Going to Fuerteventura should be on your bucket list - visiting Tefia

When considering going to Fuerteventura, you probably think about what resort to visit, which hotel to stay in, where to get the best food and drink and what the beaches are like. But there is no shortage of sunshine, so getting out and about for a few hours is always a fun thing to do, and it wont cut into your tanning time... especially if it's just for a morning or afternoon. 

An article by local Historian Bernie Power with The Voice Fuerteventura

Getting out and about in Fuerteventura is fun and easy. The roads are often quiet and simple to navigate, the buses are regular and reasonable and there are some real hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such place, is a sleepy, rural village called Tefia. 

Finding Tefia

If you follow the road from La Oliva and head towards Puerto del Rosario. Eventually, you will come across the Tindaya Mountain and will notice a statue standing proud on your right hand side. This monument is dedicated to Miguel Unamuno, an outspoken critic of the military dictatorship who was exiled here in March 1924. Just past that, the next turning on your right will lead to a magical place, known as the village of Tefia and the restored settlement of La Alcogida or the Eco Museum.

La Alcogida - Living Eco Museum

The museum is made up of various buildings, including seven different local home designs, which depict life as it was for the original settlers. The name Alcogida comes from the system used to collect rainwater and the area has always been a catchment for any water that fell. The main problem which has always faced the farmers on this often barren island, was availability of water and the frequent periods of complete drought that they had to contend with.

When coming to Fuerteventura nowadays you don't think about where the water coes from as it just appears from your tap, but in the past it was a whole other story. Local famers and shepherds needed regular water to feed the plants and their domestic animals such as goats, dogs, donkeys, chickens, doves and camels that were all kept in their enclosures.

However, there were and still are some crops are grown that do not require water and simply and, thanks to the farmers know-how, cleverly make use of moisture in the air, such as cacti, aloe vera and saltwort. All of which were important for both their own use and as a product for resale or trade, such as vegetables, pulses and grain. 

Tefia has a close community spirit 

When visiting, you can see the closeness of this small community and imagine how everyday life would have been. Each house has the name of a previous owner and a display of the kind of work that was carried out there such as; Basket making, grinding flour for bread, lace making and various forms of husbandry. Simple stone-built houses, with only a well to contain the precious rainwater, are faithfully restored and standling proud just behind the village is a grand windmill.

Tefia Windmill is Unique to Fuerteventura

It is the only one on the island with six sails and although erected in the 1930’s, is built in the traditional way. The machinery is much older and came originally from a mill situated behind the cemetery in La Oliva. This windmill is known as a “Macho” or Male windmill and is completely different to the single storey, frame mill you can see on the main road. These kind of windmill were built in the 19th century, on a design of Isadora Ortega from la Palma, which revolutionised the industry. Sadly, the original mill tower was destroyed by fire but it has been beautifully renewed. These mills were used to grind the cereals to make Gofio, which was the staple diet at that time.

Churches and Civil War in Fuerteventura

There is a church of course, built above the village. It is dedicated to St Augustin and was completed in 1714 during a period of economic prosperity. It was once just a small chapel, but it soon expanded as the population increased and business began to boom. It is a very unique church building and well worth a visit for the artworks alone. From its’ raised area you can see all of La Alcogida Eco Museum and far beyond to the fields of llano del Muchichafe which lies behind the “macho” windmill.

Tefia and the Spanish Civil War

This is where the original airport was situated and also the concentration camp from the times of the Spanish Civil War. All that remains of the camp now is a colonial administration building, and the airport is a distant memory. However, this area has a long, hidden history; From the indigenous Mahos, who lived for centuries in the area and left their names behind e.g. Morro de Facay. (Facay being one of the last chiefs to surrender to the Europeans); through the hardships and shortages of the following centuries; To the technology of aeroplanes and the ravages of war. Abandoned to ruin and faithfully renovated, this marvellous place could keep you interested for ages.

Coming to Fuerteventura and enjoying some of the local history adds an extra level to what is bound to be an amazing holiday, and as tourism has taken hold, this means everyting is available to you, and likely in your own language. You will be able to wander round the museum and expereince what life was truly like and enjoy this piece of living history. And, If you come back after dark, the Observatory is situated in Tefia toom which is another unique place to visit, when coming to Fuerteventura.