Transatlantic and Mediterranean cruise vacations now stretch to Puerto del
Rosario on Spain’s island outpost of Fuerteventura in the Canaries.The island of
Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands -- 666 square meters
-- and is located nearest to the coast of Africa as Morocco is just 65 miles
away. It is the home of 75,000 people, but the goat population well exceeds the
number of humans. The islanders say Fuerteventura has the best climate of the
Canary Islands and it certainly does not rain much here; the island has no
permanent rivers, although dry riverbeds suggest that the skies open at least
occasionally. The island is mountainous, but offers good beaches and is a heaven
for wind surfers thanks to strong and steady winds on the south coast.
Tourism is the biggest industry on the island, but Fuerteventura was
somewhat of a late entrant on this scene as it was only in 1968 that it became a
destination for package holidays. Today, the principal resorts are in the south
and in the north, while Puerto de Rosario, the small capital and the place where
your ship docks, is located on the northwest coast.
Puerto del Rosario was known as Puerto de Cabras (port of goats) until
1956, when it adopted its current and more pleasant name, port of the rosary.
The town itself only has two sights to mention, the home of the former exile
poet Miguel de Unamuno which is now a museum. The other one is the culture
center (Casa de la Cultura) where exhibitions, plays and concerts are held.
However, local planners recognize the need to develop the town to make it more
attractive to future visitors, and there are plans to build a municipal park and
a quarter to serve the tourist industry.
Although tourism started here quite late, there have been many earlier
visitors. These included the guanches, a people that came from Africa and who
were the first humans to inhabit the island. In 1352, missionaries from
Catalonia landed on the island, but they left after only a few years. In 1402,
the Norman knight Jean de Bethencourt landed here under the sponsorship of the
king of Castille. His force of 63 quickly conquered most of the island, although
the mountainous interior took a little bit more work to bring under
Bethencourt's control. Unlike in the cases of many islands conquered by
Europeans, other powers showed little interest in Fuerteventura and it has
always remained under Castilian and, following the reconquista of 1492, Spanish
rule.
Foreign powers may have left Fuerteventura in peace, but not the pirates
that for centuries launched raids on the islands. Though the coastal areas
suffered most, even Betancuria itself, in spite of being hidden between the
mountains, suffered an attack in 1593. The islanders built towers to keep watch
along their shores and as the attacks subsided over time, the islanders could
concentrate on making their living on exporting sugar, slaves and growing grain.
Thirty-eight windmills still stand today as reminders of the importance of
cereals to the local economy at that time.
Puerto del Rosario, the main town, has little to offer and so it pays off
to explore the island rather than stay in the town. You can get a good glimpse
of this island in just a day along scenic drives through its mountainous inner
regions with few signs of human activity. Expect to find great sand dunes for
swimming and other outdoor activities.
Water sports are very popular in Fuerteventura. Every year hundreds of
surfers, windsurfers, kitesurfers, and divers descend on Fuerteventura and
during July the island is host to the P.W.A world windsurfing speed and slalom
event at Sotavento in the south.There are many new attractions inviting tourists
to discover different aspects of the Island's landscape and culture such as the
Betancuria Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography and Tefia Craft Village to name
but a few. Have a browse through this website and see what's on offer. Its miles
and miles of broad sandy beaches and golden sand dunes make Fuerteventura the
ideal holiday resort for everyone.
Where you are Dock
Cruise port is located at Corralejo.
Hanging Around
The town center surrounds the pier, so it is a very short walk to shops, cafes and banks.
The town center surrounds the pier, so it is a very short walk to shops, cafes and banks.
Getting Around
Puerto del Rosario is easily visited from other parts of the island as
buses run to Puerto del Rosario from all the major towns on Fuerteventura. A bus
journey to Puerto del Rosario to Caleta de Fuste takes around 20 minutes and to
Corralejo about 40, with services to and from both, every half an hour. The bus
station was opened in 2008, and from there you can get a bus all around the
island.
By Bus: There town has regular bus service. A 30-minute ride to the resort of Corralejo in the north (bus No. 6) will cost you 3.10 euros. The bus arrives once an hour.
By Bus: There town has regular bus service. A 30-minute ride to the resort of Corralejo in the north (bus No. 6) will cost you 3.10 euros. The bus arrives once an hour.
By Taxi: Taxis are found on the quayside. Agree to a fare with the driver
before venturing far outside town.
By Bicycle: You can hire a bicycle at FuerteBike, bookable through most
hotel reception desks on the island. (629 362 795)
By Car: You can rent a car from local companies Cicar (928 86 05 77),
Avia Car (928 54 09 29) and Pepecar (902 99 66 66).
Don't Miss
Open Art Gallery: While the town doesn't have a lot to offer, you might enjoy checking out the more than 100 interesting life-size sculptures, spread throughout the town.
Open Art Gallery: While the town doesn't have a lot to offer, you might enjoy checking out the more than 100 interesting life-size sculptures, spread throughout the town.
