Picture a tenacious farmer named Felipito el Feo. His legacy lives on at Casas de Felipito. This recreational area offers a glimpse into Fuerteventura’s past. It is a testament to the islander’s struggle against the harsh landscape.
Casas de Felipito is located near Guisguey in the municipality of Puerto del Rosario. It sits where the Barranco de La Herradura and El Time meet. This area is more than just a picnic spot. It tells the story of survival and adaptation.
Felipe Ruíz González was known as Felipito el Feo. He was a beloved figure from the early 20th century. Felipito and his family lived on this land. They worked hard to make it fertile. He built stone walls. These walls protected the crops from wind and wandering animals.
The original farmhouse had three rooms. It also had an upper floor called a sobrado. This typical Majorcan peasant house has been restored. It now stands as a preserved piece of the island’s ethnographic heritage. The Cabildo de Fuerteventura manages Casas de Felipito. It is part of the Fuerteventura Museum Network.
Felipito owned extensive land. It stretched between the Barranco de La Herradura and El Time. He put all his energy into building a complex stone infrastructure. This helped him combat the wind and cultivate the rocky soil.
He built thick walls. Some were over three meters high. He also constructed lower walls. These protected the area from the wind. Felipito used the limestone to create surfaces for planting. The stone walls also kept out animals.
Visitors today can see a network of limestone corrals. Felipito used these as his only defense against the wind. You can also observe systems designed to channel rainwater. He wanted to ensure his crops were watered when it rained.
The Casas de Felipito area includes barbecue spots. There are also large tables and benches with roofs. These offer protection from the sun and wind. A children’s playground provides fun for the little ones. Canary ball courts allow you to enjoy a traditional sport. Landscaped areas feature local plants. You’ll find bougainvillea, aloe vera, pomegranate, olive, and fig trees.
Casas de Felipito is open from Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 11:00 to 18:00.
When you visit, remember to use the facilities responsibly. Respect the rules. Bring your own water and food. There are no shops here. Protect the natural environment. Do not leave any waste behind.
Casas de Felipito represents the struggle against the island’s harsh environment. Felipito’s efforts turned a difficult landscape into a productive space. The area shows how people adapted to the challenging conditions of Fuerteventura.
Casas de Felipito is a special place. It combines Fuerteventura’s history with the beauty of its natural surroundings. It is a place where you can appreciate the hard work of past generations. It is a place where you can connect with the island’s heritage.