One of the most fascinating places to visit in Fuerteventura is Atalaytia, an archaeological site in a lava field! The mix of scenery and historical interest makes it a must-see for us.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Poblado Atalayita archaeological site in Fuerteventura.
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This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is visiting Poblado Atalayita worth it?
Yes, Atalayita is well worth a visit.
It’s not too big, and it’s easy to visit.
It allows you to discover part of the island’s history and admire a surprising situation: the houses in a lava field.
We really enjoyed exploring the area.
This is one of the best museums/historical sites in Fuerteventura(see our list).
What you can see
The underground museum
You can start with the museum.
We liked the fact that it was built underground. This way, the building blends into the landscape without detracting from the experience!
The Pozo Negro valley is really very beautiful, and it would have been a shame to add a highly visible building.
The Poblado Atalayita Museum
If it’s open, start by visiting the small museum associated with the site.
Learn more about the site, its construction and use. Archaeological digs have uncovered a shell tank and ceramic remains.
This is where you can pick up a brochure to better understand the various semi-reconstituted (and numbered) structures.
A strategic location
This hamlet, hidden in a field of lava, once served as a refuge, a shelter from harsh weather and a hiding place from attack.
It was in a strategic location, 2km from the sea and its resources (they harvested a lot of shellfish), with a water source nearby and a passageway to the interior, called “La Roseta”.
Later, shepherds used the site with a stone enclosure to guard their animals.
Casa Honda
The site was made up of 115 small structures. They were built of stone and were circular or semicircular in shape. What’s more, they were half-buried to protect them from wind and drought.
Some of them have been partially reconstructed to give you an idea of what it was like.
These structures are called Casa Honda, and are characteristic of aboriginal society. This archaeological site dates back to the time when the island was inhabited by aborigines, nicknamed “mahos” or “majos”. Archaeologists believe that around 200 people lived there.
The lava field
The Pozo Negro valley was formed by volcanic eruptions (lava flows) from the Laguna and Liria calderas, according to one of the signs.
But many sites indicate that this is the continuation of the Malpais Grande lava flow.
A pleasure to photograph
A mix of history and nature, that’s what we love about this place.
The valley, lava field and houses are surrounded by hills, all in shades of yellow, orange and brown.
It was a visual delight.
Climb to the top
As you can see from the photo above, there’s a path up to the top of the hill in the middle of the field.
Apparently, the views are very beautiful from above, which we can imagine given the location. Unfortunately, we were tired and decided not to go up. It’ll be a surprise!
Pozo Negro at the end of the road
When you leave the site and return to the asphalt road, don’t leave yet! Turn right to reach the sea in two minutes. Here you’ll discover the tiny village of Pozo Negro, with its long pebble beach and sand at low tide.
The place is really charming, away from the tourists.
Atalayita in Fuerteventura: access
Where to find the Atalayita archaeological site
- In the Malpais Grande protected area
- Between Gran Tarajal and Caleta de Fuste
- Central east coast
- Morro Jable to Atalayita = 50 min drive
- Caleta de Fuste to Atalayita = 20 min drive
- Corralejo to Atalayita = 1h drive
Access by car and parking
The road to the Pozo Negro valley is an excellent summer and easy, just a short detour from the motorway.
The site is well signposted.
Once you’ve turned off at the sign, it’s 1.4km of unpaved road.
It’s not difficult and it’s very wide. But it vibrates and there are big holes. So take your time.
Once at the end of the road, there’s a large parking area between the site and the museum. And as always, don’t leave anything visible in your car.
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.
Public transport access
We didn’t see any public transport access.
Access on organized tours
We didn’t see any organized tours that included this visit.
Visiting difficulties
There are a few sections of ground with small, unstable stones.
We recommend you wear walking shoes.
What’s more, there’s no shade. Bring water and protect yourself from the sun!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Dolphin watching
- Boat to Lobos Island
- Buggy tour
- But also; surfing lessons, 4WD tour in Cofete, windsurfing, scuba diving…
Useful tips for visiting Atalayita
Schedules and prices
The site is open at all hours.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
Note that when the museum is closed, you don’t have access to numbered explanations, and there are few signs.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 20 minutes to tour the lower part of the site.
Add time for the museum and 30 minutes to climb to the top of the hill.
Best moment
Avoid the middle of the day, as there’s no shade and you’ll be in direct sunlight.
Direction of visit
Start by visiting the Interpretation Center for a better understanding of the site and numbered explanations.
Visiting with children
The interpretation center is well suited to children’s understanding of the archaeological excavation process.
Eating out
There is no snack bar or restaurant on site.
Picnics are permitted. We saw tables.
On the seafront at Pozo Negro, there are two restaurants, but they’re not always open.
Hotels
There are no hotels nearby.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Fuerteventura
Choosing where to stay:
Choose by hotel type:
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Our favorite: Hotel INNSide – See prices, photos and availability
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