Las Rotundas shopping center: This complex in the town center has three
floors of shops and restaurants. These do not close for the siesta like most of
the other shops in town. It is, however, closed on Sundays. (Franciso Pi y
Arsuaga, 2)
Antigua: Many visitors choose to take a tour further afield. In this small
village roughly in the center of the island, you will find an 18th-century
church with a ceiling reflecting the Arab influence in the region. A mile to the
north are the gardens of El Molino de Antigua, together with a restored windmill
used to produce ground maize and a craft shop plus restaurant. The complex
includes a cactus garden and other indigenous Fuerteventura flora, plus a craft
shop, a mill and various small galleries. (Antigua Windmill Craft Centre, Centro
de Artesania, Molino de Antigua; open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays
and Sunday)
Pajara: Venture toward the west coast, and you will arrive
in this village. Its main attraction is a small church called Iglesia Nuestra
Senora de Regla that was built between 1687 and 1711. There are many motifs
decorating the glamorous stone doorway, and the virgin who stands at the altar
was brought to the island, apparently by a wealthy emigrant. (Church open 11
a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily)
Betancuria: Founded in 1405, this town fell victim to a
pirate attack in 1593 that reduced everything to a pile of rubble, including the
church of Santa Maria, which was not rebuilt until 1691. However, Betancuria
remained the capital of the island until 1834, and today, the town has a few
museums of interest. Casa Museo Arquebiologico (C/Roberto Roldan, Betancuria;
928 87 82 4; open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday) contains a collection of archaeological finds. Highlights include
fertility idols, an idol frieze that was discovered near La Oliva and numerous
farming implements. The Centro Insular de Artesania, next to the museum,
documents traditional arts and crafts. In Casa Santa Maria, you can watch the
artists at work and purchase their products from the shop.
Corralejo: This resort village sits on the northernmost
tip of the island. You will find sand dunes that form a national park (two large
hotels built near the beach before a law to ban new construction do not enhance
the scenery). You are free to walk on the dunes, but if you drive to the dunes,
do not park your car on the sand. Wardens are on constant patrol and issue fines
on the spot if they see one wheel of your car off the tarmac. There is a place
along the roadside to park without blocking the road or becoming subject to the
fine.
Baku Waterpark: For youngsters, the park near Corralejo is
a treat, with an array of water chutes, slides and flumes. It has an 18-hole
mini-golf course, too. ((618 308 818; open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; adult
tickets 15 euros, children 11 euros and younger than 4 free)
Diving: Corralejo also has sites to suit beginners and the
experienced diver. Dive Center Corralejo (928 53 59 06) offers single dives,
including equipment, from 36 euros.
La Oliva: Visit this village and the Casa Mane art center,
where three exhibition halls house works by Canarian artists. On the ground
level, there are rooms for exhibitions and a sculpture courtyard, while the
basement contains a large contemporary art gallery. The works of Alberto
Manrique, perhaps the best-known local painter, are among the permanent
exhibits. A small shop sells prints and souvenirs. (928 86 82 33; open 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. daily in summer and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday in
winter)
Golfing: Head to the 18-hole Golf Club Fuerteventura
course in Jandia, but advance booking is required (928 160 034). There is
another course at Costa Caleta (Golf Club Salinas de Antigua).
Beaches
Beaches on the island range from family-friendly to those ideal for windsurfing or walking. Almost all are public, so there are no fees.
Beaches on the island range from family-friendly to those ideal for windsurfing or walking. Almost all are public, so there are no fees.
Best for a Beach Day: Corralejo's sandy beach is super clean and ideal for
relaxing. There are bars on the beach and sun loungers to rent.
Closest to Town: Jandia beach is a Blue Flag-rated beach, which means that
it's environmentally outstanding. That makes it ideal for families with children
and has four beach bars on the sand.
Best for Active Types: Las Playitas beach, in the resort of the same name,
and is popular with surfers.
Dining Out
The islanders produce tasty sauces, such as mojo picon (paprika and chili), mojo verde (coriander and parsley) and gofio (roasted wholemeal flour), some of which you can taste free of charge with goat cheese at the Centro Insular de Artesania.
The islanders produce tasty sauces, such as mojo picon (paprika and chili), mojo verde (coriander and parsley) and gofio (roasted wholemeal flour), some of which you can taste free of charge with goat cheese at the Centro Insular de Artesania.
Casual: Abuelo Alfred serves excellent dishes made from local produce. The
island gets so little rain that vines do not grow, although the restaurant sells
palatable table wines. (Calle Real; 928 87 87 64; open noon to 5 p.m. Monday to
Saturday)
Traditional: Most of the restaurants on the island are in the resorts, such
as Restaurante Tio Bernabe in Corralejo It serves mainly Canarian meat dishes
grilled on an open fire. (Calle La Iglesia 9; 928 535895; open noon to midnight
daily)
Local Eats: Molino de Antigua is surrounded by lush gardens. Food focuses
on local specialties -- try papas arrugadas, small steamed potatoes, left with
their skin on and covered in salt. (Carretera de Antigua; 928 878041; open 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday)


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