Casillas del Ángel in Fuerteventura between nature and authenticity

Casillas del Ángel is a village belonging to the municipality of Puerto del Rosario on the island of Fuerteventura with a small number of inhabitants.

It is located 11 km from the capital of Fuerteventura at an altitude of 206 metres above sea level and its name derives from a hermitage dating back to the 17th century.

The village developed around the 17th century thanks to the expansion of wheat cultivation from Betancuria, from which it separated as a parish in 1790. 

In 1812 Casillas del Ángel was elevated to the rank of municipality and was incorporated in 1926 by Puerto Cabras, later renamed Puerto del Rosario .

The origins of this town date back to the territorial organization following the European conquest of Fuerteventura, initiated by Jean de Béthencourt.

Its extensive boundaries reflect not only its geographical and political importance, but also the legacy of Aboriginal land use planning.

These lands, used collectively and inherited from the Maho (ancient inhabitants of Fuerteventura), have survived to the present day as common grazing areas.

This small village stands out not only for its tranquility and rural beauty.

But also for being the guardian of a historical heritage dating back to the 17th century. The heart of this identity is undoubtedly the Ermita del Ángel.

The Church of Santa Ana: Architecture and Historical-Cultural Heritage

The Church of Santa Ana in Casillas del Ángel is an 18th-century temple that arose in the context of the economic and demographic expansion of Fuerteventura.

The construction of the Iglesia de Santa Ana was promoted by the local residents themselves and was part of a process of ecclesiastical reorganization of the island.

In addition to its architectural value, the temple has historical importance as the baptismal place of Fray Andresito, one of the island’s most beloved figures. 

In 1991 the Church of Sant’Anna was declared a Site of Cultural Interest with the classification of monument.

The architecture of the Eremita del Ángel is a canonical example of the Canarian Mudejar style adapted to the austerity of Fuerteventura:

• Load-bearing walls, built with local volcanic stone, lime and sand, designed to withstand the elements and maintain a cool internal temperature
• The bell tower, a distinctive element of the island’s chapels
• Arabic tile roof on the outside reflecting the influence of white carpentry, typical of religious buildings of the time in the Canary Islands

It is fascinating to observe how faith and toponyms are intertwined in this corner of Fuerteventura. 

House of the Rugamas 

The Casa de los Rugama is one of the most representative examples of traditional Majorera architecture of an aristocratic nature.

This emblematic building belonged to one of the most influential families in the area, whose members included:

• Lázaro Rugama Nieves, first mayor of the independent municipality of Tetir in 1834
• Francisco Rugama, known for his conflict with Dr. Mena

The architectural complex is a magnificent example of an eighteenth-century rural estate in Fuerteventura.

Here, in addition to the main building, the surrounding elements stand out: barns, threshing floors, water tanks, irrigation channels, sieves and cisterns.

Casa de Los Rugama, in Casillas del Ángel , restored by the Cabildo de Fuerteventura is a cultural monument of the Majorera island.

A village immersed in spectacular landscapes 

Casillas del Ángel is a small village immersed in Fuerteventura’s nature and spectacular landscapes, all far from the tourist routes.

This town has extraordinarily preserved its historical heritage, its cultural identity and its traditions. 

Among these, the traditional festivities in honor of Santa Ana in July, one of the oldest on the island, which combine religious ceremonies with popular celebrations.

As well as the Santo Ángel festivities between late February and early March, which demonstrate how well its historical and religious heritage is preserved.

While the rural landscape and the vestiges of its traditional architecture are silent witnesses to an era when this town was one of the vital centers of Fuerteventura.

How to get there

Getting to Casillas del Angel from Puerto del Rosario is very convenient by taxi, bus, car, motorbike, and scooter rental.

Follow the FV20 for approximately 12 km with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes.