Fuerteventura the oldest island of Canaries

Fuerteventura, the oldest island of Canaries , offers an infinite number of natural and uncontaminated places, all waiting to be discovered.

After Tenerife, the island of Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canaries and is known as the island that loves slow rhythms, relaxation and peace.

On this island, the closest to the African coast , you will be enchanted as you explore every hidden corner.

The island of Fuerteventura, the oldest of the Canary Islands, is characterized by a mild climate all year round, sunny days and the absence of clouds.

What attracts tourists are its enchanting caves, the oldest volcanoes in the Canaries, the spectacle of the starry sky from the viewpoints of Morro Velosa and Sicasumbre .

Without forgetting the heavenly beaches of fine white sand, located in the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park and the Jandia Natural Park .

A particular natural attraction that draws attention are the beaches of black volcanic grains, which contrast with the colors of the ocean.

 

History and geography

The history and geography of the island of Fuerteventura are carefully preserved in many towns of Fuerteventura such as Betancuria and Antigua.

The charm of the island’s past can be traced in the ancient finds, monuments, museums and archaeological sites of the island.

In ancient times Fuerteventura was known as Planaria in reference to the flatness of much of its territory, or as Herbaria which probably derives from the Berber term – wall.

When the first European settlers landed on the island they found it divided into two kingdoms: Maxorata , governed by the ruler Guize, and Jandia, which were divided by La Pared.

The conquest of the island of Fuerteventurabegan in earnest in 1402, under the command of the French knights and crusaders Jean de Béthencourt and Gadifer de la Salle.

From a geological point of view, Fuerteventura, the oldest island of the Canaries, was formed by underwater volcanic eruptions.

The last eruptions took place about 5,000 years ago and since then erosion has shaped the landscape that characterizes it today.

362 km of coastline, more than 152 beaches of white sand and volcanic gravel, make Fuerteventura the second longest coastal island in the Canaries.

Most of Fuerteventura’s wide plains and volcanic reliefs consist of protected areas, which can be explored by quad bike or buggy.

 

Streets of Fuerteventura, the oldest of the Canaries

The roads of Fuerteventura are in perfect condition and offer very efficient connections between its locations by choosing between: buses, taxis and car rental.

The scenic roads of Fuerteventura are very popular, as they offer breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape and the Atlantic Ocean coast.

A journey along the FV30 and FV-621 roads is an immersion in the natural and historical beauty of Fuerteventura, crossing unique and exciting landscapes.

Mountains, valleys and breathtaking coastal views combine with indigenous vegetation and the remains of ancient settlements, adding a unique charm to the journey.

Other roads in Fuerteventura to travel with a motorbike or scooter rental 

1. FV-1, offers spectacular views of the sand dunes of the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo
2. FV-2, where you can admire the tourist resorts of Caleta de Fuste and Tarajalejo and the wide beaches and deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean
3. FV-10, which traverses the island’s northern landscape and offers splendid views of the mountains and desert plains
4. FV-605, which crosses the heart of the island offers spectacular views of the inland landscapes of Fuerteventura
5. FV-207, a scenic road that leads to the Mirador del Sicasumbre, an astronomical observation point, where you can admire stars and constellations in all their splendor
6. FV-605, which crosses the central area of ​​the island with fascinating views of its geological formations

Tips and Tricks 

• Leave with a full tank of petrol and bring water and snacks with you
• Although the roads are well maintained, you need to drive with caution, as there are many curves and hairpin bends.
• Remember not to feed wild animals
• Respect the natural environment

 

Flora and fauna of Fuerteventura 

The flora and fauna of Fuerteventura is made up of rare species and unique ecosystems that fill the wild landscapes of the Canary Island with life.

In Fuerteventura, the oldest island of the Canaries , numerous species stand out, which use its uncontaminated coasts as a place to stop and rest.

A very rich variety of species, adapted to arid climatic conditions and desert landscapes, are part of the ecosystem of Fuerteventura the oldest island of canaries.

Not forgetting the richness of marine species , where the volcanic formations on the island’s seabed are home to over 390 species of unique marine creatures.

UNESCO has named Fuerteventura a Biosphere Reserve, also recognizing its efforts to develop sustainable tourism practices.

Fuerteventura represents one of the best models of implementation of the European Union directives on renewable energy, in the face of climate change.

 

Gastronomy of the oldest island of the Canaries

The gastronomy of Fuerteventura the oldest island of canaries and its traditional dishes constitute an important element of the identity of the population of the autonomous community.

It is characterized by its simplicity and variety, richness of ingredients produced by the fragmentation of the territory, a mix of cultures, traditions and flavors.

The typical cuisine of Fuerteventura offers a mix of Spanish, Italian, South American and African influences, in addition to its ancient local cuisine.

The gastronomy of Fuerteventura conquers with its simple and poor, but genuine and tasty flavours, with fresh products from the sea and the land of the island such as:

• Majorera goat cheeses
• The typical sausages of the island
• Pork, chicken, rabbit and goat meat
• Soup, the most typical way of eating vegetables
• The delicious fish dishes, thanks to the richness of the Canarian waters
• The typical sweets of the island

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura offers tourists fascinating gastronomic and cultural itineraries of the island, rich in culture, tradition and local products.