The Canary Islands and its cycles as volcanic islands

The Canary Islands are volcanic islands and, unlike the islands that come from continental fragments, they have a life cycle similar to living beings’: they are born, grow, erode and eventually disappear.

This cycle of the oceanic islands is called insular ontogeny, and is defined by the following stages:

  1. Birth: it refers to the underwater formation of the island, caused by a hot spot in the oceanic crust.
  2. Growth: it refers to the sub-aerial construction and drained stage.
  3. Erosion or dismantling, due to the erosive agents of air environments.
  4. Basal plain stage, with low height habitats.
  5. Final disappearance stage.
  6. Flat-topped seamount stage.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Ciclos de Canarias

In the Canary Islands, as in the rest of the archipelagos that make up La Macaronesia, there is evidence of these cycles of the islands. For example, when exploring the seabed, flat top submarine ridges have been discovered around the emerged islands,  which can be called “Paleomacaronesia”, which are remnants of islands that once emerged to the surface. Thus, between the Peninsula and the Canaries  we find Lars, Anika, Nico, Last Minute, Dacia, Concepción, Amanay … that were created in the Paleogene (64-25 million years ago) by the same hot spots that 25 million years ago, in the Miocene,  made emerge the isles that we know today.

These seamounts of Paleomacaronesia are about 120-130 meters deep, which coincides with the maximum sea level fall in the ice age. In those periods when the sea level drops, these islands would almost emerge, forming a chain of islands, which would link the current Macaronesia with the African and European continents.

On the other hand, in some areas such as Southwest of the island of El Hierro,  peaked summit seamounts have been found, which is the characteristic that proves that they have never emerged nor been subjected to erosion. This applies, for example, to the seamount called “Las Hijas”, where the accumulation of material has not been yet enough for them to emerge. Should they ever emerge,the number of islands in the Canary archipelago would increase.

The following diagram may be the age of the islands and the cycle phase they are.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Ciclos de Canarias“Las Hijas” would represent therefore the birth phase of the volcanic Canary Islands.
El Hierro, Tenerife and La Palma would represent the drained and sub-air construction phase, and they still keep volcanic activity and they can keep amassing materials and height.
La Gomera and Gran Canaria are the example of the cycle of dismantling, because in the past they were much higher than today, so erosive agents are playing their role, and the destructive processes predominate over the constructive ones.

The Mahan volcano, comprising Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and surrounding islets, would be the representative of the basal plain stage with their own habitats of low-lying areas.

In the Canary Islands we have no representation of the terminal phase of disappearance. This phase is well represented in The Savage Islands, with structures that emerge barely 30m above sea level, which predicts their future disappearance.

Amanay, Concepción and Dacia, in the Canary Islands, would be the example of phase flat-topped seamount that would emerge only when sea level came down considerably.

Fuertecharter Team

Time of “Dorado” in Fuerteventura

It’s already many the trips we make to the nearby island of Lobos, on our catamaran from FuerteCharter , and we do it in company of the spectacular Coryphaena hippurus, known as “Dorado” in Fuerteventura.

Elsewhere it is known as “gran corifena”, dolphinfish or “llampúa”, golden dolphin, “lirio”, “perico”, amberjack or mahi-mahi.

“ Dorado” is a bony fish of the family of the “Coryphaenidae”, spread all over the globe, in tropical or subtropical waters.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Dorado en Fuerteventura
©animalandia.educa.madrid.org

HABITAT
They live in the sea surface, between 5 and 10 meters deep, and they make large migrations throughout their life. They live in shoals in the high sea, but sometimes they are also found near the coast to breed.

There is already evidence of men catching fish of this species from 2600 years BC, as it can be seen in the wall of the Minoan civilization of Crete.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Dorado en Fuerteventura
©en.wikipedia.org

It is very common to see them through the Canary Islands in summer and autumn seasons, so at this time of year it is an exceptional companion in our excursions.

MORPHOLOGY
This species is characterized by its size and colourful appearance.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Dorado en Fuerteventura
©www.fishmountstore.com

The usual size is about 100cm long, although up to 200cm specimens have been recorded, weighing 50kgs.

They don’t feature thorns in the anal or dorsal fins, which have soft rays. The dorsal fin runs from the cervical region to the tail and the anal one is shorter, going from the middle of the body to the tail. The caudal fin is forked, and is attached to the body by a stalk, which allows it to swim very fast.

