The Canary Islands form a unique archipelago which consists of seven very different islands, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera , Tenerife, Gran Canaria , Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Situated in the mid Atlantic some 100 kilometres off the North African coastline and Sahara.
The Canary Islands are known worldwide for the clean and temperate climate they offers its visitors and because of their location along with very little seasonal change in temperature, this makes the Islands the perfect all year round holiday destination and the first choice for many who are looking to purchase abroad.
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Fuerteventura  |
Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canarian Archipelago with a population of around 80,000 inhabitants. Fuerteventura is 100km long, and 31km wide and is believed to be the oldest of the Canary Islands forming over 20 million years ago.
The earliest settlers, the Gaunches first landed in Tenerife, and were a primitive people descending from the Berber race of North Africa. Subsequently there were many invasions by Spanish and Portuguese and even the British tried to claim parts of Fuerteventura for themselves(unsuccessfully), the most successful invasion was by Jean de Bethencourt who in 1402 first conquered Lanzarote and who gives his name to the town of Betancuria in the centre of Fuerteventura, which was the capital of the island up until the mid 19th century.
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The culture of the island is deeply steeped in farming, craftwork and to a much lesser extent fishing, although today the tourist industry is fast becoming the main industry and the numbers of tourists are growing steadily. |
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Over 3000 hours a year of sunshine and an average monthly rainfall of only 2.1mm during the summer season make Fuerteventura the ideal location for a home in the sun. Temperatures rarely fall below 18ºc in winter and trade winds keep humidity low during summer months. The backdrop of rugged volcanic mountains stretching in to the sky, contrast deeply with the white sand beaches and turquoise coloured Atlantic Ocean.
Fuerteventura can only be described as one of the Canary Islands most spectacular wonders, with more than one hundred and fifty beaches this is one of the the most natural and peaceful environments to enjoy that hard earned rest or just cleanse your soul whilst getting that all important all over tan.
Fuerteventura is the Canary Islands premier location for the water sports enthusiasts and offers the perfect dream location with a full array of windsurfing, kite surfing, surf boarding, jet bikes, sailing, deep sea fishing and with Dolphin and Whale safaris what more could you want? Just add the relaxed and slow paced Island life and you will know you have found your paradise on earth.
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| The Beaches |
It is said that Fuerteventura being the oldest of all the Canary Islands of course had the first choice of all the best beaches for itself. Fuerteventura enjoys around 265 kilometres of coastline with over 165 kilometres of golden white sand, something to be seen to be believed.
The beaches are constantly washed by the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and range from long expanses of stunning beaches and famous sand dunes to small coves which you can make your own.
Fuerteventura’s all round year warm temperatures are maintained throughout the year by the trade winds and the closeness of the North African coastline.
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| The Windmills |
Throughout Fuerteventura you will find numbers of windmills which are a testament to its agricultural traditions.
Many windmills today are being converted to tourist attractions which allows the visitor to enjoy the cultural heritage of the island, some places of note which should form part of any visitors itinerary when in Fuerteventura are Miguel de Unamuno museum, the old capital of Betencuria along with is museums and cultural centres, the Tefia Craft Village is a must place to visit along with the Molino de Antigua craft centre, anther point of note is the Morro Velosa Lookout along with many more in fact the whole Island is a place of discovery which has something to offer everyone.
Fuerteventura is the same time zone as the UK but of course without the same weather! On average you will enjoy temperatures of 20 degrees Centigrade ( 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter months making it a perfect place for your winter tan, in the summer months the temperatures will be around 25 degrees Centigrade ( 77 degrees Fahrenheit) and with little rainfall throughout the year you could not choose a better destination. |
| Municipalities |
Like a magical desert Fuerteventura stretches over the Atlantic, an island that is bathed in many different colours and light, blue green tones of the ocean the natural colours of the rock.
It is a place where nature hovers as if unreal and is full of peace and views that take your breath away, sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, palm trees and hints of African vegetation.
