Fuerteventura: History, Places & Things To Do.

The island of Fuerteventura is situated off the north west coast of Morocco , only 100 km from Africa. Its this location that gives it a great year round temprature and an interesting mix of culture. It is said that there used to be more goats than locals on the island. The goat is today the island's symbol and you can spot them all over including on the roads!!

There is so much to do and see on this sub tropical paradise. From its stunning white sand beaches including the famous UNESCO bio reserve sand dunes to its traditional stone built pueblos and exciting international nightlife. Fuerteventura has it all. History, culture and diverse attractions make Fuerteventura a island for everyone.

Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary islands, first created between 30 and 70 million years ago when huge volcanic eruptions spewed lava through a hotspot between the tectonic plates of South America and Africa. The island of grand volcanoes stood alone in the Atlantic for millions of years until more eruptions created the remaining islands of the Canaries. The last active volcano fell silent 4 million years ago on Fuerteventura and the high mountains have long eroded away. The highest point at Jandia is barely 800 metres (2,600 feet) above sea level. The island receives a lot of winds which is a hit with the surfers and water sport enthusiasts. The dry semi-desert landscape has a rugged beauty, with tiny villages of small flat roofed stone traditional houses scattered across the interior. The cactus and aloe plants thrive here and so do the goats!!

The first inhabitants of the island were known as the Majoreros - named after the original kingdom of Maxorata, at the northern end of the island. Thought to have been of Berber origin, early accounts by the first Spanish explorers describe them as a warlike fierce people. Historians think that there were about 1000 Majoreros in total when the island was first settled by Europeans in the early 15th century, descendants of slaves brought from Mauretania in the first two millennia BC to harvest lichens much prized in the making of dyes. Today the only trace of the original Majoreros are more than 250 foot shaped carvings known as podomorphs, on the summit of the ancient volcano of Tindaya. The first Spanish Conquistador to discover and occupy the island was the Norman Jean de Béthencourt in 1405, who like most conquerers quickly enslaved the indigenous Majoreros. He established the first settlement at Betancuria, in a hidden valley protected from pirate attack close the west coast, with an abundant water supply. Today Betencuria is still one of the greenest parts of the island, its high central location means it gets more cloud cover and rain. It’s a lovely day trip viewing traditional Fuerteventura. After this initial invasion the flow of europeans continued through out the centuries and today Fuerteventura is part of the Canary islands which belong to Spain but It´s administered by the Canarian government.

Fuerteventura is the least populated of the Canary islands and has a laid back feel. The main language is Spanish and it is part of the European Union. Interestingly and great for travelers it is a duty free tax location so a great place to stock up on goodies. The Majoreros (people born in Fuerteventura) are friendly and proud to show tourists their beautiful island. Today Fuerteventura is attracting more tourism due to its UNESCO bio reserve and the high light for most who visit the island it seems to be the natural sand dunes park in Corralejo, its great surfing waves, thriving ex-pat communities and for having the most astonishing beaches in the Canary islands.

POPULAR PLACES TO VISIT

There are many great places, but here are the most popular are….

Corralejo & Lobos Island

Corralejo is the largest tourist town and is at the top north of the island. It was once a small fishing town, but now has expanded with a modern high street and shops, restaurants, bars and plenty of hotel apartment accommodation. You can still enjoy the old town and its quaint little streets and plazas. Corralejo is popular because it has stunning white sand town beaches and is only a 5 minute drive from the sand dunes. It has a great international food scene where highlights are traditional Canarian cuisine at resturants like Toro Bravo, Pincha Cabra, Anzuelo, La Casita, Pajaro, Grill Restaurant. Lobos Island can be seen from Corralejo harbour and is a 15 min boat ride away. Here you can explore a volcanic nature reserve fringed with white sand. No cars, no gift shops just peace and quiet. There is one resturant that serves a great paella and freshly caught fish. There are only a handful of fishing huts as the government has protected it from development.

UNESCO Bio Reserve Natural Park

These extraordinary dunes of white fine sand extend to the south of the town of Corralejo and are a protected nature park. Beaches here are so long that they are never crowded, and the shallow shelving water is ideal for young children. There is easy access from the road which runs about 500 meters behind the beach.

The ancient volcano of Tindaya

Permission has to be obtained to climb this ancient volcanic core close to La Oliva. At the summit strange foot shaped incisions are carved into the rock -created by the original Majoreros who lived on the island a thousand years before European discovery. On clear days the snow covered peak of Tenerife more than 100 miles to the west can be seen from here with views of Gran Canaria and Lanzarote - the nearest island in thee archipelago. Walkers must obtain a permit from the Environmental Agency in Puerto Rosario and be accompanied by a natural park guard.

Punta de Jandia and Cofete

The extraordinary wild beach of Cofete in the Jandia Natural Park on the west coast can be reached only by a rough unsurfaced road which leads out from the port of Morro Jable and climbs over the central rocky spine of the island. The beach is more than 5 kilometres long beneath high black cliffs. It’s a dramatic day out on Fuerteventuras wildest beach.

Morro Jable

Morro Jable lies at the end of the southern tip of the island. It’s a slow paced town with a nice promenade and a big sandy town beach. It’s a 15 minute drive to the amazing Sottoviento beach. It has a wide selection of accomodation and restaurants.

Casa de los Coroneles

In the inland village of La Oliva stands the much restored Casa de los Coroneles, a very distinctive fortified manor house of the mid 17th century, built by the militia leaders who virtually ran the island as their own private fiefdom for nearly two centuries. This is one of the most well preserved pieces of architecture on the island. So if history is your thing, check it out.

