Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fuerteventura
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Fuerteventura
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Punta de la Vera
Ireland LOBOS
Description 3 Lanzarote Punta Blanca Corralejo El Puertito
Dublin United La Palma Punta Aguda Punta de Trivas
A bit of history 6 Kingdom Tenerife Punta de Tostón “Monumento Natural
Malpaís de Arena” PARQUE NATURAL
Trips 9 Fuerteventura
Roque DE CORRALEJO
At a distance of just 52 sea miles (about 100 km) from the continent
of Africa, it possesses the largest coastal platform of all the Canary
Islands, with a vast store of marine life which scuba divers find simply
irresistible. Above, the sea’s surface becomes the scene of spectacular
world windsurf championships, when sportsmen skim the waves at
breakneck speed and come to form part of the seascape.
Fuerteventura is an island where everything seems to take to the air,
while its unspoilt coastline basks in the heat of the all-powerful sun.
El Saladar. Jandía
1
It is as if the island could not nautical sports centres at
stand being hemmed in; as if it El Castillo, Corralejo, Gran
were longing to feel the breeze Tarajal and Morro Jable.
on its face and the wind in its
shell-bedecked hair. It appears Nevertheless, the best way to
before us naked and it is with a get to know the island is to visit
naked eye that we should survey the historical-artistic site of
it. It is as if it were tailor-made Betancuria (a town founded at
to give us a sense of freedom. the dawn of the fifteenth
century by Jean de
Enjoying more than 2,800 hours Bethencourt), the great Casa de
of sunshine a year and an los Coroneles at La Oliva and the
average temperature of 22 eco-museum, Ecomuseo de La
degrees, the island tempts those Alcogia, or take a boat ride to
keen on water sports with its the small island of Lobos, facing
modern tourist facilities at Corralejo. There are many other
Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste, Costa routes to choose from, some of
Calma, Morro Jable and La which we discover as we go
Pared and the up-to-the-minute along: the island’s gentle relief
has nothing to hide and
everything to offer. Let’s
discover it now.
2
Description It was the first of the Canary
Islands to emerge from the
ocean and is the only one
where Africa’s continental shelf
may be seen to appear on the
The minute the visitor steps sea’s surface. It also boasts a
outside the airport terminal, he large number of hanging
falls victim to the island’s beaches, or areas of pressed
powers of seduction. sand appearing atop the cliffs,
Fuerteventura, a huge, gently indicating that, at some stage,
rolling plain, looks like a piece the sea must have reached this
of coastline which has come level.
apart from the continent. The
profile of this, the Canaries’ On this long, thirsty island, there
oldest island, is in a state of are only three large dams (Las
constant change, brought on by Peñitas, Los Molinos and Río
the effects of the wind. Because Cabras) and lots of wells.
of its geographical situation and Fortunately, this innate lack of
relief, its climate is arid, with water has been offset by the
little rainfall and pleasant installation of modern water
temperatures. This, combined treatment plants. It is worth
with its long hours of sunshine noting that, as the island is
and exquisite beaches, makes practically bare of vegetation,
Fuerteventura into a unique geomorphological elements
spot, described by Unamuno as constitute the salient features of
an oasis in the desert of the landscape, which is home to
civilisation. 17 endemic plants.
Betancuria
Botanical gardens, La Lajita Oasis Park
4
For all that, the peaceable island their towering stone temples
of Fuerteventura resists wrapped in the mystical aura of
classification as just another previous times. Then there is the
seaside resort in that it offers rural and domestic architecture,
the visitor a wide spectrum of the mills and windmills and the
leisure activities: anything from forts, all intact despite the
diving, scuba diving and passage of time. As for
windsurfing to rural tourism and birdwatchers, they will find a
trips of geological interest along golden opportunity to pursue
paths which may be travelled on their hobby in completely
foot, by bicycle or on the back natural surroundings. In a word,
of a camel; not to mention an endless range of possibilities
cultural visits to the awaits anyone willing to venture
archaeological sites, proud of forth and discover them.
