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Casa Mariposa - A luxury, self-catering villa with private heated spa in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura - one of the sunny Canary Islands - ideal for family holidays About Fuerteventura |
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ABOUT
FUERTEVENTURA
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Of all the Canaries, Fuerteventura is the island with the oldest history and has over 150 of the longest beaches of wonderful fine sand. Only a narrow 100 km channel separates Fuerteventura from the African continent.
The island's colourful past can be traced in a variety of ancient buildings, monuments, archaeological sites and museums. The unusual sight of windmills, a reminder of its farming past, can be found throughout the island, which was known as the ‘granary of the Canary Islands’ when the climate was much wetter than it is today. Now it enjoys 3,000 hours of sunshine a year!
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The island is a paradise for sun, beach and watersports enthusiasts. It's not the place for all-night ravers but Fuerteventura is perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxed holiday at any time of the year. Much of the interior, with its large plains, lavascapes and volcanic mountains, consists of protected areas which can be best be explored in a 4x4 or (for the more daring) with a cross-country motorbike.
In 1405 the French conqueror John de Bethencourt took the island and gave his name to the capital, Betancuria on the west coast (Puerto Rosario became the island capital in 1835). The name of the island itself is believed to have come from Bethencourt's exclamation "Que forte aventure!" (What a grand adventure). Whatever the truth of the matter, Fuerteventura still offers the modern day visitor plenty of adventure. Here you can go shark fishing, kitesurfing, explore beautiful blue lagoons and volcanic hills ….. or just lie back and soak up the sun ..... |
