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Suspicion arose as to why Gustav Winter, who was a prominent engineer holding the rank of Colonel and had held an important role of a major Bordeaux shipyard, conceal himself in such an isolated place to practice farming while his Country was at war. Would he actually hide himself away in a fortified villa on a remote Island with its close proximity to the sea and an airstrip, with its solid walls, ample cellars and a kitchen large enough to feed a small army? Allied ships were often attacked by German submarines that surrounded and protected this small Island from prying eyes.
Historical accounts now tend to suggest that the villa Winter was used a safe house for top escaping Nazis most possibly going to America. Its remote location next to the Atlantic and its natural mountain shelter would have been an ideal meeting point for Nazi leaders arriving by submarine and seeking a place of safety until they could slide into anonymity after the war. Another legend that has developed is that Villa Winter was a halfway house not only providing a safe haven but also a hospital where plastic surgeons operated to give their overlords new faces to match their new identities.
The widow of Gustav Winter was interviewed just before her death; but she strongly denied all of the rumours and said the villa was built purely to exploit agriculture in the area.
Betancuria
Betancuria was formerly the old Capital of Fuerteventura, founded in 1404 by Gadifer de La Salle and Jean de Béthencourt. It is named after Jean de Béthencourt; Betancuria was repeatedly raided and then sacked by Pirates in older times. The Island's Capital moved to Antigua in 1834 before moving to the current capital of Puerto del Rosario. These days it has a tiny population of only a few hundred, and depends mainly on day visitors who go to see the restored Santa Maria Church and the Casa Museo Arquebiologico, an interesting museum documenting the Island’s history. Visitors can also observe local artists at work at the Casa Santa Maria, and pick up some local handcrafts at an old-world shop. There is a fine restaurant next to the Church.
Ajuy
Ajuy is a small secluded fishing Village located on the west coast of Fuerteventura. Ajuy has a black-sand beach that is around 300m in length, the sea can be rough and it is not particularly recommended for children. Caleta Negra (Black Bay) is located around 2km from Ajuy. Visitors go to Ajuy mainly for the caves that are to be found a short walk from the town. The path to the caves is at the northern end of the beach, and goes beyond the hut that has been built into the rock face. The caves are quite extraordinary, and can be entered by negotiating a set of steps with care. As the coast in this area mainly consists of cliffs, the views from the path are stunning.
The American Star wreck: This wreck can be located off the Playa de Garcey beach on the west coast of the Island. The ship was once the pride of the United States maritime industry, it was sold to a Thai Company who planned to tow the vessel to Thailand to be converted into a floating hotel. The Ukrainian flag tug, Neftegaz 67, was contracted to make the gigantic tow of the American star to the Canary Islands in December 1993. Bad weather conditions caused delays and problems, on January 15th 1994, the tow rope snapped. Ukrainian sailors were sent aboard American Star and tried to connect two polypropylene ropes to the tug.
When these ropes too failed, the sailors were airlifted off and on the 18th January, American Star went aground on the west coast of Fuerteventura and 48 hours later had broken in two. After the ship was declared a total loss, she was left to the elements to finally claim her. Soon after the grounding, the liner was pillaged by the local people of all fittings, art, brass, and removable wood, and the stern section began a steady collapse into the water. The bow section is all that is left of this mighty ship.
Lajares
Lajares is a little Village that is located around 8km from El Cotillo, Corralejo and La Oliva. As you enter the Village, you will see the football stadium that was constructed in 1990 which holds many football games there during the season. Also, 'lucha Canaria' is held there, which is a type of wrestling that is popular all over the Canary Islands. There are some attractive shops, restaurants and bars, including Artesania Lajares which is an artisan shop in the centre of the Village that has an extensive range of Canarian craftwork. Here you will find local women making lace and embroidering in the shop and you can see their intricate work. Many of the other shops are connected to water sports activities, and some of the Islands best known bars and restaurants can be found here.
Two windmills -a Molino and a Molina are located in the southern part of the Village. These are situated next to the ermita de San Antonio (St Anthony's Chapel). If you are staying in Corralejo and enjoy walking, it is possible to walk to Lajares, on a route along the chain of volcanoes that run between the two areas.
El Cotillo
El Cotillo is a serene fishing Village that is not yet exploited by tourism, but at the same time its many bars and restaurants provide facilities for visitors. Some of the finest seafood restaurants on the Island can be found here. It is a retreat for artists, sun-lovers, windsurfers and surfers and kite surfing. There are two harbours and El Cotillo is renowned for its blue water lagoons, white sandy beaches and coves. Naturists favour this area due to its many coves, shallow water lagoons offering privacy and tranquillity. The Village is separated into two sections - the lively beach where the surfers and windsurfers hang out is on the left and on the right you will find the quiet lagoons and sandy coves that are perfect for families with young children, who can safely play in the warm shallow water.
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