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What to see in Fuerteventura ?
What to visit in Villaverde?
Mar
Villaverde, halfway between the historic town of La Oliva and the cosmopolitan Corralejo, has become the perfect place for those seeking the tranquility of a rural setting. This town in the interior of the municipality of La Oliva is close enough to the nightlife but far enough away so that your moments of relaxation are not disturbed.
The northern town is protected by two large volcanic elevations: Escanfraga and Montaña de la Arena. It also has fertile land and a strategic position, away from the coast but with a direct view of the Atlantic and Lanzarote. This fact has made Villaverde a safe place for human settlement since ancient times.
Today we give you the keys to visit and get to know Villaverde as you like.
Villaverde in pre-Hispanic times
The presence of the aborigines of Fuerteventura, in the surroundings of Villaverde, dates back to at least the fourth century of our era.
A volcanic space, as characteristic as that of Villaverde, dotted with badlands, jameos and caves provided the mahos with security against enemy attacks, and therefore a good place to settle.
There are several archaeological sites found in this area. Of course, there are two sites that, due to their importance, cannot be missing from a historical view of the town: La Cueva de los Ídolos and Cueva de Villaverde.
We cannot forget to also mention the Cueva del Llano.
The Cave of the Idols
The volcanic caves of Malpaís de la Arena were inhabited by the mahos for centuries. The most representative is the so-called Cave of the Idols, which is actually part of a lava tube. It is about 16 meters long and in some areas its width exceeds 7 meters.
Its unique name is due to the fact that, among the material rescued from inside the cave, several anthropomorphic figurines appeared. Some of them can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura.
Villaverde Cave.
The Cueva de Villaverde is located on the slopes of the Escanfraga mountain, in the heart of the town. It is an easily identifiable enclave. It is located on the left bank of the FV-101 road, a few meters from El Horno Restaurant. The site is protected with a metal fence and a vinyl canvas with information. The Cueva de Villaverde is a lava tube 190 meters long. It was inhabited from the 5th to the 9th century of our era.
This deposit was discovered in 1979 by chance. However, it is now, with the archaeological campaigns of recent years, when important data is coming to light that brings us closer to understanding the life of the Majos. Among these findings, it should be noted that, thanks to the seeds of wheat, barley and certain legumes found in the cave, it has been possible to verify the use of agriculture by the aborigines.
La Cueva del Llano
The Cueva del Llano, with an approximate age of 1 million years, is one of the oldest volcanic tubes in the Canary archipelago. It is just over 650 meters long.
A few years ago the initial 400 meters of the cave were adapted to be visited by the general public. The passable area of the tube has a width that goes from 7 to 12 meters, and a height between 3 and 5 meters.
The final 250 meters of the cave are restricted and can only be accessed by researchers. The main reason is because a small arachnid lives there, unique in the world, which is in serious danger of extinction: the Maiorerus randoi.
Villaverde after the conquest
After the Franco-Norman conquest and subsequent colonization, Villaverde continued to be a perfect refuge from pirate attacks. The Escanfraga mountain top served as a surveillance point for the north coast of Fuerteventura.
Its inhabitants have lived for centuries from the primary sector, from the collection of the barrel and cosco, also from the cultivation of cereals and goat farming.
The Windmills of Villaverde
Among the places that cannot be missed on a visit to Villaverde are its two mills, located at the top of the Molino mountain. These flour mills, already centuries old, were restored not many years ago by expert craftsmen.
The Church of Villaverde.
The hermitage of San Vicente Ferrer is another of the historic buildings that cannot be missed on your tour of Villaverde. This simple and modest sanctuary dates from the end of the 18th century. It has all the elements that characterize Majorera hermitages:
- Its location was chosen so that it could be seen from almost anywhere in the municipality.
- It was raised thanks to the contributions of the neighbors.
- It consists of a single nave, with a gabled roof, crowned by a belfry and surrounded by a barbican.
- The access doors, one at the foot of the temple and another on the side, are simple semicircular arches made of stonework.
- Its main altar is higher, by a step.
- The interior of the nave is covered with a wooden coffered ceiling.
What excursions can be done in Villaverde?
Stage 2 of the Great Route 131, the climb to the Escanfraga mountain and the circular route of Malpaís de la Arena, are the most important hiking routes to do from Villaverde:
Ascent to the mountain of Escanfraga: Accessing the top of Escanfraga, without rushing and making stops to take some photos, will take you an average of 2 hours. So here you have a good plan for the morning of the weekend. This route starts in the vicinity of the new CEIP Villaverde.
Circular of Malpaís de la Arena: The route that borders the Montaña de la Arena, has a length of about 8.5 kilometers. It takes between 3 hours and 3 and a half hours to go through it.
Stage 2 of the Great Route 131: If you want to do a longer route, about 20 km, starting from Villaverde, then the 2nd stage of the GR-131, you will surely like it. From Villaverde you can go to Corralejo, walking through two spectacular badlands: Montaña la Arena and the Bayuyo volcanoes.
Villaverde events and festivities.
Patron saint festivities: Villaverde celebrates its festivities in honor of San Vicente Ferrer every 1st Sunday in April.
Escanfraga Trail: It is one of the toughest races in the middle of nature in Fuerteventura. It stands out both for its positive slope of 1,200 meters, and for the spectacular views that are had throughout the route. It is usually held at the end of September.
Where to stay in Villaverde?
At FuerteventurActiva we have three accommodations in Villaverde, spacious charming villas and all with private pools.
Villas with private pool: Casa Mina, Casa Susana, Casa La Vera.
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