5
Ahistory
bit of
In the sixteenth century, Nebrija
thought that the name of
Fuerteventura was equivalent to
luck or island of great fortune.
Similarly, Torriani stated that the
name derived from good
fortune (buenaventura),
because of Jean de
Bethencourt’s stroke of good
luck in discovering the island.
The original names were
Erbanía, from the Berber Windmill. Antigua
meaning rich in goats, and
Maxorata, from which the
present name of the inhabitants Before the arrival of the
(majoreros) derives. However, Europeans, a six-kilometre wall
the name which finally prevailed divided Fuerteventura into two
was Fortaventure, or the great kingdoms: Maxorata and Jandía,
fortunate one, chosen by both defended by the highly-
navigators and cartographers regarded Altahay warriors,
because the island was the known for their great bravery.
largest of those which, In the early fifteenth century,
according to classical tradition, Norman Jean de Bethencourt
were known as the Fortunatae landed on the island at Puerto
Insulae, or the Fortunate Isles. de la Peña and took up
6
residence in the Castle of Fuerteventura had been
Valtarajal, an area of strategic important as a supplier of
importance with the added provisions to the larger islands,
advantage that water was there was a wave of emigration
readily available. He also built a until, in the seventies, the
hermitage on the spot where discovery of its potential for the
the Church of Santa María de tourism industry changed the
Betancuria now stands. For course of its destiny.
several centuries, this area was
the capital of the island and also When it comes to farming,
the bishopric, the judicial Fuerteventura has not been too
district, the insular parish and well-blessed by nature as far as
the residence of civil, religious hydraulic resources are
and military authorities. In view concerned. Through
of the danger of pirate raids, a perseverance and the
number of defence posts were determination to overcome this
set up on the island, such as the problem, the majorero farmer
castles and forts at Barranco de came up with an original,
la Torre, El Cotillo and Caleta de ingenious idea, consisting of a
Fuste. At the end of the system of dry-stone retaining
nineteenth century, Puerto de walls whereby most of the land
Cabras, the present-day Puerto could be used to collect water.
del Rosario, became the island’s
capital and the six municipalities The most important livestock is
into which the island is still the goat, a highly traditional
divided were constituted. feature of country life and
Although at one time producer of excellent milk.
7
The total herd numbers Through history, as the
approximately 50,000 semi- inhabitants’ livelihood has been
stabled goats plus 25,000 in the based mainly on farming and
coastal region, which is where cattle-breeding, the inland area
the famous majorero cheeses has tended to be more densely
are made, entirely from goat’s populated than the coast.
milk. Because of its outstanding Nevertheless, in the past, the
qualities, this cheese has been island engaged in intense
awarded an appellation commercial activity through its
d’origine, in addition to a natural harbours at Tostón,
number of prizes and special Puerto de la Peña, Pozo Negro
commendations. and Caleta de Fuste. Nowadays,
this activity has been transferred
The role of the goat as the to the ports at Gran Tarajal,
mainstay of the island’s Corralejo, Morro Jable and also
economy is reflected in the Puerto del Rosario, the centre of
special jargon used by goatherds international trading.
and breeders to identify each
goat by the colour of its hair, Although the salient feature of
the position of its various Fuerteventura’s monuments is
coloured patches and the religious architecture, the visitor
typological characteristics of its should not miss other
horns, ears and legs. Equally archaeological points of
significant is the existence of interest, such as domestic,
buildings known as taros, used military, industrial and funereal
solely for drying the cheeses. architecture.
Betancuria
8
T rips
Sheltered from the wind stands
the village of Corralejo, a
modern holiday resort set in a
white bay, complete with a
range of attractive leisure
The throbbing beauty of the activities combined with first-
beaches on this, the most sensual class accommodation.
and paradisiacal of the Fortunate Holidaymakers will also be
Isles, is complemented by cultural drawn to the charming
treasures which give us an insight seafaring atmosphere of El
into Fuerteventura’s signs of Cotillo and the park, Parque
identity, the vital force of its Holandés, both of which look
history and, in a word, its very out towards the Strait of La
essence. Bocaína and the island, Isla de
Lobos.