It’s a species created for speed, with very elongated and laterally compressed body. They’re very soft to the touch, as they have really small scales.

They have small, oval and strong teeth, in a big mouth, where the first set is curved backward.

Males have a prominent bulge on the forehead, so they have also been called horned.

But if something makes them truly spectacular to the sight is the colour they feature, ranking as the most colourful fish in the Atlantic: they have golden reflections on their sides, hence their name; blue and green foil on the top and sides, and their bottom is yellow or white.

They have a very vivid colour when they are just taken out of the water, and they seem to be lit on, hence the name of “lampga” (dolphinfish), which could be translated as torch. However this striking colour disappears after a while of being out of the water when they get a grey tone that has nothing to do with their colours in life.

REPRODUCTION
This species reaches sexual maturity between 4 and 5 months old, and they are not very long-lived, since they usually die within six years.

Not much is known about their breeding habits, although it is presumed that they mate several times a year, especially in spring. Eggs are pelagic, and the young specimens remain in the coastal zone until they reach a certain size.

FEEDING
They feed on a variety of small fishes, squids, crustaceans and zooplankton. Horse mackerel, mackerel, anchovies and sardines are the main pillars of their diet, although they love flying fish, which they chase almost to exhaustion.

FISHING
This species is quite coveted among anglers, and for a while it has been valued also for commercial purposes, sometimes still common in markets and fishmongers.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Dorado en Fuerteventura

It is a species that in its juvenile stage is considered as blue or fatty fish, but adult individuals are considered white or lean fish.

If you want to get first hand knowledge about this amazing species, we recommend you come to one of our trips at this time of year.

FuerteCharter Team

HOLIDAYS IN FUERTEVENTURA WITH CHILDREN

The island of Fuerteventura is a rough diamond, large and wild, with endless beaches to enjoy sunbathing and cristal clear warm waters, where you can play with the waves on the shore, with shovels in the sand or have fun making sand castles.

If you visit the island with your children, nephews, children of friends … it’s good for you to know some of the activities you can do with them, so these become memorable and enjoyable holidays for everyone.

CATAMARAN EXCURSION TO THE ISLAND OF LOBOS
Visiting the island of Lobos, northeast of Fuerteventura, on a catamaran is an activity that kids love, because it is designed for the fun of the whole family. With FuerteCharter, young apprentices will take the helm as true masters, enjoy snorkelling and feeding the small fish from the clear waters of Lobos; they can practise Stand Up Paddle, Kayak, jump into the water in many different ways, and have photos of the whole experience. Fun is guaranteed!

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Vacaciones en Fuerteventura con niños

SURFING LESSONS
The coast of Fuerteventura invites to water sports, highlighting surf as star activity. It’s true it looks like a simple sport, where simply having a table the children can play in the waves on the shore, but on the other hand is a risky sport, because of the currents on beaches, and it has a technique which is very difficult to learn by oneself; so from here we encourage you to contract some surfing lessons for children, because it will be much safer, they will learn more and this will also mean a few hours of relax for parents, leaving their children to instructors, if they want, or perhaps they take heart and sign up for surfing lessons, to share this fun activity with their children.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Vacaciones en Fuerteventura con niños

AQUA WATER PARK
In the town of Corralejo, you can find this water park with various swimming pools and water slides of different heights and levels of difficulty. There are shallow pools , where the youngest children don’t stop splashing, pools where you can dive and swim, for those who want to be more relaxed, and swimming pools with different attractions, so that the liveliest ones can vent as much adrenaline as possible . There is also a giant jacuzzi and a pool with wavelets.

Acua Water Park, Corralejo

A RIDE BY QUAD
The volcanic and semi-desert landscape of Fuerteventura is ideal for an excursion by quad. There are many companies that will take you for a ride in these vehicles, among volcanoes.
For the youngest guests, there is a closed circuit in Corralejo, so they learn to drive buggies by themselves, safely.

OASIS PARK IN LA LAJITA
If your children enjoy zoos, in Oasis Park in La Lajita (south of the island of Fuerteventura), you will find the zoo with over 250 animal species (giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, …), and shows of sea ​​lions, reptiles, hawks, eagles, parrots …
In Oasis Park we find the largest camel preserve in Europe, so you can enjoy riding them, and children can also learn how the food that feeds them is cultivated, and you’ll also be taught some interesting facts about this species such as that camel milk has very positive properties for humans, because, among other things, it regulates the levels of sugar in our blood.
The youngest ones will be able to take a pony ride, and there are playground areas with trampolines.
Inside the park, you will also find a spectacular botanical garden, that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Also, on Sunday you will enjoy a craft market, with organic food: fruit, vegetables, cheese … and craft stalls.

