Fuerteventura, the island of eternal spring

Hello, my name is Fuerteventura, the island of eternal spring is my nickname. As I am proud of my residents and love my visitors, I would like to introduce myself to you. I like to describe myself as warm and handsome, surprising and diverse, calm when I have to and lively when I can. It is a genuine pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Fuerteventura, the island of eternal spring: My Family

I have the Spanish nationality, belong to the family of the Canary Islands and I am a member of the family of the province of Las Palmas. With an area of 1660 km², I am a big girl so I am the second largest member of the family after my cousin Tenerife. In 2020, I had just under 120,000 inhabitants, making me the fourth most populous of all the Canary Islands. Geologically speaking, I am also the oldest member of the Canary family.

My name

My name, Fuerteventura, is composed of 2 Spanish words “Fuerte” = “Strong” and “Ventura” = “Fortune”. My name is often linked to the strong winds that occasionally blow around me. However, nothing could be further from the truth, my name mainly refers to “strong luck or wealth”, a principle that I am happy to help realize for each of you. It can't get any better than that, right?

My childhood

I was born 20 million years ago through a volcanic eruption. My last volcanic activity dates back to more than 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. I am told that my first visitors were from North Africa. But since this was a long time ago, I can't quite remember it. My natives are still called Mahorero or Maho to this day. The word is derived from the word “mahos”, a kind of goatskin shoe worn by my first native inhabitants.

Around 1340 the first Spanish and Portuguese expeditions to me were organized. They were followed by the Moors and other Europeans. In 1405, Jean de Béthencourt completed my 3-year conquest and established my first capital in picturesque Betancuria. In 1835, Puerto del Rosario would take over as the capital. After that first conquest, a number of attacks and occupations followed. In 1912 the Canary Islands were given self-government and in 1927 Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and myself formed a small family as the province of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas.

Today my population is very diverse. It is an interesting mixture of Southern European, mainly originating from Spain and Italy, supplemented by Northern, Central and Western Europeans, Central and South Americans and Africans.

My environment

I'm about 100 miles from North African coasts and about the same latitude as Florida and Mexico. I am 100 kilometers long and measure 31 kilometers at my widest and 5 kilometers at my slimmest point. My highest peak is the Pico de la Zarza (807 m) and is located in my southwestern part. I have the longest beaches in all the Canary Islands. In addition, I can please my visitors with no fewer than 152 different beaches, of which 50 kilometers are covered with white sand and 25 kilometers with black volcanic pebbles. The most popular are the Playas de Corralejo, Playa de Ajuy, Playa de Cofete, playa de Sotavento and the Playas de El Cotillo.

In addition, out of 500 European regions, I was chosen as one of the most attractive tourist destinations for travelers interested in cultural heritage, environment and sustainability.

Finally, this: I am divided into 6 regions/municipalities: Antigua, Betancuria, La Oliva, Pájara, Puerto del Rosario and Tuineje. Together these comprise about 100 municipalities and villages. This also includes the nearby island of Lobos, which falls under the region of La Oliva.

My climate: Fuerteventura, the island of eternal spring

My climate is pleasant all year round. That is why I am also called the island of eternal spring. My annual average maximum temperature is 24.3 degrees Celsius while my average minimum temperature is 17.8 degrees. That is why they call me, Fuerteventura, the island of eternal spring. With just under 16 rainy days a year, I am one of the driest islands in the Canary area. Delicious isn't it?

The ocean keeps the hottest Sahara winds away from me, but that doesn't always work. The "Calima", a sandstorm blowing from the Sahara desert to the northwest, can temporarily raise temperatures by 10 degrees. Due to the fine red dust that is supplied, visibility can become poor and this phenomenon causes drying air.

Source: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologí

My economy

My economy is mainly based on tourism. The main tourist areas are the regions of Morro Jable and the Costa Calma in the south, Caleta de Fuste just south of Puerto Del Rosario and Corralejo in the north. Other important industries are fishing and agriculture.

my nature

In 2009 I was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Due to my arid climate I mainly have a xerophytic vegetation. This means that I mostly host “drought-loving” plants. These are adapted to longer periods when little moisture is available. So perfectly tailored to me.

My animal kingdom consists of the endangered Canary Egyptian vulture and significant populations of the collared pigeon, swifts, reed warbler and various finch species. A beautiful diversity of butterflies regularly brightens me up with their beautiful colors. Also wild dogs and cats, Berber-like ground squirrels and geckos like to stay with me.

My art and culture

I count three auditoriums. These are located in Antigua, Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario: http://www.cabildofuer.es/cabildo/. All performing arts are practiced here. In addition, they are also used for non-artistic purposes, such as conferences, charity galas and political rallies.

Besides the many live performances, concerts and festivals in my smaller halls, on squares and in cozy alleys, I also have some bigger happenings such as Lebrancho Rock in Puerto del Rosario that focuses on my local bands and Fuertemusica in El Cotillo.

I am also the proud foundation of several museums and exhibition spaces such as the Antigua Windmill Craft Center, the Salt Museum and the Archaeological Interpretation Center of Atalayita. In addition, there is also the open-air sculpture park in Puerto del Rosario consisting of more than 100 sculptures by different artists.

My cuisine

My traditional cuisine is quite simple partly due to the climatic conditions. I make use of my large natural supply of fish. I am also a fan of papas arrugadas, a dish of wrinkled potatoes that is served either with mojo, a hot pepper sauce, or with puchero canario, a stew of meat. The most important meat is that of the goat. Goats are also important for their milk. For example, delicious cheeses are made from this.

Besides the traditional cuisine, the influence of many nationalities has created an extensive range of different international cuisines. Spanish tapas, Italian pizzas, French croissants, Argentine steak,... to list them all is almost impossible. One thing is certain, being spoiled culinary is no problem for me.

My sports

A healthy mind in a healthy body is very important to me. That is why I am focused on making many sports possible. My main indigenous sports are Canarian wrestling, Juego del Palo a Canarian martial art which literally translated means "game of the stick" and a Canarian pétanque, a game similar to the French pétanque.

Because of my mild climate and because I am surrounded by water, water sports are very popular. With dot on number 1 is: surfing. I am therefore the surfer's paradise par excellence in Europe. The trade winds in the summer and the winter waves of the Atlantic Ocean guarantee ideal surfing conditions all year round. My Northern flank in particular is a succession of surf spots where Beach Breaks and Reef Breaks alternate. The surf community is growing by the day and provides colorful and relaxed vibes.

Besides surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are also very popular. These fantastic sports can be practiced in each of my corners. The hot spot is the Playa de Sotavento. International championships are also organized here every year. In addition to surfing sports, swimming, diving and sailing are also very popular.

In addition to water sports, the various cycling sports are popular. Mountain biking on my paved gravel roads or speeding on my well-maintained asphalt tracks, the choice is yours. Finally, skateboarding, running, hiking, fitness and yoga are also very common.

My Character

As you can see, I have quite a few strengths. I am extrovert, lively and cheerful. I prefer not to have too many rules and sometimes I like to retreat and relax. Being open to diversity is my most important standard. What you are or do is interesting to know but to me it is secondary to who you are. With me, everyone can be themselves: man, woman or gender-neutral, tall or short, skinny or portly, blond or brown. Who cares? Do you feel the click? Then I am looking forward to meeting you soon. I would like to welcome you in advance.

Have you also fallen in love with me and do you wish to meet me on a more regular basis? Canary Immo will gladly help you find your ideal spot under my sun. Check here how they do it.  

Bronnen:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuerteventura

https://www.aemet.es/en/portada