Divided into six municipal districts,
this sunny land with its rolling But if the visitor prefers to delve
ochre and golden countryside has in the fascinating local history,
countless secrets to tell. then he should make a point of
going to Casa de los Coroneles
and Casa de la Cilla, where he
El Cotillo
9
Casa de Los Coroneles. La Oliva
Montaña de Tindaya
10
Even so, beyond any doubt, one Natural Dunas de Corralejo e
of the most spectacular places to Isla de Lobos, where nature in
be found in La Oliva is the all its purity and harmony may
nature reserve known as Parque be enjoyed to the full.
Caleta de Fuste
11
surroundings will find the plain for cereal farming.
windsurfing and diving schools, Most certainly worth a visit is
magnificent restaurants and a the centre, Artesanía Molino de
modern nautical sports centre. Antigua, a complex consisting of
Antigua also boasts well-tended gardens of
Fuerteventura’s only 18-hole autochthonous plants, cacti and
golf course, situated just five palm trees and also a mill for
minutes away from the airport. making gofio (meal made from
Designed for professional wheat, barley or cornflour),
golfers, it is equipped with all where the visitor may see
the latest facilities. traditional engineering at work.
The complex also contains one
As the visitor makes his way of Fuerteventura’s leading
round this district, he will be modern art exhibition rooms.
spellbound by the beauty of the
park, Parque Rural de One of the most colourful
Betancuria, the natural festivities held in this district is
monument known as Los the pilgrimage called
Cuchillos de Vigán, the listed Peregrinación de la Matilla,
landscape of Malpaís Grande which takes place in Valles
and the natural monument, Ortega in September. Other
La Caldera de Gairía. important events include the
Agriculture, Cattle-breeding and
The sober beauty of Antigua’s Fisheries Fair (FEAGA), an
mills and windmills tells us of indispensable encounter with
the prevalence of the trade the primary sector, and the
winds and the traditional use of island’s Handicraft Fair.
12
Puerto del Rosario
In Puerto del Rosario, the Juan
Bordes promenade, decorated
with gigantic shells, is dotted
with the head offices of the
island’s principal institutions.
The main gateway to
Fuerteventura, it is an important
commercial centre with a
seaport which has, in the course
of time, outgrown all the
island’s other ports. The
Matorral Airport is also in this Puerto del Rosario
district.
13
La Alcogida. Tefía
14
Betancuria
Betancuria, the location of the
first European settlement on the
Canary Islands, was the capital
of Fuerteventura for five
centuries. This historical-artistic
site is a reflection of the legacy
from the long period in which
the district held sway over the
rest of the island. The
architectural heritage of
Betancuria takes us back in time Vantage point. Morro Velosa
and, as we admire the Church of
Santa Ana, the Museum of
Sacred Art and the views of central Fuerteventura
Archaeological Museum, where as we look across at the park,
there is an exhibition of the Parque Rural de Betancuria,
extinct civilisation of the majos, which covers 91.2 percent of this
we can sense the atmosphere of district’s territory,
the way things used to be.
Vega del Río Palmas is the
Atop the massif we find the domain of the patron saint of
mirador or vantage point of Fuerteventura, Virgen de la
Morro Velosa, with a highly Peña. Of all the popular
recommendable restaurant traditions, the pilgrimage to the
where, in addition to trying out alabaster figure of the saint is
traditional dishes, we may also the most deep-rooted among
feast our eyes on the incredible the majorero people.
15
Las Playitas. Tuineje
16
Here, in Fuerteventura’s leading
agricultural and cattle-breeding
district, fishing is also important.
One of the island’s major ports,
Gran Tarajal, is a commercial
hub supplying most of the
southern-central area. In
September and October, the
remarkable beaches of black
sand, ideal for nautical sports,
are taken over by fishermen
eager to catch the much-
coveted marlin while groups of
onlookers watch with interest.
