Fuerteventura Island
Fuerteventura belongs to the Canary archipelago, it is located in the Atlantic Ocean 100 km north of Africa. The island is covered with picturesque cliffs, mysterious caves and white sand beaches. Warm, windy weather prevails here all year round, attracting a huge number of tourists.
Description
The name of the island of Fuerteventura is made up of two Spanish words “fuerte” - reliable, strong, and “ventura” - happiness, good luck. The island is smaller in size than Tenerife, but it has the largest beaches in all the Canary Islands.
The island is more than 20 million years old, it is of volcanic origin and has a very unusual shape. The island's climate is characterized by rare rains and strong winds. Clouds do not gather over the island, which is explained by the rather low mountains, not exceeding 1 thousand m.
In fact, Fuerteventura is two islands connected by a narrow isthmus, on which the most beautiful sandy beach is located. In 2009, UNESCO declared the island a biosphere reserve, which made it possible to preserve nature in its original form. A huge number of Arreta turtles live here. A nursery has been created for them in the city of Morro Jable to preserve the species. Dolphins often swim quite close to the coast.
The symbol of the island is the goat. The number of these animals significantly exceeds the population. Until 1956, the island's capital was called Puerto de Cabras, which means "Goat Port". Now this is Puerto del Rosario.
Interesting places and facts
Tourism began to actively develop in the 60s of the last century. From January to March, a colorful carnival is held on the island, in July the Day of San Buenaventura is celebrated, at the end of September - beginning of October there are festivals in honor of the Archangel Michael, in October a festival is held in honor of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary - fun and spectacular events take place almost all year round, creating a unique atmosphere of an eternal holiday that attracts tourists.
Fuerteventura has 150 beaches. Surfing, kitesurfing, diving, water skiing, sailing - attract a huge number of not only amateurs, but also professional athletes. The Windsurfing World Cup is held here every year.
The ocean floor near the coast is dotted with tunnels, cracks between the rocks, and there are many mysterious underwater caves - just a paradise for diving lovers.
Picturesque nature surrounds the island. You can admire magnificent views from Mount Tindaya and when visiting Betancuria Park. Ferries and boats quickly transport those interested to other, no less colorful, islands of the archipelago. The island of Fuerteventura produces the famous majorero cheese, the taste of which has repeatedly won over the jury of the International Cheese Competition. The harmony of the majorero taste is created by sweet and sour notes.
Only on the island can you enjoy the taste of real mojo sauce, which has two varieties: green for fish, and red for meat. For lovers of attractions, a visit to the La Alcojida Museum will be remembered for a long time. On its territory there are 7 village houses, which are examples of local architectural styles. Toston Lighthouse is home to a fishing museum. The Salt Museum in Salinas del Carmen and the training center for flour millers in Tuineja introduce local traditional crafts.
From the observation deck of Morro Veloz at night you can see the constellation Cassiopeia and admire the enchanting scattering of stars that shine especially brightly over the island. In the southern part there is a magnificent botanical garden, where exotic species of cacti and succulents are presented. The Coralleggio sand dunes park, located in the northern part, is considered an ideal place for windsurfing.
A little history
The island of Fuerteventura was inhabited by majoreurs. In the 15th century the two kingdoms of the island were separated by a stone wall. They were called Mahorata and Handiya. In 1405, the island was captured by Jean de Betancourt, who had declared himself king of the Canary Islands since 1402. He founded the city of Betancuria. He later transferred all his conquests to the Castilian king Enrique III and received the lifelong post of governor.
The story goes that two priestesses persuaded the local kings to surrender and accept Christianity. Under the Spanish rulers, a considerable part of the majores were turned into slaves. Pope Pius II condemned this mistreatment of the indigenous population in 1462. During his lifetime, Betancourt handed over the reign to his nephew. Then power on the island passed to the Herrera-Perrasa family and was held by them for almost three hundred years.
Finally, in 1835, the feudal system was abolished. The territory of the island of Fuerteventura was divided into 6 administrative districts.
