Did you know that Villaverde means green village? Compared to other villages on Fuerteventura, Villaverde is greener. It is due to the porous volcanic ash from the surrounding volcanoes. Welcome to Villaverde.
Villaverde is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility. It is a rural setting between La Oliva and Corralejo. The village is close enough to the nightlife, but far enough away to relax.
Protected by two large volcanic elevations, Escanfraga and Monta de la Arena, Villaverde has fertile land. Its strategic position offers a direct view of the Atlantic and Lanzarote. This made Villaverde a safe place for human settlement. The presence of aborigines dates back to the fourth century.
The volcanic landscape with badlands, jameos and caves provided security against enemy attacks. Several archaeological sites have been found here including La Cueva de los dolos and Cueva de Villaverde. Let’s explore some of them.
The Cave of the Idols is part of a lava tube. It is 16 meters long and in some areas its width exceeds 7 meters. The unique name is due to the anthropomorphic figurines found inside. Some of them can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura.
Cueva de Villaverde is on the slopes of the Escanfraga mountain. It is on the left bank of the FV-101 road, near El Horno Restaurant. The lava tube is 190 meters long and was inhabited from the 5th to the 9th century. Discovered in 1979, archaeological campaigns have revealed important data about the life of the Majos. Seeds of wheat, barley and legumes confirm the use of agriculture by the aborigines.
La Cueva del Llano is one of the oldest volcanic tubes in the Canary archipelago. It is approximately 1 million years old and just over 650 meters long. The first 400 meters are open to the public. The passable area is 7 to 12 meters wide and 3 to 5 meters high. The final 250 meters are restricted to researchers. A unique arachnid, the Maiorerus randoi, lives there and is in serious danger of extinction.
After the conquest, Villaverde continued to be a refuge from pirate attacks. The Escanfraga mountain top served as a surveillance point for the north coast. For centuries, its inhabitants lived from the primary sector. They collected barrel and cosco, cultivated cereals and farmed goats.
The windmills of Villaverde are located at the top of the Molino mountain. These centuries-old flour mills were restored by expert craftsmen.
The hermitage of San Vicente Ferrer dates from the end of the 18th century. Its location allows it to be seen from almost anywhere in the municipality. It was raised thanks to the contributions of the neighbors. It consists of a single nave, with a gabled roof, crowned by a belfry and surrounded by a barbican. The access doors are simple semicircular arches made of stonework. The main altar is higher, by a step. The interior of the nave is covered with a wooden coffered ceiling.
There are also hiking routes to do from Villaverde. The climb to the Escanfraga mountain takes about 2 hours. The circular route of Malpa de la Arena is about 8.5 kilometers long and takes between 3 and 3.5 hours. Stage 2 of the Great Route 131, about 20 km long, goes from Villaverde to Corralejo.
Villaverde celebrates its festivities in honor of San Vicente Ferrer every first Sunday in April. The Escanfraga Trail is one of the toughest races in Fuerteventura. It has a positive slope of 1200 meters and spectacular views.
Villaverde is a picturesque village with magnificent rural villas. It offers privileged views over the Atlantic Ocean and Lanzarote. A perfect rural hideaway nestled on the mountainside Escanfraga, Villaverde is far enough away from the hustle but close enough. It is a refuge to life yourself to new sensations and experiences with nature.
Villaverde is a village with a rich history and culture. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. I hope you enjoyed this tour of Villaverde.