©visitcanarias.com
©visitcanarias.com

CLIMBING A VOLCANO
If children are older than 5-6, a really fun and interesting activity is to climb to the top of a volcano.
The volcano of Lajares, Calderon Hondo, has a path leading to the top, from which you can see a perfectly circular volcanic caldera, plus stunning views of the north of the island of Fuerteventura.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Vacaciones en Fuerteventura con niños
©francisvidicfuerteventura.com

Happy holidays with your little ones!

Fuertecharter Team

Some curiosities of the island of Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands as a whole (part II)

We continue in this new post on our blog telling, tourists and residents, some curiosities on the island of Fuerteventura.


FUERTEVENTURA, THE ELDEST OF THE CANARY ISLANDS
Fuerteventura is the eldest of the Canary Islands. It originated, like the rest of the Canaries, through marine volcanic processes, which began to surface about 22 million years ago, and it is uncommon to find volcanic islands over 6 million years old, so it is a true challenge of nature.
The last volcanic eruption on the island was about 10.000 years ago, and it was the one that formed the Volcano of La Arena, in the municipality of La Oliva, with a magnificent landscape, known as “Malpaís de La Arena”.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura 2
© cuadernosdeetnografia.blogspot.com


MAXORATA AND JANDÍA
Fuerteventura was originally made up of two separate islands, separated by a sandy isthmus that, after several volcanic episodes, grew and lformed a single island. However, throughout history these two parts continued somewhat divided. When conquerors arrived in Fuerteventura, called Erbania then, the island was divided into two kingdoms: Maxorata (north) and Jandía (south), each ruled by a warrior: Guize in the north and Ayoze in the south. When the conquerors arrived, these great warriors finally laid down their arms and surrendered, along with their men, the island becoming part of the Crown of Castile in 1476. The first capital of the island, Betancuria, is then set (up to XIX century), after the Norman conqueror Jean de Bethencourt.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura 2
© es.enjoyfuerteventura.net


THE ADJECTIVE “MAJORERO”
At the time of the conquest (XV C.), the word “Maho” was used to refer to the Amazigh people who were on the island of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote when the conquerors arrived. There are two hypotheses of the etymology of the term: first it was thought to come from the Amazigh word “Mahu” which means “to skin, that is, to remove the skin” in relation to a type of footwear made of the skin that was used at the time. Another hypothesis, perhaps best known, assures that it comes from the word Maxorata, the Amazigh “Mahâr-at”, which means sons of the country, and that was the name that was given to what is now the northern part of Fuerteventura, to the isthmus of “La Pared”. Later on, “majorero” began to be used exclusively to refer to the people born in Fuerteventura.


“CANARY BEACH”
Its nearly 80kms of beaches turn this island into the best prepared for bathing and for water sports of all the Canary Islands. Many people from the rest of the islands come to Fuerteventura in summer to spend their holidays, due to the charm of its beaches.

Fuertecharter Fuerteventura | Wind and beaches in Fuerteventura
Los Ojos beach: ©visitfuerteventura.es


BIOSPHERE RESERVE
All the territory of Fuerteventura has been declared Biosphere Reserve since May 2009 due to its wild nature.
Despite its arid nature, this island has a rich biodiversity and is the largest representation of steppe and desert habitats in the whole archipelago, and also in the European Union, being a perfect Geo-paleontological observatory (50 sites with fossil records).
Its marine environment is undoubtedly the richest in the Canary Islands.

STARLIGHT RESERVE
On July 31st2015, the sky of Fuerteventura was definitely acredited with a certificate for the quality of its skies, becoming the third Starlight Reserve in the Canary Islands, with Tenerife and La Palma, out of the 7 existing throughout the world: Sierra Morena and Sierra Sur de Jaén (Andalusia), Montsec (Catalonia), National Park Fray Jorge (Chile)and Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands (Canada).
With this certificate, Fuerteventura is committed to protecting the quality of their night sky, also associated with cultural, scientific, astronomical, or natural values.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura 2
© www.tripadvisor.es


FUERTEVENTURA: SEA TURTLES NEST
The coast of Fuerteventura, especially the Jandía peninsula in the south, is one of the favorite places in the world for sea turtles to nest and breed. Out of the 8 species of turtles in the world, 4 of them frequent the “majorera” coasts.