Puerto del rosario

The islands official capital is small and has a local buzz. If you want to get away from purpose built tourist resorts and see how the locals live then it’s a great trip. Most tourists come especially for the Las Rotondas shopping center which has all the big brand names. The harbour and marine walk is a pleasant place to watch the fishermen and ferries come in from Lanzarote and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Castillo - Caleta de Fuste

Caleta de Fuste is a purpose built tourist resort that is becoming increasingly popular. The new harbour devlopment of Puerto Caleta with its swish bars and resturants along with the lovely marine parade make Caleta de Fuste a relaxing place to holiday. The street are wide and accomodation from 5 star hotels to simple self catering can be found. The shallow watered beach doesn’t receive big waves so its great for children. Small castle forts from the original settlers can be seen along the sea coast. 5 minutes drive is the fishing pueblo of Las Salinas. Where you can visit a traditional salt museum.

BETANCURIA

Betancuria is located on the west coast of the island of Fuerteventura. It is the smallest municipality with the population under 1000 (2015) and the area just over 100km2 (about forty square miles).

This historic capital is located on the west coast of the island of Fuerteventura with neighbours Puerto del Rosario (north), Antigua (east) and Pajara (south). Given its landlocked location, Betancuria is not a beach resort at all. Unlike plenty other towns and villages on the island, it has a fair amount of historical and cultural heritage.

Costa Calma & Sotavento

Costa Calma more than lives up to its name. Lying on the southeast coast of Fuerteventura, this stunning town – surrounded by breathtaking scenery – is serenely peaceful. It's a modern resort that is lined with palm tres and Cafes. The souths best 5 star hotels are located here. A short drive is the stunning beach of Sotavento. The water is like glass and aqua blue, families and windsurfers alike hang out here. There is plenty of space for everyone to have their own patch.

La Oliva

The village of La Oliva was the political center of Fuerteventura from the early 17th to mid-19th century, and you can still see some of the buildings standing today. La Oliva is now home to the local district town hall (Ayuntamiento). Directly in the centre of town is the main church (Parroquiade Nuestra Seiiora de Candelaria). This pretty little church has a square bell tower visible for miles around, and a finely-carved wooden door. The main tourist attraction has to be townhouse the Casa de los Coroneles.

Pajara

The green little town of Pajara only has a small population and is a relaxing place to stop for a spot of lunch and has the best gardens on the island. The center is dominated by the church (Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Regla) was built between 1687 and 1711 and is one of the most beautiful on the island. A short drive from Pajara is the small and quiet town of Tuineje.

La Pared

Surfers west coast hang out . The hamlet of La Pared has a scattering of accommodation, a surf shop, bio food shop and a café. Its dramatic cliff walks are great to watch the experts ride these huge waves. Beaches are rugged and wild.

Antigua

Antigua is one of the oldest villages on the island. Built in the 18th century Antigua was once the capital of Fuerteventura but only for a very short while (one year)! It then changed to La Oliva (the capital today is Puerto del Rosario).

The picturesque church (Cruz de los Caldos) that dominates the town was built in 1785 and is open to the public. Antigua also has a fully restored windmill which is now a cultural centre and a tourist attraction. Inside is a craft shop selling local handicraft and art. Tourist love the local artisanal food and craft market that is held in the center of the town . Fuerteventura is famous for its goats cheese, cactus jam, mojo ( hot sauce) and gofio cereal. Local grown produce can also be purchased.

Lajares and Villa Verde

Just ten minutes drive from the main tourist town in the north Corralejo, is the small village of Lajares. The main attraction for tourists has to be the local lace shop 'Artisania Lajares' where you can watch the local women making lace and embroidering. Many coach trips use this as a stop off point for refreshments and the chance to buy some local Canarian handicrafts. The shop is open from 9am to 7pm through weekdays and till 1pm Saturdays. In the southern part of the town are two windmills next to the church. Lajares has a thriving ex pat community and surfers flock here. There is a great health shop and art studio called OBIVIO and a live music café Canella. Lajares is a small village with a great vibe and not far at all to cycle heading to the astonishing surf beaches and calm sea pools in Cotillio.

Cotillo

This pretty fishing village on the north coast has lovely surfing beaches below high cliffs - swimmers have to be careful here since there are many currents on this western coast. In the tiny fishing port below the village fishermen regularly land their catches of tuna and sardines. Just beyond the village at the Punta de Tostón lighthouse rocky sun warmed pools make for good snorkelling or swimming.

Things to do:

The island is surprisingly diverse in its offering of activities from adrenaline fuelled road trips round spectacular volcanoes to the peace and tranquility of a Lobos island boat cruise. Great international food and vibrant nightlife also feature . Best beaches in the Canary Islands as voted by Conde Naste 2015.Tourists really are spoilt for choice and one visit is never enough to Fuerteventura.

Here are some of the top rated attractions on the island.

Food market in La Oliva Tuesdays and Fridays
Horse riding
Boat trip to Lanzarote/Playa Blanca /Timanfaya Park volcano trip
Oasis Park zoo
Sand dunes Natural Park
Cool runnings motor tricycle trip
Surf schools
Jeep safaris to Cofete, Betancuria, Cotillo, Volcanoes etc.
Catamaran, Fishing, Sailing and Water Taxi to Lobos Island
Windsurf / SUP Paddle Board / Scooters / Bicycles / Snorkeling / Diving / Land Sailing / Jetski etc & etc...
Salt Museum – Las Salinas
Clean Ocean Project and LimpiaVentura beach cleaning groups…
Camel rides in Corralejo or Caleta de Fuste
Archaeological museum of Betancuria
Casa de los Coroneles in La Oliva village
Majorero Cheese Museum in Antigua
Centro Arte Canario
Horse riding
Sotavento Beach
Baku Water Park
And of course you cannot miss out to join our.... FAMILIA DUNE BUGGY & QUAD FUERTEADVENTURE!