The Canaries & Madeira
A Spanish archipelago off the North West coast of Africa plus Madeira
© Nova Fisher www.novatravels.net
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Fuerteventura

Just 60 miles off the African coast with the

largest desert area in Europe

Fuerteventura is sun-baked and wind-blasted, with cacti-dotted plains and rolling sand dunes. Its Parque Natural de Corralejo has an 11km long stretch of sand that contains the largest dunes in the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura has the largest area of desert in Europe (UNESCO said in 1983). The Atalayita Village Archaeological Interpretation Centre is the island’s most significant historic site, with ancient aboriginal houses built into lava-formed walls. It is the only Canary Island with no traffic lights. Goats outnumber people on Fuerteventura, and the prevalence of goat’s cheeses – the most popular being Majorero – on the island’s menus is a constant reminder of their supremacy. FYI We were told that 2500 years ago the first settlers were black Africans. The island was split in 2 so there were 2 kings. Their names were changed to biblical names.The white insects on the cactus plants produce cochineal (red dye). We went on an exclusive trip (18 people in minibuses). Our first stop was La Casa del Queso, a family run cheese farm, where we had a tour and a cheese and jam tasting session. 1 goat produces 3-5 litres of milk per day and it takes 9 litres of milk to make 1kg of cheese. We drove past La Playitas, a popular training ground for Olympic athletes with its Olympic size pools, golf courses, tennis, running and cycing track. We arrived at the polka-dotted Moorish-influenced Foro de la Entallala lighthouse overlooking Las Playitas beach which is the closest point of the Canaries to Morocco, Africa.
Our next visit was to La Fabrica del Aloe an aloe vera plantation that claims to be the largest producer in Europe. We were given a demonstration on how they extract the sticky jelly substance out of the aloe vera plant. Their products are made from fresh aloa vera, whereas may others are made from powdered aloe vera. Theirs is 99% pure with 1% preservative. Aloe vera has been harvested in Fuerteventura for centuries. Yellow Aloa Vera is pure.
Then, in the quaint fishing village of Ajuy, we had our lunch on the beach before taking a walk along a coastal cliff path to see some large caves. From this pathway we had a view from the chalk cliffs overlooking the black beach and the fishing boats.There are many chipmunks on the island.
Later, a scenic drive through the mountains along what is known locally as Snake Road, we arrived at the historic, whitewashed colonial town of Betancuria, which was the first capital of the island in 1404. It was a Sunday and St. Mary's church was closed so we were unable to see the richly decorated interior.
Our final stop was in Antigua to visit to a cheese museum that is based in an old colonial house with a windmill in the garden. We wandered around a very impressive collection of large cacti.
Landscapes
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Fuerteventura

Just 60 miles off the African coast

with the largest desert area in Europe

Fuerteventura is sun-baked and wind-blasted, with cacti-dotted plains and rolling sand dunes. Its Parque Natural de Corralejo has an 11km long stretch of sand that contains the largest dunes in the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura has the largest area of desert in Europe (UNESCO said in 1983). The Atalayita Village Archaeological Interpretation Centre is the island’s most significant historic site, with ancient aboriginal houses built into lava-formed walls. It is the only Canary Island with no traffic lights. Goats outnumber people on Fuerteventura, and the prevalence of goat’s cheeses – the most popular being Majorero – on the island’s menus is a constant reminder of their supremacy. FYI We were told that 2500 years ago the first settlers were black Africans. The island was split in 2 so there were 2 kings. Their names were changed to biblical names.The white insects on the cactus plants produce cochineal (red dye). We went on an exclusive trip (18 people in minibuses). Our first stop was La Casa del Queso, a family run cheese farm, where we had a tour and a cheese and jam tasting session. 1 goat produces 3- 5 litres of milk per day and it takes 9 litres of milk to make 1kg of cheese. We drove past La Playitas, a popular training ground for Olympic athletes with its Olympic size pools, golf courses, tennis, running and cycing track. We arrived at the polka-dotted Moorish-influenced Foro de la Entallala lighthouse overlooking Las Playitas beach which is the closest point of the Canaries to Morocco, Africa.