La Oliva

The delightful Town of La Oliva was named after the profusion of Olive trees that once grew in the area. La Oliva was the Capital of Fuerteventura, after the original Island Capital was Betancuria, and the present Capital - Puerto del Rosario. La Oliva is the administrative centre for the Municipality of La Oliva, including the main tourist resort of Corralejo and the smaller resort of El Cotillo. La Oliva thrives on agriculture, goat-herds, and is renowned for its cheese. The area is also recognized for its crafts, where you will locate beautiful embroidery and basketwork.

In 1708, the Military Colonels, established their residence here, initially to destabilize the nobility, but the Military took the chance to suppress the local peasants, resulting in the Colonels owning all of the surrounding land. The Government in Madrid ordered the disbandment of the militias and the La Oliva Regiment in 1834 because the Colonels abused their powers too much. The Island and the others in the archipelago were granted a certain amount of self-administration - achieved by putting in place the ‘Cabildo’ (local authority) in 1912.

The best paradigm of Colonial Canarian architecture is the Casa de los Coroneles (House of the Colonels) with its wooden balconies and a large inner courtyard and the Casa del Capellan -which was once the home of the Town Priest.

This palace/fortress was built in the 18th Century, and is now listed as a Historic Artistic Monument. At the front of the building, the massive monumental gate with the heraldic shield of the powerful Manrique de Lara y Cabrera family on top, who owned a huge estate that was acquired through the power of the Colonels, can still be seen. The Parish Church of La Oliva, the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, a fine, solid building built of black stone in the 1700’s, with three naves and an extraordinary bell tower.

The 'Casa Mane' art centre (Centro de Arte Canario Casa Mane) is located between the Church and the Casa de los Coroneles. The centre exhibits the work of eminent Canarian artists. Current exhibits are showcased on the ground level and there is a sculpture courtyard. A large modern art gallery is housed in the basement.

Pájara

The small town of Pájara is the administrative centre of the Pájara Municipality. Agriculture was once the main stay of the economy and remains one of the main livelihoods, today, it is developing tourism. Pájara town is the base administrator regarding all tourist areas in Jandia. However, the Town still preserves its true beauty and serene ambience.

An old disused 'camel driven' waterwheel sits outside the Town Hall, and not far from there in the center of a lovely plaza is the Church - Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Regla in Pájara. It is one of the most stunning Churches on the Island. It was constructed between 1687 and 1711 and is designed in an impressive blend of Aztec, Mudejar, Gothic and baroque styles. There are several different motifs that adorn the attractive stone doorway. The Virgin statue that stands at the altar was brought to the Island by a wealthy emigrant who purportedly came from Mexico.

The La Lajita Oasis Park is located in La Lajita and is a natural delight that has been created to protect and conserve the unique flora and fauna of the Canary Islands. Animals from all over the world as well as the typical Fuerteventura Goats, Donkeys and the Majorero Camel are found here. Oasis Park offers lots of fascinating and very engaging shows such as: Sea Lions Show, Parrot Show, Reptile Show and a Birds of Prey Display and there is a botanical garden. The highlight of the day is perhaps the thirty minute camel safari.

Tuineje

The quiet, small Town of Tuineje is located not far from Pájara; it has a fascinating historical past. In 1740, around 40 courageous farmers equipped themselves with five muskets to fight against 50 English pirates, which were armed with guns and cannons. The battle occurred at the Montaña de Tamacite, astonishingly, the natives of Tuineje won this impressive battle - even with their shortage of weapons. Throughout this day, 30 of the Englishmen and five locals of Fuerteventura, known as the Majoreros lost their lives. The cannons that were used by the pirates are still preserved in the Betancuria Museum today. This battle has also been immortalized in a painting in the Church 'San Miguel Arcangel' in Gran Tarajal.

Gran Tarajal

Gran Tarajal is one of the largest Towns on the Island, due to the fact that all of the Islands tomatoes were at one time exported from there. Scenic views of the streets and alleys that are built into the hillside can be seen from the Towns harbour. Also, you can observe the local fishermen at work or take a leisurely walk along the beach promenade – where eateries are in abundance. A beautiful fountain that has six sea horses spouting water is sited in the middle of a shady oasis of tall palm trees in the Town. The San Miguel Arcangel Church - constructed at sometime between the 17th and 18th Centuries is an excellent example of religious architecture of this period. The beach at Gran Tarajal has around 3km of dark sand – which is a blue flag beach. The quaint little Village of Las Palayitas can be found by taking the first turn-off to the right when leaving Gran Tarajal, a cultural delight and has some high quality restaurants.