| |
Betancuria is situated in a picturesque valley high up in the islands mountain range also known as Betancuria. The valley is very fertile and produces a greener, softer feel to the area compared to other parts of the island. Fuerteventura was conquered for the House of Castile by Juan de Bethencourt, a French seafarer, between 1402 and 1417 and Betancuria was named after the sailor and established as the islands capital in 1404. His banner is now preserved in the town museum. The reason for the location of the capital was because of the tortuous journey to reach the town which protected it from frequent pirate attacks on the island, although in 1593 the pirate Jaban reached and attacked Betancuria and reduced everything including the Santa Maria church to a pile of rubble and ash. The church was not rebuilt until 1691 and little remains of the original apart from the bells. Fuerteventura was not the only Canary Island to be attacked by Pirates The town remained the islands capital until 1834 when eventually Puerto de Cabras, or Puerto del Rosario as it is known today, became Fuerteventura’s Capital. The town is still the capital of the municipality of Betancuria and because of its historical importance is now a National Park. On the main street running through the town is the Casa Museo Arquebiologico, flanked by cannons. The building contains a collection of important archaeological finds including farming tools, fertility idols, and articles of everyday life of this ancient people. Some of the old local handicrafts can still be seen today with a visit to the 'Casa Santa Maria' where you can watch the crafts men and artists at work and purchase some of the hand made products from the local shop. Betancuria's income comes mainly from day visitors. The church which has now been fully restored is open to the public from 10am until 6pm and there's also a church museum. Most of the property in the town is typical of Canarian design. The climb up to Betancuria is still as torturous as it was in the days of the pirate Jaban, but today with modern air-conditioned coaches the long mountain road is much easier to travel and the views over Fuerteventura from the top are breathtaking and well worth the journey. Labels: betancuria, buyin fuerteventura, canarian, canary islands, fuerteventura, puerto del rosario
At the moment, the project that will transform the future of El Hierro doesn't look like much more than a hole in the ground. Or two, to be exact: one on top of a mountain, another smaller one down below, and in between, a long stretch of pipeline tinted the same color as the scrub that grows so abundantly on this volcanic island. But when this innovative wind-power system goes online at the end of 2011, it will turn El Hierro, the easternmost of Spain's Canary Islands, into the first inhabited landmass in the world to become completely energy self-sufficient. And that's just the first step in a plan that may make the island the most sustainable place on Earth. Sound ambitious? Consider the source. El Hierro is located over 750 miles (1,200 km) from the Spanish mainland, and its stark, volcanic landscape harbors no coal or fossil fuels. Fresh water is scarce, and for electricity, its population of 10,000 has long depended on the diesel brought in weekly by tanker. Which is why, some 25 years ago, the islanders began thinking about ways to convert to renewable energy, using the two resources that they actually have a lot of: wind and water. Now, with oil supplies dwindling worldwide and the Fukushima disaster offering an all-too-present reminder of the perils of nuclear energy, El Hierro's hydro-eolic plant looks positively prescient. "At first, it was simply an issue of becoming more self-sufficient," says Tomas Padrón, president of the Island Council, whose role is similar to that of a mayor's. "We were completely dependent on outside deliveries and could be cut off at a moment's notice. But then with the global-energy crisis, and climate change, and everything else that's happened, we've realized it has a lot more value." El Hierro is pushing ahead faster than its larger neighbours, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma and La Gomera who all have theira green agendas, Fuerteventura was recently awarded UNESCO Bio Sphere recognition. The future power station is at once a marvel of engineering and remarkably simple in its design. Five windmills on the northeastern end of the island will power a pumping station that, when the wind is blowing, will drive water 2,300 feet uphill, from a small, 5 million-cubic-foot (150,000-cu-m) reservoir down by the shore to a larger, 19 million-cubic-foot (550,000-cu-m) reservoir snuggled into one of the island's volcanic craters. When the wind abates, water from the top depository will be released, along 1.8 miles (3 km) of mostly camouflaged pipes, into the bottom one, and the pressure of that falling water will drive six hydraulic turbines. In other words, El Hierro will combine the two resources in which it abounds to deliver a continuous supply of electricity, no matter the weather. "If we don't want to depend on fossil fuel, we have to have steady input and output," says Gonzalo Piernavieja, director of research and development for the Technological Institute of the Canaries, which designed the plant. "And the only way to do that is through massive storage. In this case, we're using nature's gifts, wind and sea water, for storage." The plant is expected to produce 48 GW/h (gigawatt hours), enabling El Hierro to conserve some 6,000 tons of diesel per year, and to meet 100% of its energy needs by 2015. And by that time, the island will be well into its next sustainability projects. One of them, already underway, is a plan convert all 4,500 of El Hierro's cars to electric; the same municipal company, Gorona del Viento, that is building the new hydroeolic station will supply car batteries powered by excess energy from the plant. "The whole system will be integrated," says Javier Morales, El Hierro's councilman for sustainability. "It's beyond green. When the power plant and the car system interact, it will be like galaxies colliding." And that's not all that will be integrated. Unlike most of the other islands in the Canaries archipelago, which have staked their economies on mass tourism, El Hierro remains largely