It is also the scene of the Church of San Miguel. Tuineje
International Deep-Sea Fishing
Championship, the major fishing
competition in these parts.
Tamasite, depicted on the
Every September 13 since 1740, rococo altarpiece in the Church
the inhabitants of Tuineje have of San Miguel. Tamasite is the
commemorated the day on name of the mountain from
which they gained victory over which the entire district may
English pirates in the Battle of be observed.
17
Pájara all the Canary Islands. It is
edged by 70 kilometres of
prepossessing shoreline,
Pájara is a compendium of all interspersed with beaches such
the features to be found on as Sotavento and the superb
Fuerteventura: salt marshes, sands of Cofete. This is the
sand dunes, mountain peaks, location of the first-class holiday
gullies and watercourses. resorts of Costa Calma, Solana-
Matorral and Esquinzo-
It is worth noting that 60 Buhitondo. In addition to the
percent of Pájara’s surface area beaches of shimmering golden
is under official protection and sand, it is a haven for scuba
that, on its borders, a unique divers, windsurfers and
species of cactus known as backpackers.
cardoncillo de Jandía is to be
found. There are also two important
fishing towns in the district: to
This district-cum-peninsula, split the north, Ajuy, with its own
off from the rest of the island by particular seafaring ambience,
the isthmus, Istmo de la Pared, is and to the south, Morro Jable,
the southernmost area of adjacent to one of the island’s
Fuerteventura and the largest in leading tourist resorts.
Pájara
18
Sotavento
Morro Jable
19
Leisure birds and animals may be
admired. The virgin coastline of
Fuerteventura makes for an
ideal habitat, haunted by a
considerable number of
As we have said, Fuerteventura endemic and migratory species.
resists classification as just
another seaside resort. Thanks At one and the same time, the
to the excellent roads, it is wind acts as the architect of the
possible to cover the island from island’s landscape and as its
one end to the other in just loyal friend, constantly
90 minutes. The treasures with endowing it with exceptionally
which this land is blessed are good conditions for surfing the
scattered all over its geography, gleaming waves. Every July and
providing a whole range of August, the World Windsurf
ideas for enjoyment. Championship is held on the
Sotavento beaches. There are
While it is true that two categories: free style, first
Fuerteventura’s greatest appeal seen on Fuerteventura in 1997,
lies in its beaches, its wide, open and race and slalom. More
spaces, drenched in sunlight, recently, it was decided to
invite the visitor to devote some include the spectacular kite
of his time to outdoor pursuits. category, in which participants
The rough, singed countryside is are at the mercy of the
the perfect setting for whimsical movements of their
exhilarating, adventure sports kites. For sailing, the best
like hang-gliding, abseiling, stretches of coastline are Jandía
trekking, cycling and so on. in the south and Corralejo in the
north.
Pathways lined with vegetable
species run through scenery of Part of the Atlantic Ocean, the
great geological and ecological clear and luminous depths of
value. In completely natural Fuerteventura’s waters, a
surroundings, crowned by a photographer’s paradise, are
clear, unfailingly blue sky, the inhabited by quite exceptional
Canary Islands’ finest display of sea creatures. The archipelago’s
largest coastal shelf is home to surprising that anyone who
390 species of fish. Close by any visits Fuerteventura comes away
of the reefs, schools of tuna, with a great sense of
pedregal and barracuda will be satisfaction and makes plans to
seen swimming along. There are return.
two main areas: Barlovento and
Sotavento, with spectacular In the inland area, leisure
underwater displays. From activities revolve round a
Corralejo to Punta de Pesebre, it number of tours during which
is quite safe to go diving. we have the chance to admire
Moreover, because of the the magnificent architectural
pleasant, year-round legacy. The visitor is strongly
temperatures, divers will be in recommended to take the mill
their element whatever the route, bearing in mind that, for
season. years, mills have been an
indispensable element in the life
As for accommodation, the of the majorero peasant, whose
hotels are the epitome of livelihood has depended largely
comfort. They are equipped on grain. Each mill has its own
with all nature of sports characteristics and constitutes
facilities, where guests may an identification mark of the
choose from a whole range of place in which it is situated.
