Are you thinking of having a different kind of holiday? The route of the Fuerteventura Mills won’t disappoint you. In it, you can get to know the history, traditions and different emblematic places of the island of Majorera (as the inhabitants of the Canary Islands call Fuerteventura).
The best way to make this journey is by car. Like that, you will be able to see the beautiful landscape of the island and how the mills of Fuerteventura are part of it, a memorable view similar to the ones of La Mancha, in the centre of Spain.
Their presence is not simply decorative, nor are they as large as those in other regions. In Fuerteventura, there are different types of mills that fulfil several necessary functions for the inhabitants of the island since ancient times.
Trade Wins in Fuerteventura
The reason that there are so many windmills in Fuerteventura is not only due to the economic needs of the island, but there is a predominant natural component throughout the Canary Islands that favours the presence of these buildings: the wind. The trade winds are one of the existing air currents in the world. They circulate through the Atlantic Ocean creating areas where there is a constant wind speed of up to 20 km/h.
Their origin is usually warm, but since they run through the Atlantic Ocean, humidity is very concentrated. This benefits a bit of the land and especially cereal crops, where several of Fuerteventura’s mills were built. One of the most important reasons for the good weather in the Canary Islands is due to the trade winds, being neither very hot nor too dry.
Importance of Fuerteventura mills
We can estimate that there are more than 1,000 windmills in Fuerteventura from north to south. Of which, some work to extract water and others to grind cereals with which they make delicious typical dishes such as gofio.
After the conquest in the fifteenth century, the island of Fuerteventura was colonized by the Crown of Castile, seeking to exploit the fertile valleys irrigated by the territory. To a large extent, Fuerteventura’s economy was based on the planting and harvesting of cereals such as rye, wheat, and different types of barley.
This whole activity was carried out through manual mills to try to meet the demand. This took a turn at the end of the eighteenth century in which the population increased significantly and, therefore, the demand for production had to grow. In this way, large mills were created in Fuerteventura, of which even today remain some that are beautiful constructions and are part of the well-known route.
Fuerteventura Mill Route
On the way of the Fuerteventura Mill Route, there are three representative places that have several of the windmills that are best preserved on the island, which have become symbols for the inhabitants, in addition to being an attraction for tourists who, when they walk through the route, feel surprised. Do you want to meet them? Let ‘s start!
Villaverde mills: cereal cultivation
You can start your Route to the mills of Fuerteventura from the town of Corralejo, located in the municipality of La Oliva, northeast of the Majorera island . It won’t take you long to get from there to the town of Villaverde. Taking Corralejo’s FV-101 main road, you can easily reach Villaverde and on top of its hill you will find its famous mills.
Villaverde mills are a historical sample of the mills that were used to make harvest flour of all types of cereals. These have 4 blades with which the necessary strength was generated to grind the grains of the different cereals with which flour and gofio were marketed.
The Tefía Mill: a symbol of Fuerteventura
Following the Los Molinos de Fuerteventura Route, we move forward to the historic town of Tefía, which is by car just 20 minutes away from Los Molinos de Villaverde, taking the FV-207 road.
At this stop on the Fuerteventura Mill Route, we find one of the most outstanding symbols of the entire journey, the Tefía Mill. This construction was recently recovered as a way to preserve the island’s historical heritage. It was built to grind the grains of different cereals in 1930. Unlike the previous mills, it has 6 blades that facilitate the process.
Near this mill is the Museum of La Alcogida and the Hermitage of San Agustín, in case you want to take a small detour before continuing with the route and touring these places, which are undoubtedly worth a visit.
The Tiscamanita Mill Interpretation Centre
To finish the tour of the Mills of Fuerteventura Route, you must continue along the Fv-20 road until you reach the Tiscamanita Mill Interpretation Centre, where you can learn first hand the whole story about these mills.
If you like to learn about the history of these constructions, the centre opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m., and the entrance fee is only 4 euros. The interpretation centre is located inside a renovated windmill.
In the centre you can see how the ancient inhabitants of the island worked with cereals through manual mills, and you can even try to do it by yourself, using the same methods. They will explain to you the complete story of the use of mills to this day.
Where to stay in Fuerteventura?
If you’re thinking about preparing your suitcases to make the Fuerteventura Mill Route, then you need to find a good place to stay during your stay. In the Lopesan Group, we have excellent hotels, located in the southern part of the Majorera island. An ideal location for you to start your travel route. Start your adventure!
