Puerto del Rosario

Overview

Puerto del Rosario has been the capital of Fuerteventura island since 1860. It has a population of around 35,000, and was once called Puerto de Cabras, meaning goat harbour. It became the capital in the 19th century, taking the title from La Oliva, and has since become an important port on the island. In 1956 it was re-named Puerto del Rosario, which means Port of the Rosary, after the church at the centre of town dedicated to the patron saint Virgin del Rosario.

Puerto del Rosario doesn’t attract much tourism and has only recently become an attractive town since rebuilt of its seafront promenade. The oldest part of Puerto del Rosario is the area around the harbour where you can still see some old fishing cottages. The rest of the town centre is relatively modern, and functions as the commercial and administrative centre of the island. Puerto del Rosario has its artistic side however, with a number of sculptures to be found around the town, designed by various local and international artists.

Many bus routes start and end at Puerto del Rosario, and with its close proximity to the airport and port, you are very likely to pass by the town at some point of your journey through Fuerteventura. This makes it an ideal base to explore the island, and certainly worth stopping by for a wonder or a meal at one of its many restaurants.

History

Puerto del Rosario became the island’s capital in 1860. Until 1956, it was known as Puerto de Cabras (the Goat Habour). The Council of Ministers for the town decided in 1954, that it needed a more appealing name in order to attract more tourism and changed its name to the more modern Puerto del Rosario. Recently, the locals have been petitioning for the town centre to be changed back to its original name, with the surrounding areas keeping the more delicate name of Puerto del Rosario.

Culture

In terms of culture, the town is continually developing. It now has an auditorium, which hosts concerts and theatrical plays. Puerto del Rosario is also home to various museums of cultural interest.

Like other Canary Islands, religion is highly placed within Fuerteventura’s culture, and there are many churches scattered around.

Economy

Over half of the island’s population live and work in the capital of Puerto del Rosario. Due to its strategic location on the east coast of Fuerteventura, it was once a busy port for livestock and salt meat traders. Since becoming the capital in 1860, and then being renamed in 1956, Puerto del Rosario has gradually becoming popular in the tourism and business sectors. Today, the port plays a vital role in facilitating ferries and jetfoils, taking locals and island hoppers alike to and from Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

How to get there

By Bus:
Tiadhe buses run to Puerto del Rosario from all over Fuerteventura. A new bus station was opened in 2008 which provides bus links for all major towns on the island:

The Tiadhe number 6 bus runs every half an hour between Puerto del Rosario and Corralejo from 07:00 to 23:00. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Tiadhe bus number 3 runs from Puerto del Rosario to Las Salinas, stopping at the airport and Caleta de Fuste. This journey takes around 20 minutes, and buses run to and from every half an hour from 07:00 until 23:00.
From Morro Jable in the far south, Tiadhe bus number 20 departs for Puerto de Rosario 4 times daily.

Sights

In the attempt to shade the town's typical capital image, town hall of Puerto del Rosario have in recent years improved and beautified its seafront promenade. Over 50 sculptures which scatter throughout the town demonstrate the capital's initiative in becoming active in the art scene.

Outdoor Sculpture Park

The town of Puerto del Rosario itself is an open-air sculpture park with over 50 statues on display at its various parts. Designed by a variety of artists, which have been entered as part of an annual competition, these art works are a joy to marvel at. The sculptures can be found on pedestrian street, under a tree, at the roundabout or amongst the stones by the waterfront, adding an element of surprise to your relaxing stroll through the town.

Auditorio Insular de Fuerteventura (Auditorium)

This auditorium is in Puerto del Rosario which is home to a variety of concerts as well as charity balls and political rallies. It seats 570 people and have seen numerous famous local and international artists performing on its stage.

Where: Calle Ramiro De Maeztu 1, 35600 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura island.
Telephone: +34 928 532 186

Museums

For museum and art lovers, there is a house museum giving an account of the exile life of philosopher Unamuno, as well as an art exhibition hall with temporary display of artwork and photography from various artists.

Casa Museo Unamuno (House Museum)

The home of the former exile philosopher Miguel de Unamuno has been recreated in this museum so visitors can see how he lived during his exile on the island in 1924.

Where: Calle Virgen del Rosario, 11, 35600 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura island.
Telephone: +34 928 862 376
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-14:00, Saturday 10:00-13:00, Sundays closed.

Casa de la Cultura de Puerto del Rosario exhibition hall

Situated next to the auditorium of Fuertuvenura, you can view various paintings and photography here.

Where: Calle Ramiro de Maeztu, 2, 35600 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura island.
Telephone: +34 928 531 018
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00-13:00 and 17:00-20:00

Beaches

The Government is actively seeking to raise the town’s profile through tourism and so whilst it is fairly quiet, it is slowly becoming busier. On the promenade close to the harbour there is now a tourism office centre for information. The two beaches there have also gradually improved over time, being much more tourist friendly now.

The larger of the two beaches is Playa Blanca, in the south. The beach is bigger than it was as the sand dunes that were once there have been removed. The beach is used by some of Fuerteventura's surf schools due to the quality of the waves, however this means the current is often too strong to swim in, so be cautious, especially if with children.

Festivals

The Festival of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of Rosary) is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Puerto del Rosario. The Carnival festival is also held around the same time as the rest of the island, in February and March each year.

Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of Rosary)

On October 7th each year, a festival is held in honour of the capital's patron saint- Virgin of Rosario. You can join the locals in the various concerts, fetes, and processions that take place during that time.

Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen

Held on July 16th, this fiesta is in honour of the Lady of Carmen, who was said to be the protector of the sea. To celebrate, there are colourful, nautical-inspired processions, and concerts.

Restaurants

There are a good selections of cafes and bars spread around the town, and some of the restaurants are definitely worth a visit if you fancy venturing out for lunch or dinner.

Mediterane

Address: C/ Primero de Mayo no 10

Telephone: 606 783 737

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 08.00-23.00, Saturday 08.00-16.00, closed on Sundays

Ashirvad

Address: Calle Dulcinea 26 35600

Telephone: 928 85 89 38

Opening Times: Please call for opening times

Tex Mex

Address: C/Profesor Juan Tadeo Cabrera, 25

Telephone: 928 858014

Opening Times: Please call for opening times

La Paella II

Address: C/ La Cruz,55

Telephone: 928 855215

Opening Times: Please call for opening times

Nightlife

Whilst the nightlife in is modest, there is no shortage of local bars in Puerto del Rosario where you can join the locals for a cold beer whilst taking in the ambience of life in the capital. The nearby town of Caleta de Fuste has bars and restaurants open until the early hours.

Tiadhe bus number 3 runs from Puerto del Rosario to Las Salinas, stopping at Caleta de Fuste. This journey takes around 20 minutes, and buses run to and from every half an hour from 07:00 until 23:00.