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Fuerteventura is the oldest island of the Canary archipelago and the second largest after Tenerife. It has an area of just over 1600 square kilometers, being also the most arid and eroded island of the archipelago, and is located about 100 km from Africa, in the Mediterranean Ocean.
To the northwest of Fuerteventura is located Lobos Island, a small islet that is part of its territory. Fuerteventura also has areas that have been covered with lava in the past by volcanic activity. It has about 100 km of beautiful cliffs and beaches with crystal clear waters, which maintain a warm temperature throughout the year, thus favoring tourism.
History about the island of Fuerteventura
It is said that around the year 1000 B.C. the first people arrived to inhabit the island, a population dedicated to agriculture, livestock, fishing and grazing. They were called “majos”, a word that came from the inhabitants of the Berber tribes, from the north of the African country, referring to the footwear they used, made of goat skin.
At that time the island was called Herbania and was separated by a wall and 2 kingdoms, one to the north called Maxorata and the other to the south, Jandia. Then the island had a strong occupation of settlers from the other Canary Islands. Then, in 1402 a change began, through the expeditions and disputes of some Normans, to obtain this territory; entering through Puerto de la Peña.
But then they fought and, without obtaining the support of the king of Castile, they could not defend the island and in 1405 it became part of this kingdom. Over time the population increased in healthy peace and settled mainly in Betancuria and in the Valle de la Vega. Later there were attacks by pirates and barbarians, and it was decided to erect defense points throughout the island.
Later the population had to emigrate to the other Canary Islands and to America, due to droughts and a great shortage of food. It is from the twentieth century that the island begins a new change, treating the land from erosion, to be able to grow all kinds of food.
It also had a commercial boost through economic and cultural exchange. The commercial port and its capital, Puerto de Cabras, were created. From the 70’s onwards it began its major growth, with a fairly strong influx of tourism. At present its capital is Puerto del Rosario.
What does the island of Fuerteventura offer according to its geography?
Fuerteventura is characterized for being an island of several contrasts, between its volcanic areas, its beaches and the different areas of crops that are located throughout the length and breadth of the territory. Its coasts have large stretches of fine white sand, as well as areas that serve for the rest of the tourists.
The most popular beaches are in the area of Costa Calma, Morro Jable, Punta de Jandia and Sotavento. In addition, in some beaches you can practice water sports such as diving, surfing, windsurfing, among others. Also, in the inner part of the island there are many activities for tourism and distraction of its visitors, at the level of hiking, mountain, gastronomy, safari, buggy rides and much more.
Mount Tindaya is also very visited, as it is the place of worship and sacred of the “majos”, which is located at an altitude of 700 meters. The highest point of Fuerteventura, about 807 m, is the Pico de la Zarza.
5 plans on the island of Fuerteventura
- Walk to La Oliva, the Betancuria Rural Park and the dunes of Corralejo:
- LA OLIVA: is part of the province of Las Palmas and is located in the northern part of Fuerteventura, of great attraction for tourists and where you can meet both La Casa de Arte de Mané as the Colonels. It also has the Natural Park Isla de Lobos, the mountain of Tindaya, sacred place of the Majos.
Also in this area is located the Mirador de Morro Velosa, the beaches of Cotillo and the Natural Park of Corralejo Dunes. In addition, La Oliva is the area that has the largest number of cafes, restaurants, pastry shops and ice cream parlors on the island of Fuerteventura.
- The Municipality of Betancuria: we now go to the west coast of the island, which also belongs to the Province of Las Palmas and in the past was the capital of Fuerteventura.
There are several places to visit in this town, such as the Archeological Museum of Betancuria, the Convent of Buenaventura, the Church of Santa Maria, the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña and, of course, the old town of Betancuria.
- The area of Corralejo: also located north of Fuerteventura, was formerly a fishing village. It has many beaches, such as El Bajo Negro, Playa Medano, Playa El Viejo, Playa del Burro, white sand and crystal clear water, an interesting volcano, the Red Mountain and the famous Natural Park of Dunes or small desert.
- Enjoy water activities: the most recommended option is to go to the south of the island. Fuerteventura has the advantage of having diversity among its beaches. For example, for snorkeling activities we recommend the Natural Park of Jandia, with all the equipment for such activity; enjoying all the marine fauna and flora, and can also be reached by kayak.
Another place to enjoy snorkeling is on the island of Lobos, to the north, with its transparent and turquoise waters, a spectacle. Kayaking can also be done in the south of the island, but from the village of La Lajita, paddling to the village of El Puertito.
If you like windsurfing, don’t miss the opportunity in Matas Bay. Towards the north of Fuerteventura there are also windsurfing, diving and surfing activities; we are talking about Corralejo.
- Walking along the coast of Fuerteventura for Hiking: outdoor activities and at the same time to enjoy and connect with nature is something that we all like. Some of these activities are, for example, to the Caves of Ajuy, the Calderón Hondo Volcano and the Barranco de las Peñitas Route. Likewise, you cannot forget the Caldera de Gairía, the Pico de la Zarza, Cofete Beach and El Cardón-El Tunquito.
- Buggy driving tour through the desert and volcanic lands: This tour will take place in the northern part of the island, but the interesting thing about this activity is that you are going to drive it yourself. An interesting experience to see more closely all the flora and fauna typical of the area, its different views, plus the feeling of driving on the desert sand and volcanic lands.
- Tour to learn about the traditional products of the island’s gastronomy: of course you should not miss tasting the typical products of the island, such as cactus juice, which is made from what they call the Indian tuno, a type of cactus fruit that contains a lot of juice and vitamins. This fruit is also used to make sauces and jams.
You can visit the farm where this product is produced. Likewise, you cannot miss the majorero cheese, which is made from goat’s milk and other ingredients, visiting a cheese factory called La Gambuesa, where you can taste it; famous for having won the World Cheese Award distinction thanks to its traditional technique and good taste.
