Out and About in Fuerte - visiting Tetir

When you are out and about touring the island of Fuerteventura, you will pass through lots of little sleepy villages, many of which have a colourful and interesting history. For this article we thought we would take a look around an inland village called Tetir. 

An article by local historian, Bernie Powers, with The Voice Fuerteventura

As you leave La Oliva, in the northen part of the island, and take the road to Puerto Rosario. You will pass a village called La Matilla and then find yourself entering into the village of Tetir. If there was a prize for “the sleepiest village” then this could be well in the running. 

When you approach it on the main road, you will notice the signs signalling you to reduce your speed. These are often accompanied by a police camera as there is a bus stop nearby, so please obey them. Eventually, these signs will slow you down and draw you into this lovely, tranquil inland village. As is the usual case with villages, head for the plaza, which is right in the centre, as here you will find a few bars where you can take a pit stop, enjoy a snack or two and cool down with a drink while you look around. 

you will often find yourself in the company of birdwatchers and hikers in this area, as Tetir sits on one of the popular inland walking routes and is a good place to rest your feet for a while and enjoy a few cold ones when the sun is high in the sky. Keep an eye out for the little burgundy signs as you wander around and also take note of the distances. Remember, walking in sandals in hot sun, is very different from a hike through woodlands in the drizzle back in the UK, as the heat can take its toll.

Tetir Church

The church is well worth a look as it is really unusually built in a pagoda style and the tower can be seen for miles. This lovely building contains a lot of fine artwork and the altarpiece is dedicated to Domingo de Guzman who was the founder of the order of friars known as Dominicans in 1216. An order who were very influential in the island during the 17th and 18th centuries.

It replaced a church to St. Andrew who is the patron of the village. You can see his name in the stones on the nearby mountainside. Depending on when you visit, you may come across the tri-monthly craft fair, where you can sample and buy some of the local produce that is on sale. 

The home of Lucha Canaria

Many houses in the village are formed with a local red stone which is abundant and known as a sturdy building material. The lighthouse at Punta la Entallada in the south of the island also uses this stone to spectacular effect. The very large round building that can be seen from the main road is the centre for Lucha Canaria. This is a particular form of wrestling native to the Canary Islands and has similarities to Japanese Sumo where the wrestlers rely on strength and balance to topple their opponents or put them out of the sand covered ring. It is a very popular sport and can be seen on local TV. 

Possibly the sleepiest village in Fuerteventura

Behind this structure is a nice tidy cemetery and as usual you can read the history of the place by the inscriptions on the graves. Speaking of cemeteries, Tetir also houses the islands pet cemetery in a peaceful rural setting. The traditional agricultural activities suchas cheese making and farming can still be seen if you drive around, but is nowhere near as busy as it was in the past. Although many people still live here, it is a quiet, tranquil and sleepy village and one which is nice to visit, even if just for a quick drink whilst you are driving about.