COFETE BEACH: BACKGROUND OF FAMOUS FILM SHOOTINGS
Cofete beach in the municipality of Pájara, has been chosen as setting for Hollywood blockbusters, including “The Planet of the Apes” (1968) and, more recently, the movie “Exodus” (2014), all because of its spectacular landscape.


LIGHTHOUSES IN FUERTEVENTURA
The island of Fuerteventura has 4 lighthouses: one in Cotillo, another one on the island of Lobos, one in “Punta de Jandia” and one of special beauty, the one on “La Entallada”, built on a cliff.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura 2
© www.panoramio.com


FuerteCharter Team

Some curiosities of the island of Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands in general (part I)

If you have visited the island of Fuerteventura, if you are going to visit it soon, or if you are one of its residents, but do not know the history of this Atlantic island thoroughly, here we leave some curiosities that you”ll surely like to know about both Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands as a whole.


THE CANARY ISLANDS ARE PART OF LA MACARONESIA AND MYTHOLOGICAL ATLANTIS
La Macaronesia is the set of five of the North Atlantic archipelagos: Azores, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira and the Savage Islands. It comes from the Greek word makárôn nêsoi, which means “happy or fortunate islands”, where it was assumed that deceased heroes of mythology would abide.
Macaronesian islands were never connected to the continent, as they are volcanic islands that emerged from marine eruptions, and according to mythology, it was thought that these islands were the summits of Atlantis (submerged continent), emerging to the surface. Atlantis, according to mythology, was the continent that Zeus sank in punishment for its inhabitants” bad behaviour.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura
www.docfiles.cl

ETYMOLOGY OF THE WPRD “CANARIAS”
These islands received its name because after the first expedition sent by the king of Mauritania to meet the ends of the ocean, beyond the Pillars of Hercules (Gibraltar), what they found when they reached these islands was a fierce breed of dogs (the Latin: can, canis), so the name the islands received was “Insula Canaria” (Isle of Dogs).


“EL GOFIO”
Energy food derived from some roasted and ground cereals such as wheat, rye, corn, barley … Its highly nutritious properties turned it into the staple food of this people for many years. This powder is often added to milk at breakfast, also to “el potaje canario”or kneaded , resulting into “la pellla de gofio”.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura
©commons.wikimedia.org

“MAJORERO” CHEESE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN
“Majorero” goat cheese enjoys appellation of origin from the February 16th , 1996, and it can be made only with goat milk from the island or a mixture of up to 15% of Canarian sheep milk, before letting it age.
In the case of mature cheese it features the palm leaf on its bark, which is used in “empleitas” to make the mould that shapes it. The most famous ones are cured with gofio, paprika or oil, although other varieties are found.


THE SALT
In the early twentieth century, salt was one of the resources that allowed the islands to generate more revenue. The climate of the Canary Islands is ideal for the production of sea salt, which was exported all over the world, and which also was of great importance to preserve fish, when the phenomenon of freezing had not yet been discovered.


COCHINILLAWAS ALSO TRADED
The cochineal is a parasite insect of the cactus, from which a very bright red dye is obtained out of its blood , used in ancient times to dye fabrics. Until the mid-nineteenth century it was a precious commodity, as the high society’s garments were dyed with it. Eventually, much cheaper but less safe synthetic dyes were discovered.
This dye is used today as a food colouring (E-120) and in the pharmaceutical industry, and small productions are preserved on the island of Lanzarote and La Palma.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura
© www.faunaexotica.net

CANARIAN WRESTLING
This sport has a long history among the Canarian population, as it has been practised in the island since these were inhabited by “los Guanches” (ancient inhabitants).
It consists of unbalancing the opponent and making them touch the ground with any part of his body other than their sole.
It is played on sand enclosures called “Terreros”.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Curiosidades sobre Fuerteventura
© www.hablocanario.es


EL TIMPLE
Plucked string instrument, typical of the Canary Islands, of small dimensions (38-40cms) and due to its curved back, hump-like, it’s recognized as the ” resounding little Camel”.

 

FuerteCharter Team

The Canary Damsel in Fuerteventura: the damsel in the Canary waters

Abudefduf luridus, Fula negra, Castañeta or castañuela, as it is known in some parts of the Canary Islands, is a very colorful fish, belonging to the damsels, a percomorphi species of the Pomacentridae family. Every day we find this fish in our boat trips from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura to Lobos.

