Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
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It was once called Puerto de Cabras (port of goats) because goats herds were watered in nearby ravines.
But in 1956, the ruling middle classes
decided
the
name was humiliating and it was changed. Unfortunately, no one told local
residents about the change of name to Puerto del Rosario which was chosen
because the church in the centre is dedicated to the patron saint "Virgin
del Rosario".
Now, half a century on, there is a move to change the name of Puerto del Rosario - simply called Puerto by local expats - back to its original name.
The centre of the capital would be called Puerto de Cabras and the surrounding areas Puerto del Rosario.
The population of Puerto del Rosario is around 18,000. The city is not really geared up for tourism being more of an industrial area although it has undergone a facelift in recent years with roads resurfaced and a promenade built around the harbour.
The harbour area is the oldest part of Puerto del Rosario and it is around this district you can find alleyways lined with Canarian-style houses. The port itself attracts cruise ships visiting Fuerteventura and is also the base for ferries that operate between Fuerteventura and some of the other islands.
A new shopping complex opened in 2006 called Las Rotondas is fast becoming the main focal point for shopping in Puerto del Rosario.
The commercial centre, spread over four floors, covers 70,000sq. metres and features a number of top European named stores, a supermarket and restaurants.
Other shops and stores are basically spread
around three different areas. The main shopping road is Avda Leon y Castillo
and the two roads either side that run parallel with it, Virgin de la Pena
and Jean de Bethencourt. Here you will find countless small shops to browse
around, cafes and
bars.
The main banking area, however, is some way from this
in Avd 1 de Mayo. This where you will find Puerto del Rosario's largest
single department store, Norte y Sur. And a third area on an industrial estate just
outside the centre caters houses a number of cash and carry warehouses for
the DIY enthusiast, gardener and tradesmen.
There are plenty of night clubs and discos around Puerto del Rosario. These tend to attract mostly young Spanish people and it is unusual to see a tourist there.
If you want to see Puerto del Rosario
by bus, a tourist bus leaves every 45 minutes from 9am-2pm the bus stop
next to the quay. A guide is on board – look out for the logo on the bus
“Vamos en Guagua Edicion Turista” (Let’s take the tourist bus!)
Puerto del Rosario is well served by buses from al parts of the island. The terminus is all in the same road, making getting from north to south easy, although a new coach station is planned. If you are planning a shopping trip, remember most stores close in the afternoon for siesta.
Statues are everywhere. The city is especially proud of its sculpture park, an open air museum featuring more than 50 works of art in a pedestrianised area.
Even roundabouts are adorned with sculptures. The sculpture park plays host to the annual International Sculpture Symposium.
The statue above is one of three statues
well known in Puerto del Rosario as landmarks for giving directions.- the
clock roundabout. The other two are the three ladies - or three bums as will
become apparent - and the metal man.
Unamano House
(Casa Unamano) is worth a visit, and the Juan Ismael Modern Art Museum runs
programmes all year round. Unamano House is next to the town council
buildings and
he
lived there during his years in exile on Fuerteventura.
It is open Monday-Friday 9am-1pm and 5pm-7pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. Entrance is free.
There is also a culture centre (Casa de la Cultura) where exhibitions, plays and concerts are held.
Puerto del Rosario also has a beach to the south of the town where many workers head for during siesta.
Puerto del Rosario is also the centre of most carnival and fiesta celebrations including a make shift raft race, Los Archipencos, which sets off from the port.
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