02 FUERTEVENTURA

Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the Canary archipelago, formed over 22 million years ago. The Jandía plateau in the south was once a separate island, later connected by lava flows. The island also features volcanic landscapes known as “malpaís”, meaning “badlands”.

In 2009, the entire island of Fuerteventura was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This title acknowledges both its natural richness and its connection to traditional rural activities such as goat herding, farming, and the preservation of historic island architecture.

The island is home to the Atlantic lizard (Gallotia atlantica), found only on Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Along the coast lives the protected mollusk Patella candei, an endemic species of the Canary Islands and a key indicator of marine environmental health.

In earlier times, Fuerteventura was repeatedly targeted by pirates due to its strategic location. The island’s inhabitants were traditionally divided into two historical regions: Maxorata in the north and Jandía in the south—each with its own identity and customs.

Every year, Fuerteventura hosts the Baile Canario festival, celebrating traditional Canary Island dances and music. Locals dress in historical costumes and perform choreographies to live music played on instruments such as the timple and chácaras.

It is the driest of all the Canary Islands, with some areas receiving less than 100 mm of rain annually. Winds shape the desert-like, stony terrain. The north tends to be windier and drier, while the south enjoys calmer weather and milder conditions.

Fuerteventura has the longest coastline of any Canary Island—over 340 kilometers. Many beaches are naturally protected by rocky formations, creating calm, lagoon-like areas perfect for swimming, especially for beginners and those practicing water sports in a safe environment.

Fuerteventura is known for goat farming. From their milk comes Majorero cheese, awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This firm, mild-flavored cheese is often coated with paprika or goat fat, giving it a distinct taste and traditional preservation method.

Typical constructions include volcanic stone ovens, or “hornos,” once used for baking bread. Windmills for grinding corn are also common across the island. These rural elements reflect the island’s agricultural past and continue to define its cultural landscape.

Canarian wrestling, or lucha canaria, has strong roots on the island, tracing back to the Guanche people. In the Betancuria region, native palm groves and ancient irrigation systems built by early settlers are preserved, showcasing sustainable water management techniques.