Despite its delicate and appealing appearance, marked by dark colours and gleaming electric blue lips, which makes it look like the harmeless fish in an aquarium, it is one of the most aggressive, territorial and unsociable species that exist in the oceans.

Habitat
This benthic species crosses the rocky sea beds, Cytoseira (algae) prairies and rocky areas in the Oriental Atlantic Ocean: Senegal, Cape Verde, Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira, always above 50m deep and more common less than 25m deep.
Its showy colouring and great ability to adjust to changing environments and abrupt changes of parameters, makes it a common fish in aquariums, where they can live up to 10 years in captivity, though, it is difficult to keep them in community aquariums, sharing space with other species, unless they have been introduced together while in their young stage. If a new Fula gets into an aquarium where there is already a group, the male leader, supported by the rest, will constantly attack it to death.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | The Canary Damsel in Fuerteventura
©www.colchonero.com

They quickly take control of the space they inhabit, confronting fishes even much bigger than themselves.

Behaviour
They are diurnal. They tend to move in fairly dense banks, dominated by the largest male. Males can also be found on their own or living with their breeding females.
A male can mate with several breeding females, spawning in summer (what is known as Spawn), in crevices or in nests composed of a group of several rocks, which the male will watch closely during the 3-day incubation period, even ready to kill another male approaching the egg laying area, less than 1 meter radio.
In the fighting, males increase their breathing rate, producing very distinctive sounds in combat; as they belong to teleost fish, which are those with specialized organs to emit sounds.

Morphology
Robust and compact body on their sides, covered with large visible scales, with short and fairly rigid fins. Their eyes and mouth are small and they have a small bulge on their head. They have sharp teeth in both jaws.
The colouring which young specimens feature, up to 3 years old, is very striking. They are almost black, with electric blue stripes that sometimes create whimsical patterns. From the age of 3 their color changes from black to grayish brown, excep in their head and the dorsal and caudal fins, which take a very dark blue colour. In the adult specimens the electric blue stripes condense on the edges of their fins and head.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | The Canary Damsel in Fuerteventura
©www.elmar.es

They are usually 8 to10 cm long and males, slightly larger than females, can reach up to 15cm.
An oddity of this species is that there are specimens that are pale orange in the back of their body to the tail, a phenomenon whose cause is scientifically unknown.

Feeding
They feed mainly on small invertebrates found among the algae. The young fish are extremely sensitive to food, only eating marine plankton, so those which are bred in captivity tend not to survive unless they are given food of this type.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Fula Negra en Fuerteventura
©www.arona.travel

FuerteCharter Team

Grandes Playas (beach), Corralejo

Widespread in over 8kms in the eastern coast of Fuerteventura, we find the heavenly beaches called Grandes Playas, Corralejo.

They are part of the Natural Park of the Dunes,Corralejo, since December 19th , 1994, and they share with this park its golden sand dunes, totally organic in their formation,  by the accumulation of remains of shells belonging to millions of shellfish and other marine organisms with external skeleton, deposited by the sea and piled up by wind currents.

Throughout these 8kms different beaches stretch, all with turquoise waters that leads us directly to paradise, some formed by large expanses of sand and other shaping small semi´-rocky coves: all of them a true wonder of nature.

Fuertecharter | Trekking Lobos Islet

From the north (the closest part to Corralejo), the first one we find is the beach of Punta Prieta, La Barreta and El Bajo Negro. These beaches are very extensive and often the most visited by tourists, as they  also have the most services for visitors, such as walkways, beach bars, sunbeds and parasols; nevertheless, they are never very crowded.

As we move southwards  we find the beaches of Los Matos, El Burro, El Dormidero and El Moro. They are more sheltered  than the previous ones, and rockier, but their beauty is comparable to those just mentioned. These old names are generally granted by local fishermen. Today, these names have been changing, especially among the surfing community, which has put names to the beaches depending on the waves that are in them.
Excursiones Fuertecharter | Grandes Playas de Corralejo, Fuerteventura
These beaches, besides being an ideal place to sunbathe, are also ideal for water sports. The nearest to Corralejo have constant winds almost all the year through, so they are the perfect spot for kitesurfing, especially  La Barreta beach, known by kiters as Flag Beach.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Grandes Playas de Corralejo, Fuerteventura
©blog.aboattime.com

As we go down to the south the coast offers us good spots to surf, best in summer.