agricultural (pineapples and mangos are its primary exports). Its farmers too are looking ahead: all of the island's agricultural cooperatives have signed on to a plan that will convert their fields to organic production in the next eight years. And those farms, in turn, will be connected to a "biodigester" that converts sewage into both methane (which can then be used as fuel) and fertilizer. How did a place so small that it lacks a movie theater and so culturally conservative that it still frowns upon unaccompanied women in bars come up with such a revolutionary plan for the future? Thank geography, says Island Council president Padrón. "We've always been doubly isolated, first from mainland Spain, and then from the rest of the Canaries," he says. "And we've always had problems with drought and with supplying ourselves. It makes us look harder for solutions." But if El Hierro's problems are particular, its solutions don't have to be, say officials. "Absolutely this technology can be applied elsewhere," says Morales about the power station, whose upper reservoir is currently being lined with massive sheets of PVC in preparation for the first water pumping. "Hawaii, for example. We're already advising them." That's something that another volcanic archipelago, notably larger but perhaps newly aware of the limits of conventional energy, might want to look into Source: Timehttp://www.buyin-fuerteventura.comLabels: buyin fuerteventura, canary islands, el hierro, fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, unesco
Airline Flight capacity is set to hit record levels by the end of this month, according to new figures released by OAG, a data and analysis provider for the aviation industry. The report showed that airlines around the world will provide 317.4 million seats to passengers during the month of April in 2011. This figure is 5 per cent higher than at the same time in 2010 and represents the highest capacity ever provided by the industry. Spain was said to be the most popular destination for Brits, with the ever-popular Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands attracting large throngs of holidaymakers. Fuerteventura has seen the largest increase in visitors compared with recent years because of many tourist choosing the Canaries rather than north african countries so good bargains were said to be had in destinations such as Egypt and Tunisia. Easter is always a busy travel time for Britons, but next Friday is a public holiday to mark the Royal wedding — and, according to reseach, it appears many Britons would rather take an overseas vacation than stay in the U.K. to watch it. Source OAG http://www.buyin-fuerteventura.comLabels: buyin fuerteventura, canaries, canary islands, flights, fuerteventura
John Goldacre and Artemis Anagnostopoulou acquire Fuerteventuras leading Holiday and Management company Room To Breathe S.L with aquisition of 100% of the Canarian companies shareholdings. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 04, 2011 – Acquisition of share capital of Room to Breathe S.L. John Goldacre and Artemis Anagnostopoulou acquires Fuerteventura’s leading Holiday and Management company Room To Breathe S.L Chris and Janet Minty the previous owners of Room To Breathe S.L, will be retiring from the day to day management to spend more time with their family and enjoy the beautiful Island of Fuerteventura, the company announced today. http://www.roomtobreathesl.com Christopher Minty stated that they had decided to pursue their dream of a peaceful retirement in the sun and forego the pressures of having to work on a day to day basis. The new owners of Room To Breathe S.L, John Goldacre and Artemis Anagnostopoulou will be incorporating Room To Breathe S. L into their already successful portfolio of companies in Fuerteventura. GoldAcre Estates is one of the leading Real Estate companies in the Canary Islands with offices in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Greece. http://www.goldacre-estates.com A spokesperson for GoldAcre stated that ‘The acquisition of the 100% shareholding in Room to Breathe complements the services that GoldAcre Estates already offers to its clients and this can now be expanded to include a range of services to assist each and every client during every step of the purchase and on-going management and rental of their property in Fuerteventura’. Goldacre stated that they are committed to maintaining services to the existing clients of Room To Breathe S.L and to offering many enhanced services and improvements over the coming months ahead. June Dean has now been appointed the Manager of Room To Breathe S.L. June has a wealth of experience to bring to her new role and has spent the last 6 months working in GoldAcre Estates absorbing the company’s philosophy, company practices and service commitment. June’s credentials include owning and managing a very successful holiday rental and management company in Tenerife for 4 years, prior to moving to Fuerteventura some 2 years ago. June Dean will be active in her new role from Monday 4th April 2011 and will be based in the Room To Breathe main office at the Tamarindo Commercial Centre in Corralejo. The previous owners of Room to Breathe S. L will be ensuring a smooth transition and handover to the new owners and management team. source BuyIn Fuerteventura http://www.buyin-fuerteventura.com Labels: Artemis Anagnostopoulou, buyin fuerteventura, canary islands, fuerteventura, goldacre estates, holiday rental, John Goldacre, minty, propert management, room to breathe
