Fuerteventura

Because of its year-round benign climate, the island could easily be described as a paradise; one of the best places to spend a relaxing holiday on the beach or chasing some of the best sea fishing to be had whilst still wearing your socks.

For many centuries Fuerteventura was the object of expeditions of conquest. The island is thought to have been visited by Carthaginian and Phoenician seafaring merchants as early as 1100 BC. However, it was not before 200 AD that the Canary Islands were named in writing and placed on the world’s map.

After several centuries under Muslim rule the Canary Islands were conquered by Jean de Bethencourt, a Norman adventurer, in 1402. For his efforts, he was apparently presented dominion over the islands by the then Spanish King. One year later his forces conquered Fuerteventura and the capital city of Bethencourt was established. It remained in his family’s possession until the 15th century when Spain repurchased the islands.

In the 17th and 18th century the Canary Islands became a preferred target for repeated attacks by pirates but, by 1852, the Canary Islands were declared a free trading area.

Since 1912 the Islands were provided with a charter for auto determination and, 15 years later, Fuerteventura was incorporated into the province of Gran Canaria. Mass tourism took off in 1966 and, in 1993 Fuerteventura was integrated into the European Union.

More information: http://www.fuerteventuraturismo.com/

Places worth a Visit

Peninsula de Jandía. This desolate yet beautiful peninsula is on the southern side of the island. Brooding quietly, not without its menace, the spectacular volcanic cone of Zarza contemplates all below. Here one can lose oneself in the isolation and seemingly endless beaches of Sotavento, a virgin beach that has not suffered the imposition of a concrete jacket as have many of its cousins on mainland Spain.

Here too is the village of Cofete, one of the wildest and loneliest of the whole Canary Island chain. Framed by high volcanic mountains on one side and the beautiful beach of Barlavento on the other, the whole area has been protected as one of Spain’s Natural Parklands.

Important Fiestas

Corralejo and La Oliva in March, the Carnival of Carnivals.