“Strong fortune” or “strong wind” is Fuerteventura’s namesake. Today we explore Las Palmas. It is one of the municipalities of Fuerteventura. It’s time to step back in time.
Las Palmas is part of the Province of Las Palmas. Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the Canary archipelago. It emerged from a volcanic eruption around 20 million years ago. Over time, wind and rain have shaped its landscape.
Did you know that Fuerteventura is also called Planaria? This is due to its mostly flat terrain. The first people on Fuerteventura likely came from North Africa. They wore goatskin shoes called “mahos”. This is where the name “majorero” for the islanders comes from.
In the 15th century, the island was divided into two kingdoms. These were Maxorata and Jandía. They were separated by the Erbania wall. The island’s early name came from this wall.
The French explorer Jean de Béthencourt began conquering the island in 1402. He established Betancuria in 1404. It was Fuerteventura’s first capital. It remained the capital until 1859.
Pirate attacks were common in colonial times. Fortifications were built along the coast for protection. One example is the castle at Caleta de Fuste.
In 1852, Isabella II created a free trade zone in the Canary Islands. Military rule ended in 1859. Puerto del Rosario became the new capital. In 1863, Manuel Velázquez Cabrera formed the island’s first council. Self-governance was granted in 1912.
The first airport arrived in the 1940s. Tourism took off in the late 1960s with a new airport and hotels.
Fuerteventura’s flag is green and white. It features the island’s coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms includes symbols for Castile and León. It also alludes to the Saavedra family.
Fuerteventura has a hot desert climate. Temperatures stay mild throughout the year. The island is known as the “island of eternal spring”. The sea helps regulate the temperature. It diverts hot Sahara winds. Sometimes sandstorms from the Sahara, called Calima, affect the island. They bring high temperatures and low visibility.
The island is a popular spot for beaches and watersports. Its beaches extend for 50 km with white sand. There are also 25 km of black volcanic shingle.
The highest point is Pico de la Zarza. It stands at 807 m high.
Don’t be surprised if you meet goats! The island faces water challenges. Desalination plants produce fresh water. Tourists use about twice as much water as residents.
The cuisine is simple. It features fish and local produce. “Papas arrugadas” are wrinkled potatoes served with mojo sauce. Majorero cheese comes from the milk of majorera goats. It is a local specialty with protected origin status.
Fuerteventura’s economy relies mainly on tourism today.
You can reach the island by plane or ferry. The airport is near Puerto del Rosario. Ferries connect Fuerteventura to other Canary Islands.
Native sports include Canarian wrestling and “juego del palo”. This is a martial art using sticks. Watersports are also popular. They include surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.