Great allies on this coast are “Los Corralitos”, circular stone constructions, useful to shelter from the wind , and that can save your day at the beach  when the wind blows hard.

 

Fuertecharter Fuerteventura | Wind and beaches in Fuerteventura
©ifuerteventura facebook

Parking at these beaches is on the very side of the road (FV-1) and it’s a zone where we recommend driving with caution as the continuous parking and unparking can cause traffic jams. There are proper parking areas, and it’s forbidden  to do it in the area of ​​the dunes, where we advise you not to get in,  as your car it is likely to get trapped in the sand.

Grandes Playas, Corralejo, have been classified as the second best beaches of Fuerteventura, after Cofete, and they are a paradise for  nudist beach lovers.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Vacaciones en Fuerteventura
© www.queweb.info

Last May they won the Blue Flag certificate for the twentieth consecutive year, award given by the European Foundation of Environmental Education, thus attesting to the quality of bathing waters, information and environmental education in the area, environmental management, security and services and facilities.
These beaches can be reached by car or  bus lines 6 and 7.
Fuertecharter Team

A four-day tour around Fuerteventura

Day 4: last day

At this point in your trip to Fuerteventura sure that you’re completely in love with the island. For the fourth and final day of tour, we suggest a trip to “La península de Jandia”, south of Fuerteventura.

And as yesterday you already visited the central part of the island, we suggest taking the FV- 1 road, so you can discover all the charms of the east coast, with nice sea views.
Leaving Corralejo you cross the Natural Park of the Dunes, which you already visited on the first day. The golden shades of sand dunes, on your right, and turquoise and crystal clear waters, to the left, will mark an exceptional landscape in these first kilometres of the journey.

In this direction you will cross Puerto del Rosario, the capital of the island since 1860, and if you keep heading south along the FV-2, you will get to Gran Tarajal and then to Costa Calma, where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Sotavento which host one of the World events of Windsurfing and Kitesurfing in the months of July-August on the amazing beach of La Barca, characterized by a barrier of sand that forms a big lagoon ideal for practising water and wind sports.

©www.parapsihopatologija.com
©www.parapsihopatologija.com

Costa Calma is a village in the Isthmus of La Pared (narrowest part of the island, about 5km from the east to the west coast). In this area “La pared de Jandía” is located, a pre-Hispanic construction of dry stone (0.8m high and 0.5m thick) of which only some parts are preserved. Different hypotheses tell about the functionality of this wall, one of which states that, in ancient times, it separated the two kingdoms of the island: Maxorata (north, under the mandate of Guise) and Jandia (south, under the mandate of Ayose), although there are other theories that weaken this hypothesis, by placing the separation between the two kingdoms further to the north.

Continuing along the FV-2 we’ll get to the town of Morro Jable and at this point the road ends and, for the most daring, a dirt road (in good condition) starts, which leads us to the Puerto de la Cruz (end of the island of Fuerteventura), with its characteristic settlement of caravans and beautiful lighthouse which brings together the waves of East and West, breaking at this end in the shape of Y.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura en 4 días
©victorestebanblancodiez.blogspot.com

The whole area around the dirt road (Natural Protected Reserve), is full of beaches, calm water (on the east coast), where the famous Playa de Juan Gómez stands out for its heavenly beauty, or the beaches we find after the lighthouse, such as the beach of Los Ojos, whose picture you see on the cover of this post.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura en 4 días
©visitfuerteventura.es

Just on the opposite coast, in the west, we find the long and wild sandy beach of Cofete, a real shock for the senses. The dirt road goes along a steep winding path which reaching the top reveals a breathtaking landscape: the long beach of Cofete from the top of the cliff; so long a beach that the sight cannot reach its end.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura en 4 días
©playascalas.com

On the hillside leading down to the beach, as a witness of the passing of time, the enigmatic and seductive Villa Winter rises, a house in shape of turreted castle belonging to the German engineer Gustav Winter, built in the Jandia Peninsula back in the 30s, and there are different legends surrounding it, some of which relate it to the Hitler regime, but there are records that ensure that Gustav Winter didn’t do his military service in Germany nor is there the slightest suspicion of collaboration with the Nazis.

Fuerteventura | La Casa Winter

In the village of Cofete there is a small museum that documents photographically part of the history of this mysterious Villa, and the most daring can try knocking the gates of the house and maybe they can come to discover the rooms of such unknown castle.

