visit is in September, the month of the spring tides. We strongly recommend that you check the tide schedules before setting out, as the access point closes off quickly as the water rises.
Rocks and “natural pools”
North of Puertito de los Molinos, the coastline is dotted with volcanic rocks that form several “natural pools” carved out by marine erosion. However, we recommend that you check sea conditions before venturing out, as these rocky areas can become slippery.
A village shaped by its history
Puertito de los Molinos has existed as a permanent settlement since the late 19th century. We have learned that in the early 20th century, the hamlet served as a center for limestone quarrying and export, an activity still evidenced by the kilns visible in the upper parts of the village. This industry had a lasting impact on the hamlet for several decades, before fishing once again became the residents’ main occupation.
We also discovered the village’s small chapel, where a statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patron saint of seafarers, is venerated. As you stroll among the houses, you’ll sense the fishing families’ deep attachment to local traditions.
Hike along the cliffs
Puertito de los Molinos is also a great place for hiking. A trail runs along the cliffs for several kilometers and offers a series of viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Barranco de los Molinos. We took advantage of this walk to get a bird’s-eye view of the village and its small harbor.
The trail is easy to navigate, with no significant elevation changes, making it suitable for most hikers. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be rocky in places.
An authentic fishing village atmosphere
We enjoyed watching the boats moored at the base of the cliffs, in a setting that has changed little over the decades. Here, fishing families continue to follow traditional practices that still shape the daily life of the village. What stands out most about this place is its peaceful atmosphere, far from the most crowded spots on Fuerteventura.
WATER SPORTS IN Fuerteventura
- Surf lessons – see options and possible locations
- Windsurfing courses – see options and possible locations
- Baptism diving – see options and possible locations
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Puertito de los Molinos with these nearby attractions:
- A bird-watching spot located on the road leading down to the village, in the Betancuria Rural Park, near the Barranco de los Molinos
- The natural pools at Aguas Verdes—a great addition to your visit, as both sites are best explored at low tide
- The Alcogida Ecomuseum, dedicated to the rural traditions of Fuerteventura
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cueva Herminia?
Cueva Herminia can only be visited at low tide, ideally during spring tides. We recommend that you check the tide tables before your visit, as September is a particularly good time to visit. Always pay attention to the time when the water starts to rise so you don’t get trapped inside the caves.
Is there an admission fee to Puertito de los Molinos?
Access to the village, the beach, and the sea cave is completely free. We did not note any admission fees or specific restrictions, other than adhering to the tide schedule for the cave. So you’re free to go there whenever you like, at any time of day.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Fuerteventura
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Fuerteventura
Most beautiful beaches
Cities and villages
Natural pools
Boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Fuerteventura
How to get around
How to rent a car in Fuerteventura
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