A suggestive landscape that is matched by no other, Fuerteventura you can see the calm and breathe the peace, and of course is the second largest in the archipelago. |
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Antigua - A town of bygone times |
A municipality in the cenrter of the island , where the peoples customs and traditions are perhaps the best preserved. The annual craft fair is a must for the regions craft workers and is a reflection of Fuerteventura’s craft traditions.
The endless plains of the landscape are dotted with settlements and windmills, which reflect the ever present nature of the trade winds on the island.
The coast line is marked by the salt mines, the perfect example of tradional tapping into the natural resources of the tidal waters and the sun to leave the sea salt.
The Caleta de Fuste tower fortress dates back to the 18th century and you will find this still today guarding the entrance to the bay, which is a perfect place for families and children because of the especially safe bathing.
Today old meets the new with a marina that houses both the local catamarans to view the glories of the island from the sea, along with aquarium and many private pleasure boats. |
| Betancuria - The Ancient Place |
Shrouded in history and harking back to the islands conquest this is a place that is a must for a visit
Founded at the dawn of the 15th centry, the town took its name from the islands conqueror Jean de Bethencourt. The cathedral, Santa Maria de Betencuria, suffered many attacks at the hands of Xaban Arraez and much was destroyed. In 1620 the local inhabitants rebuilt the church in its form that you see today.
Especially worthy of mention are the San Diego chapel and the Friary chapel on whose side wall you can still see the foundations of the first Franciscan friary in the Canary Islands, which was home to Saint Diego of Alcala .Continuing in the opposite direction to that of the route of the “conquistadores” you come to Vega de Rio Palmas, inside the chapel you can admire the image of Nuestra Senora de la Pena, the islands patron saint, and in whose honour the Remeria de la Pena festivities are held every first Sunday of September.
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| Pájara - Views to the see |
This is the most suthern municipality and the largest of all the islands. Here you willl find more kilometres of beaches than any other area within the Archipelago, 28 kms of Sotavento beach has to be seen to believed with sea and sand stretching as far as the eye can see add to this the coves of Cofete bay and the natural park and you really have found your paradise.
The towns of Morro Jable are fast developing within the tourist sector and is steeped in the islands seafaring nature as this was the place from where the Spanish conquistadores set off from and the only place that it is possible to catch a glimpse of the African continental shelf.
The unbeatable wind conditions on the beaches and the ideal year round temperature make this area one of the best in the world for windsurfing, and a round of the world championships is held here every year. |
| Puerto del Rosario - La Capital |
Puerto del Rosario became the capital in 1860 taking over from La Oliva, the origins are based around a goat watering hole where it gained its name of Puerto de Cabras ( Port of the Goats) which was changed to its current name in 1956.
Here you will find the larger institutions along with a thriving business community.
In Puerto del Rosario you will find 80% if the islands resident population and the islands largest commercial port, close by you will find the islands International Airport which makes this town the main gateway to Fuerteventura and a very important hub. |
| Tuineje - A taste of difference |
Developed from a Moorish settlement and today this is still reflected in its architectura.
One of the traditions that is re enacted every year is the commemoration of the battle of Tamasite, in which the English were repelled by the islands militia, this re enactment takes place during the festivities of Saint Michael the towns patron saint.
The beaches of Gran Tarajal and Tarajalejo are unique as they offer the only beaches that are of fine black sand.
Throughout the area you will find many palm groves, which serve as important raw material for traditional craftwork such as basket making and the traditional island hat.In September and October of each year the International Tag and Release Deep- Sea Fishing Championships are held in the port of Gran Tarajal and attract support from all around the world.
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| La Oliva - Mountains and Sun |
You are now in the north of the island and is spectacular and as diverse as you could wish with the marvels of the natural park of Las Dunas de Corralejo and the Island of Lobos, golden sand beaches with the transparent waters with their blue and torquise tones make these special areas of wonder.
You will find the magnificent volcanic formation at Bayuyo which is well worth exploring and seeing the origins of the island.
La Oliva was the capital of Fuerteventura until 1880 and this can be still recognised today through the magnificent buildings and ancient architecture.
A visit to El Cotillo must be a must for any visitor to Fuerteventura here you will find little coves and bays and the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic.
The temperature and environment of this municipality could not offer you better |
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