And after such a long journey and so many stories, it is time to resume the return to the north. There are still many treasures to be discovered, like climbing “El pico de la zarza”, that you find in Cofete beach from a height of 800m, cross Pecenescal ravine, where through a huge sandbar you reach some white cliffs ending in the sea, discover “La Playa de la Pared”, Garcey Beach where the great cruise ship American Star was stranded… and thousands of secret corners that you find out in the island after visiting it again and again.

Hopefully this four-day tour has helped to awaken the love for this desert landscape so you return to visit us and know Fuerteventura like the back of your hand.
FuerteCharter Team.

A four-day tour on Fuerteventura

DAY 3

Today, on this third day of tour around Fuerteventura, we suggest putting aside sport activities, as we have already had enough of them for the last two days (here we leave you the links for days 1 and 2 of this tour, in case you haven’t read them yet).

As Fuerteventura is not only the north, which is what we have been visiting so far, on this third day we suggest a trip to the centre of the island so you meet the inland villages, which keep a great deal of the history of this island.

We’ll set off from Corralejo taking the FV-101 towards the centre of the island. The first thing we’ll find on our way will be the small village of Villaverde, on the mountain side of Escanfraga, the highest volcanic cone on the island.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura: día 3
©centolo_negro

In Villaverde you’ll find the Museo de la Cueva del Llano, an underground lava tube which visitors can go through, provided with helmet and frontal lantern, while guides tell about the volcanic origin  of Fuerteventura and the curiosities of this land thousands of years ago. We must highlight that Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands and that the last volcano that erupted did it 10.000 million years ago (Monaña de la Arena).

FuerteCharter Excursiones | History Fuerteventura

From Villaverde we’ll go on inland,  passing through the village of La Oliva, which is the head of a municipality in the notth of Fuerteventura, where you can visit “La Casa de los Coroneles”, an ancient fortress from the second half of the XVII century, which today is used as an exhibition hall, showing the life on the island at a time of all-powerful landowners.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura: día 3
©lacasadeloscoroneles.org

We keep going southbound, through the village of Tindaya and its holy mountain, which has given rise to many discrepancies at present due to the controversial work which is to be carried out inside it; and from there we go on to Tefia, taking the FV-207 after Tindaya.

Once we go past Tefia we’ll take the FV-30 to Betancuria, a quite winding and narrow mountain road, so we recommend extreme caution when driving.

The lookout point Morro Velosa (669m), designed by the versatile man César Manrique, will welcome us to let us see one of the most breathtaking views on the island. Beside it, we’ll find the statues of Guise and Avose, two ancient warriors who ruled in aboriginal Fuerteventura, when this was divided into two big groups.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura: día 3
©www.fotocommunity.de

In the valley, Betancuria looks quaint, like a haven of peace and white houses among a green and lush vegetation, very different from the rest of landscapes in Fuerteventura. This greenery and fertility were the reasons why conquerors settled in this land the first capital of the islands, back in the XV century. We must highlight the visit to Santa Maria Chuch-Cathedral, one of the most impressive historic buildings on the island.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura: día 3

We keep heading south, discovering treasures of Fuerteventura. The next urban core we go through is Pájara, where visitors going on tour from north to south are very common. The shrine of Nuestra señora de Regla, in Pájara, has a precious main altarpiece, restored a couple of years ago by master craftsmen from our island.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura: día 3
©commons.wikimedia.org

And from Pájara we’ll head to the Western coast, taking the FV-621, until getting to the little village of Ajuy, a haven for fishermen with a gorgeous black sand beach and stunning caves which tourists can visit following a signposted route along the coastline.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura: día 3
©www.visitafuerteventura.com

Ajuy is a place where throngs of tourists flock to the few restaurants you find in the village to enjoy fresh fish, but if you don’t like crowds we recommend having some home-made rations in Pájara, before getting to Ajuy.

And to help digestion, nothing better than going for a walk in El barranco de Las Peñitas , which you can access form the village of Buen Paso (between Ajuy and Pájara). There you find a cliff made of granite blocks, which offers a landscape very different from the rest of the island. Big blocks of granite rise up on the edges of what, no doubt, once must have been a little river,  when there was water. Nowadays there is nothing but pools of stagnant water which flow on the rainy days of winter. This area of the island is a treasure for mountain climbers, as this is one of the few areas in Fuerteventura where you can climb.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Tour por Fuerteventura: día 3
©www.visitafuerteventura.com

El barranco de Las Peñitas is named after La ermita de la Virgen de la Peña (shrine), placed within it, another story that makes up the past of these lands; and at the highest part of the cliff we find the well known “Presa de las Peñitas”, with no apparent function at present.

