The history of Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 2,000 years.

The first known inhabitants arrived from North Africa and are believed to have been Berber people. One of the great mysteries is how they reached the island, as there is no clear evidence that they built boats.

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Early Inhabitants

Around 2,300 years ago, the island was settled by people from North Africa. At that time, all of the Canary Islands were populated, yet the people of Fuerteventura lived in isolation and had no known contact with neighbouring islands such as Lanzarote.

For centuries, they would have seen ships passing by, including Roman vessels. Archaeological discoveries on Isla de Lobos have shown that the Romans used the island to process mollusc shells to create a valuable purple dye.

Despite this activity nearby, the island’s inhabitants remained separate, likely wary of outsiders and the dangers they could bring.

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Life Away from the Coast

The early inhabitants of Fuerteventura mainly lived inland rather than along the coast.

This was largely due to the lack of fresh water near the shoreline, with more fertile land found in central areas of the island. Living away from the coast also helped protect them from passing traders and raiders.

Over time, the surrounding waters became known routes for trade and movement, bringing increasing risks to those living on the island.

Slavery and Trade Routes

For centuries, the waters around the Canary Islands were used by traders travelling along the west coast of Africa.

Civilisations such as the Phoenicians and Carthaginians sailed these routes, trading goods including gold, spices and ivory, as well as enslaved people.

Although these ships passed close to Fuerteventura, there is little evidence that they stopped regularly, as the island showed few visible signs of settlement along the coast.

Pirates and Raids

Fuerteventura was not always as peaceful as it appears today.

In 1593, pirates attacked the island and destroyed Betancuria, which was the capital at the time. Many inhabitants were taken and held for ransom.

These raids continued for many years, with the island remaining vulnerable due to its location along important sea routes.

It is believed that many of the caves around the cove in Ajuy were once a favourite hiding place for all the Pirate's plunder and somewhere to rest before heading back to sea. 

European Influence

After the conquest of the Canary Islands in the early 15th century, European powers began to take a stronger interest in the region.

The Portuguese established trade routes between the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores, while Spanish control expanded across the islands.

As trade increased, ships carrying valuable cargo passed regularly through these waters, attracting attention from pirates and rival nations.

The British Attack

In 1740, during a period of conflict between Britain and Spain, British forces attempted to attack Fuerteventura.

They landed near Gran Tarajal expecting to find wealth, but instead encountered a poor and rural community.

Local residents resisted the attack using basic tools and weapons, eventually forcing the British to retreat. When they returned, the islanders were better prepared and successfully defended their land in what became known as the Battle of Tamasite.

This event is still remembered and re-enacted today.

A Life Without Boats

Despite being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, there is little evidence that early inhabitants of Fuerteventura built boats or relied heavily on fishing.

Even though the island once had more trees that could have been used for construction, the people remained largely land-based.

It is believed they avoided the sea due to the dangers it represented, including raiders and unknown visitors arriving from the horizon.

Final Thoughts

The history of Fuerteventura is shaped by isolation, survival and outside influence.

From its early inhabitants to pirate raids and European expansion, the island has experienced many changes while still retaining a strong sense of identity.

Today, it offers visitors not only beautiful landscapes but also a deeper story waiting to be explored.

An article by Bernie Power with The Voice Fuerteventura