sports: tennis, squash, golf,
swimming, sailing, water-skiing Now, to finish our brief
and surfing. introduction to majorero
culture, a few words about the
All this is enhanced by the varied traditional cuisine, where
quality of the service, which has prime quality raw materials are
earned the islands’ hotels an the essential ingredient of
excellent reputation. Managed simple dishes prepared from
by teams of first-class goat’s meat, fish and the fruits
professionals, who make sure of the earth, bathed with
that everything, right down to flavoursome mojos (a sauce
the last detail, is simply perfect, made with olive oil, the flesh of
the hotels give their guests the a hot red pepper, salt, parsley
quality they expect. It is not and coriander).
Tourist information When it comes to touring the
island, the visitor is advised to
hire a car or book a seat on one
The best way to get to know of the tours organised by the
Fuerteventura is to trace a series travel agencies and hotels,
of itineraries so as to cover the whose itineraries include the
most outstanding features in most interesting spots in the
short stages. island’s geography.
22
It is a good idea to call at any of Fuerteventura’s own, essential
the Tourist Information Offices characteristics. They are fully
which the Fuerteventura Tourist equipped with all modern
Board and local corporations conveniences so as to make the
have set up all over the island. visitor’s stay a pleasant one.
The offices have full information
about accommodation, leisure Lastly, those who wish to do a
activities and so on. few hours’ shopping should
make a beeline for the busy
The visitor will never be at a loss streets of Puerto de Rosario or
for something to do as all the any of the tourist resorts (El
island’s districts have busy Castillo, Morro Jable, Costa
monthly cultural programmes, Calma, Corralejo and so on). The
together with facilities where a best places for handicrafts are
wide range of sports may be Lajares, Molino de Antigua and
practised. the eco-museum at La Alcogida,
not forgetting the handicraft
As business hours at shops, shop situated in the airport. Fine
restaurants and pavement cafés articles, guaranteed as having
are fairly flexible, it is easy to been made in the best majorero
find somewhere open at any tradition, are available at all
time of day. There is always a these outlets.
duty chemist close at hand and a
medical emergency unit. It is
customary to leave tips if the
service provided by the waiter,
the taxi-driver or the bellboy has
proved satisfactory.
23
GENERAL INFORMATION
International dialling code % 34 35600 Puerto del Rosario
% 928 530 844
TOURIST INFORMATION
TURESPAÑA www.fuerteventuraturismo.com
www.spain.info Fuerteventura Inter-Island Council
Turismo de Canarias Rosario, 7
www.canarias-turismo.com 35600 Puerto del Rosario
Tourist Board % 928 862 300
Almirante Lallermond, 1 www.cabildofuer.es
TOURIST OFFICES
Betancuria. % 928 878 092 Gran Tarajal. % 928 162 723
Caleta de Fuste. % 928 163 286 Morro Jable. % 928 540 776
Corralejo. % 928 866 235 Puerto del Rosario. % 928 850 848
TOURISM ASSOCIATIONS
La Oliva Tourism Initiative Centre % 928 163 103
% 928 866 235 Las Palmas Federation of
Association of Hoteliers and Hoteliers and Tourism Specialists
Tourism Specialists % 928 532 418
% 928 530 220 Rural Tourism Association,
Association of Businessmen and Fuerteventura Rural
Tradesmen, El Castillo de Antigua % 928 878 705
TRANSPORT
AENA (Spanish Airports and Air www.naviera-armas.com
Navigation) Fred Olsen Shipping Line
% 902 404 704 www.aena.es % 902 100 107
Trasmediterránea www.fredolsen.es
% 902 454 645 Highway Information
www.trasmediterranea.com % 900 123 505
Armas Shipping Line www.dgt.es
% 928 851 542