A hundred thousand years ago molten rock flowed. It created the Caldera de los Arrabales. This volcanic crater is part of the Malpaís Grande a protected area in Fuerteventura.
The Caldera de los Arrabales is more than just a beautiful landscape. It’s a window into Fuerteventura’s fiery past. It’s one of four volcanic centers in Malpaís Grande. These volcanoes are aligned north to south. They formed part of a vast lava field.
Imagine the scene. Molten rock explodes. It carves out a crater over 100 meters high. The crater itself is 108 meters deep. This impressive formation is the Caldera de los Arrabales. The area is speckled with black lava. There are also touches of white ochre and yellow.
Long before tourists visited this landscape the indigenous Majoreros lived here. They found shelter in the unique landscape. The volcanic landscape provided the perfect camouflage for their homes. Even today it is difficult to spot the old settlements. They used the hornitos small openings from volcanic gas vents. Some formed vertical caves. These were spacious enough to be used as homes.
Archaeological finds show evidence of their ingenuity. Bones reveal they hunted and ate a now-extinct bird a kind of shearwater. They also ate a type of quail. These are just small glimpses into the life of the Majoreros. Their way of life is fascinating.
Today the Caldera de los Arrabales is part of a protected area. This safeguards the unique flora and fauna. You can see birds like the Canary chiffchaff and the Majorero Egyptian vulture. There are also steppe birds. The Majorero Egyptian vulture nests in the area. Please be aware that hiking is restricted during its breeding season from February to July.
The Arrabales is more than just a volcano. It’s a place of history. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Majoreros. It’s a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Enjoy this unique part of Fuerteventura.