Morro Jable in the south of Fuerteventura used to be a sleepy fishing village until it was discovered by German tourists and now the towns of Morro Jable and Jandia have grown so much that it is difficult to discern where one ends and the other begins. Together they form one of the largest and most popular tourist resorts on the island. Morro Jable is the older part of the resort with narrow streets that run down to the beaches and the harbour and this is where you can find many smaller restaurants that specialise in the catch caught by the local fishing fleet. A promenade winds along the beach front and round the headland to take you to Jandia. A ferry connecting Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria operates from the harbour where there is also popular yacht marina. Jandia is the newer part of the resort with its hotels, bars, shops and restaurants stretching the length of the white sandy beach with a palm tree lined promenade. The beaches are kept very clean and have “Blue Flag” status providing safe waters for the swimmers and water sport enthusiasts alike. This area of the islands coast is known as Costa Calma, as it is for the most part protected from the prominent northerly winds, and has some of the best beaches in the world to the north and south of the town. The stunning Cofete beach lies to the south, but the road that leads to it is unmade and so an off road type of car is preferable, though once there you will have miles of golden sand virtually to yourself. If you prefer a bit more action from your beach try Sotovento beach to the north famous for the annual world wind surfing championships held there. If you are not a wind surfing champion don’t worry there is a school for the novices. In the evening the resort lights up and there is an amazing selection of bars and restaurants to either relax after an exhausting day on some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands or provide entertainment well into the small hours . More information on Fuerteventura can be found on http://www.buyin-fuerteventura.com Article taken from the magazine Buyin Fuerteventura Labels: buyin fuerteventura, canary islands, Costa Calma, fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, jandia, morro jable, sotovento
Frontline Apartment For Sale In Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Many reports today constantly berate property in Spain, slow markets, glut of empty Spanish Real Estate , poor economic conditions all the reasons why you should not buy Spanish real estate, not many people focus on the real opportunity that exists in the market in Spain today, also many times key areas of investment are missed such as the Canary Islands and Balearic’s as Spanish property seems to be grouped all under one banner ‘Spain’ with no definition regarding area and location, in an interview late in 2010 Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero told U.S. news channel CNBC that prices had hit bottom and were on their way back up and this certainly seems to be the case within some areas of the Spanish Real Estate market. Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is starting to see a resurgence in buyers, Managing Director John Goldacre of GoldAcre Estates, who’s Head Office is based in Corralejo in Fuerteventura stated that the Canary Islands seem to be pulling ahead of mainland Spain in terms of leaving the recession behind them, for us we had a very difficult 2008/2009 and in 2010 we started to see some serious light at the end of the tunnel, 2011 has opened very well for property in Fuerteventura and we are expecting steady growth throughout the year. Of course there still remains some great bargains to be had in the Canary Islands Real Estate market and if someone is seriously considering purchasing a property in Fuerteventura then there will be no better time than now, with some two bedroom townhouse’s as low as 69,500 euros, Sea front three bedroom apartments from 169,500 and villas in 10,000 m2 plots for 180,000 euros. Goldacre believes that throughout the year property prices are going to start once again strengthening, not by large amounts but he believes the market will start to see increases coming in as of course some of the cheaper opportunities disappear as they continue to be snapped up by buyers who are getting wise to the opportunities and understanding that the low prices that we have seen will not be around forever. The Christmas period for GoldAcre Estates saw many new clients looking to buy in Fuerteventura, because of course now the number of flights have increased to the Island particularly with low cost airlines like Easy Jet and Ryan Air running direct European connections including flights to mainland Spain’ two main hubs Madrid and Barcelona and as well as a number of UK airports. Fuerteventura has seen a lot of inward investment through the crisis which has included major extensions to Fuerteventura airport, producing a new arrivals terminal, extensions to the runway and departure lounge. The Canary islands offer some of the best weather within a short flying distance to the whole of Northern Europe and many people have wanted to escape the recent freezing conditions and enjoy the all year round Sunny conditions of the Canary islands. Known as the land of eternal spring the Canaries offer some of the best year round climatic conditions in Spain, offering the buyers of real estate the opportunity to maximise on their investment throughout the year, of course many investors have realised that with a drop in price comes an increase in their % return on investment (ROI) as the strong rental season in Fuerteventura ensures exceptional rental opportunites. GoldAcre Estates is one of Fuerteventura's longest established Real Estate Agents serving both the national and international client base in Fuerteventura http://www.goldacre-estates.com Source BuyIn Fuerteventurahttp://www.buyin-fuerteventura.com Labels: buyin fuerteventura, canaries, canary islands, easyjet, fuerteventura, goldacre estates, ryanair, spain, spanish real estate
 Happy New Year To everyone in the Canary Islands and the rest of the World, we hope 2011 is lucky for you. We would also like to say thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us this last twelve months in advertising businesses, distributing the BuyIn Fuerteventura Magazine, contributing articles and following this blog Labels: buyin fuerteventura, canary islands, fuerteventura, happy new year
 Beds : 2 Baths: 1
Built : 58 m2 Plot : 58 m2
PriceEuros : 108000 €
A spacious 2nd floor apartment with a large private roof terrace enjoying views to the sea , and the Canarinan islands of Lanzarote and Isla de Lobos. The property for sale comes partly furnished and with fitted kitchen. Communal swimming pool. The apartment is in Corralejo in the north of Fuerteventura and close to all facilities, the beaches and is just a short walk to the shopping mall and supermarket. Labels: apartment for sale, buyin fuerteventura, canarian, canary island property, canary islands, corralejo, fuerteventura, lanazarote, property for sale, spanish real estate
|
 |
|
|
|
