Fuerteventura Accommodation

A peaceful town, head of the municipality of Antigua towards the very center of the island. The two main attractions in this town are the church, dedicated to the "Virgen de la Antigua" (above left) and the artesian center (above right). The church was constructed in 1785 and is often open to tourists during the morning and late afternoon. The artesian center and mill houses a local museum and workshop where souveniers can be bought along with local crafts. Antigua itself was built in the 18th century, making it one of the oldest towns on the island. In 1812 and again from 1835 to 1836, it was regarded as the capital of Fuerteventura. A perfect example of the relaxed way of life there can be observed once a fortnight as locals gather in the church hall to settle local disputes. For the villagers, the other main attraction is the cultural center, home to the town's folklore group, music studio and where the local film producers gather to make their own films. In May or June of each year, folklore groups and craftsmen gather near the artesian center to show their skills and sell their products. A special area - which is otherwise dedicated to a weekly market visited by much of the island - is used on the estern edge of the town where there is also a swimming pool, football field, gym and basketball court.

 

Betancuria

The old capital of the island, founded in 1405 by the conqueror Jean de Bethencourt. The church of Santa Maria was completed in 1426 though in 1593, it along with much of the town was reduced to rubble as the pirate Jaban attacked. The church was rebuilt in 1691 and the town remained the capital until 1834. Once a fertile region, the drying up of the land and natural streams that ran through this valley means today's Betancuria survives almost entirely from the tourist trade. The restaurant Casa santa Maria and the two adjacent craft shops are perfect examples of the traditional architecture in the town's historic quarter. Also in this quarter, as well as the cathedral itself are a bodega and workshops where you can watch local artists at work. (Restaurant open daily 11:00 - 18:00 - craft and shops open daily 11:00 - 16:00). The cathedral has now become a museum with a display of photographs documenting all the sacred buildings on Fuerteventura along with religious objects and attractions located on the island. Also on display are archeological finds. Also on the "to visit" list here are the ruins of the local monestary which was abandoned in 1937 upon orders of Queen Isabella II of Spain. The roof of the monestary was sold for food, grain and water because of droughts. The monestary's church of San Buenaventura still stands and though empty (and locked) inside, the outside has been restored.

 

Corralejo

Perhaps the most well known of Fuerteventura's towns as this is now the islands largest and busiest tourist resort. Vast demands of tourism means the resort is ever changing and growing. Most of the resorts restaurants, bars and shops are lined along the main street that runs down into Corralejo and ending in a maze of small streets by the seafront. It's here by night that the livlier restaurants and bars are with live music each night in the square found there, along with more traditional restaurants hidden in the smaller side streets. Along the main street as you enter the resort, there's a daily market selling everything from local produce to souveniers and in the same location, popular early in the evenings is a childrens play area with small rides, playground and bouncy castles. The harbour - as well as home to the local fisherman and yacht owners and day-cruise ships, it is also port of call for ferry services; an hourly service to the neighbouring island of Lanzarote, just 35 minutes away. Directly behind Corralejo is a protected (since 1960) nature park which is a vast area of golden sand dunes and ideallic beaches. There's quite a selection of beaches along the edge of the dunes, some ideal for families, others for naturists and others popular with windsurfers.

 

Caleta de Fuste

Just a little south of the island's airport and the capital, Puerto del Rosario. Other than the old fort that still stands here, the remainder of the resort is purpose built for tourism and on the outskirts, lots more building work going on as Caleta de Fuuste rapidally expands. Almost completed is the islands only 18-hole golf course. There is an open-air museum to visit that consists of saltworks and lime-burning kilns. Plenty of bars and restaurants, good nightlife, excellent watersports, a harbour make this an ideal holiday destination.

 

Costa Calma The first hotel was built here in 1977 and other than a few, private residences, little else until 1984 when the main road pasing through the resort was completed. From that point onwards development boomed. Now, as well as a vast choice of hotels and complexes along the coast there's a good choice of resataurants and bars in the small commercial centers. Desalinated sea water and water recycling means this resort has become a green paradise complete with pice forests. Most famous here though are the beaches, mile-upon-mile of golden sand and turqoise waters with the most spectacular beach on the island - Playa de Sotavento - just a short taxi ride away or long stroll along the seafront. The nearby windfarm produces 15% of the island's power and as developement continues a marina is planned.

 

El Cotillo

Another peaceful town unspoilt by tourism whilst accommodating the trade with its many restaurants and bars. The church of this town is dedicated to the Virgin of the Happy Journey - probably named so as a good-luck charm for the locals who used Cotillo as a smuggler's harbour, shipping off goods to the neighbouring islands without paying tax or duty and smuggling other goods on to the island. The castle here was built in 1743 as a watch tower against attacking pirates, in particular the English. As you walk along the sandy beach towards the lighthouse you will note the strong winds and surf here make it a paradise for windsurfing. Rumour has it that this is the next part of the island to be developed for tourism, starting around El Aljibe de la Cueva.

 

Jandia

Not quite a purpose-built resort as once a tiny fishing village stood here. Engulfed now in the hotels and apartment complexes that really form Jandia, it's the second largest of the tourist resorts, thanks to the famous beaches of Fuerteventura which are more spectacular in the south and especially Butihondo beach at this resort. A walk along the beach could go on for 20km. The lighthouse on the beach marks the southernmost point of the isnald. A promenade runs the length of the resort, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, commercial centers. There's a harbour to the west towards Morro Jable and as well as port of call for the fisherman, (fishing is a very popular industry here) it's also port of call to ferry services to neighbouring islands. A new road is currently being built from the airport to Morro Jable as the resort rapidly expands and new developements are underway along the coastline.

 

La Oliva

The capital of the island from 1836 onwards and another of the smaller, peaceful towns but with quite a bit to see here. The military colonels built their residence here in 1708 and it still stands as one of the town's monuments with plans and a grant to restore it in the very near future. If the caretaker decides to work then he lets visitors look round the courtyard from 10:00 to 13:30. The building supposidly has 365 windows, go and count them though 'cos I think a few less. Casa del Capellan was home to the town priest and the Casa Mane is a suprisingly pleasing museum of modern art, well worth a look round, spacious with lots to see. Origionals change from year to year with many being on sale to the public. (Open 10:00 to 17:00 - closed Sundays and holidays).

 

Pajara

A fairly peaceful town, suprisingly so when considering it's the headquarters for the largest municipality of the island which includes all the tourist areas of the south. A farming town, the houses are built in traditional style and have been carefully restores through time. The church of Nuestra Senora de Regia was built in 1687 and is perhaps the most beautiful on the island inside thanks to the spectacular wall coverings.

 

Puerto del Rosario With a population of around 20,000 and the current capital of the island as from 1860 onwards. The origional town is located around the harbour; there are narrow alleys and the origional promenade to walk along, very quiet sidestreets and a choice of small restaurants and bars. As you head away from the harbour the town gets a little busier but the tourist resorts are more crowded than the capital! Next to the Church of the Virgen del Rosario is the island's court house and parliamentary buildings. By night, the town is a place to go for all forms of nightlife away from the tourist atmosphere of Corralejo and Morro Jable.