Car tours of Fuerteventura - the north tour

A tip - on this route, don't forget to pack some stale bread and your camera.

Start by taking the FV10 from the Puerto del Rosario ring road sign posted to Tetir – after you have climbed you will pass the old airport at Los Estancos.

You will drive through a U-shaped valley and enter the farming area of Tetir followed by the attractive village of La Matilla and on to the farming community of Tefia at the edge of a large plain then down a road on the right signposted for Las Pacelas / Puertito de Los Molinos.

The windmills you will pass on this route were used to make gofio, an important food for the islanders, and they are being restored with EU aid.

Los Molinos is the first stopping point – a picturesque fishing village craddled by cliffs. Here you can climb the rocks for an impressive photo of the village then walk down to the pond. If you have remembered to pack a few old pieces of bread, you will have swans and ducks flocking to you to be fed!

The fascinating village is full of small, old fishermen’s cottages. Wander through it and you will find an interesting shrine at the centre.

Shell fish or tuna is definitely recommended here and if La Terraza restaurant is open, it is worth the walk across the black sandy beach and up the steps for the view as you eat. Return to the junction below La Matilla, head left for Corralejo and you will be looking at the dark volcano of Montana Quemada where there is a monument to the Spanish poet and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno who was exiled to Fuerteventura.

Next is Tindaya with Montana Tindaya – a great rocky mountain that dominates the area. The ancient inhabitants of the island believed it had magical qualities and carried out many religious rites here and you can still spot the ancient hieroglyphics cut into the peak.

Just after Tindaya, get ready to turn right to the village of Vallebron where you can get out of the car and enjoy the views of the mountain and the village. Next stop is La Olivia, a former military post back in the 17th century where you can find the colonels’ house, Casa de los Coroneles. The church here dominates the town.

Also here you will find a fascinating arts centre, Casa Mane. It houses art works from Canarian artists and is well worth a visit.The galleries contain non permanent modern works from local artists, all being kept in well air conditioned conditions which make for very comfortable viewing.

There is also a permanent exhibition with works by probably the most famous Canarian artist Alberto Manrique. Two rooms display his work, one containing early water colours and the other some very interesting and thought provoking scenes in oils. Outside you will find a very well laid out sculpture garden to wander around, with seating provided it makes for a different and enjoyable experience.
Cameras can be used in the galleries but remember to turn off the flash as most are behind glass and flash reflection will ruin a good picture. From here, head to El Cotillo where you can enjoy its marvellous beaches and lagoons. A detour of about 9 kms will also take you to the lighthouse, Faro de Toston, where there are some marvellous coves ideal for a picnic spot.

Heading back to Corralejo, it is worth taking the roundabout into Lajares and having a wander around the village and the two windmills for which it is famous.
Then it is on to Corralejo and after browsing around the old harbour area and the bustling high street, back north driving through its famous sand dunes.

Corralejo

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