And after this evening walk it’s time to head back north. This time we suggest taking the FV-30, after Pájara, towards Tuineje and Antigua, to avoid the winding road in Betancuria.

If you have skipped some steps of the way and you have still some time to spare, in Antigua you can visit the “Museo del Queso Majorero”, where you’ll get first hand information about the secrets in the production of such a goat milk delicacy.

Have a nice journey back and rest tonight, so as to get ready for the fourth and last day of this tour, when we’ll take you to find out the south of Fuerteventura and its never ending beaches, typical of a paradise whose beauty is beyond our wildest dreams.

Fuertecharter team.

A 4-day tour on Fuerteventura

Day 2
After the first day in Fuerteventura your energy is renewed; the sun shines for another day in paradise and there are many things left to be discovered.

Yesterday you realised the great potential of this island for water sports and we hope the first surf lessons were not too hard and you don’t have an aching body today.
 (If you haven’t read the plans for  the 1st day yet, here’s the link, so you don’t miss a thing on your holidays on the island).

Once you’ve already met  Corralejo and its surroundings, the plans suggested for the second day of this tour will have as protagonist the neighboring island of Lobos.

Fuertecharter | Trekking Lobos Islet

To know it, of course we recommend one of our excursions by catamaran. FuerteCharter tours are very special, as we don’t only take visitors to the nearby island, but we prepare everything very carefully so as to turn this into “your holiday experience”.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Vacaciones en Fuerteventura

For fishing lovers, we offer the option of  trolling throughout our journey. Let’s see if we are lucky and our wonderful customers get us fresh fish for lunch!

Once we reach the berth of Lobos, we display all our equipment:
•    Snorkeling: mask, snorkel and fins to explore the hidden     treasures in these warm waters. We also carry bread to attract the fish and take good photos with them.
•    Kayak: for those with adventure spirit who want to row and get away and discover the surroundings.
•    SUP: we also have Stand Up Paddle boards and paddles, to teach the rudiments of the sport that is becoming so fashionable. We encourage everyone to try it and have a laugh discovering the limits of their body balance.

Excursiones Fuertecharter | Vacaciones en Fuerteventura

And filled with physical activity and laughter, we get to the island of Lobos on our semirigid boat.

Fuertecharter-web

The Little harbour of  Lobos, where we set ashore, is a place of outstanding beauty. Turquoise waters  whimsically painting  the volcanic rock and white sand coast.

Isla de Lobos Fuerteventura

If booked in advance, guests can enjoy a delicious paella or  fresh fish in the emblematic restaurant of the island.

The return to Corralejo usually starts by approaching the wave of Lobos by boat, one of the best known waves in Europe. And after watching the surfers make a show of their tricks and most refined techniques, we undertake the return to Corralejo Harbour, where we get just in time for lunch.

http://www.fuertecharter.com/
©redsharkfuerteventura

The afternoon  plan is dedicated to the town of El Cotillo, so we suggest  driving your car in the morning so now you can go to El Cotillo and have lunch in one of the restaurants of this picturesque fishing village where freshly caught fish it is one of the main tourist attractions.

After the delicious meal, we recommend visiting the beaches of Los Lagos, north of El Cotillo, where calm waters lap the golden sand and invite you to a relaxing nap by the sea.

©visitfuerteventura.es
©visitfuerteventura.es

When the sun begins to go down, we propose to change beach and watch the sunset at  “Piedra Playa”, a beach where the swell is much heavier than in “Los Lagos”, so it is commonly used daily by surf schools and those who practise kite, in windy days. This long beach keeps a secret in itssouthernmost part, its cliff is made of clay, you can take into your own hands, mix it with water and enjoy a mud bath,  natural spa style. The results on the skin are amazing!

Fuertecharter | tour por fuerteventura, isla de Lobos

And as you are already in love with Fuerteventura and its beaches, and it’s already getting dark and tomorrow we must continue discovering secrets, it’s time for a quick dinner and sleep to restore energy.

Tomorrow promises to be interesting, a trip to the center of the island to discover the inland villages, including Betancuaria, where the conquerors decided to settle the first capital of Fuerteventura.

We’ll keep telling you about the remaining two days in future articles on our blog.

Fuertecharter Team

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