La Pared

Overview

In the south west coast of Fuerteventura, between the mountains and national nature reserve area of Jandía, nestles the sleepy town of La Pared, a small village with miles of, white, sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. The south of the island retains its natural beauty as it is far less developed than the north, making it the perfect place to escape the droves of tourists. La Pared is primarily a residential village that has been inhabited by German immigrants looking to escape the harsh European climate. Enjoy your holiday in peace by renting a private villa with swimming pool for a reasonable price, and the luxury of being only 5 minutes by car from the hustle and bustle of Morro Jable.

History

La Pared has a fairly short history as there was nothing much there before the influx of tourism. In 1966 La Pared started attracting tourists, and the first hotel was built. However it wasn’t until the 1980s that developers began building houses for people to buy and live in. Today there are around 150 houses in La Pared owned by Spanish and German people, and there are further plans for the construction of more houses.

La pared was thought to get its name from a stone wall once divided the kingdoms of Maxorata and Jandía before Castillian invasion. La Pared is said to have been where the wall started, but historians agree that a wall separating these two regions would have had to lie further north.

Culture

La Pared is a mixture of German and Spanish culture, due to the high percentage of German immigrants who have opened various businesses in the area. Because it is a young village and most of the houses are new builds you will not find any archaic architecture here. However you can go and experience the real Fuerteventura by visiting historical towns such as Betancuria.

Economy

The few businesses in the town such as restaurants, bars, a local grocery store, a surfing school and a golfing academy provide revenue for the locals. However, most people who live here commute to the larger towns of Morro Jable or Coralejo to work.

How To Get There

The journey from the airport is an average of 50 minutes drive and costs approximately €60 by taxi. However, if you are staying in La Pared, hiring a car to get around is a sensible option (There are various car hire companies at the airport baggage claim). This way you can enjoy all that the island has to offer without booking pricy organised excursions. When the crowds of people become too much you can retreat back to the peace and tranquillity of La Pared. 

By Bus:
La Pared is a little over ten minutes by bus from Costa Calma and 01 and 10 depart from the airport at regular intervals. To arrive in La Pared catch a bus to Costa Calma, and then a taxi or bus to La Pared. The journey is quick and simple, and the bus drivers will be more than happy to help you if you become confused. For a full bus timetable go to the bus company’s website indicated below. If you are to use the bus, buy a discount card for €12 from the newsagents inside the airport. The discount card deducts 20% off the price of every journey.

Bus Service Timetable:
Website: http://www.maxoratabus.com/tiadhe/pdf/Horarios_Tiadhe.pdf

Airport transfer:
If being herded onto a bus after a long journey doesn’t sound appealing, you can pre book airport transfers online. A shuttle bus will cost around €58 for two adults. A direct transfer with a private company from the airport can be quite pricy at approximately €200 for two adults. 

Beaches

The beautiful uninhabited sandy beaches are such a well-kept secret that the only way to access them is via dirt track. Due to the geographical location of La Pared the waves can sometimes be extremely powerful. Be advised to be careful when swimming during strong winds as there are no lifeguards on duty. There is a selection of beaches including; the Playa del Pared, Playa de Viejo Rey and Punta de Guadalupe which has extremely interesting geological features. In July each year the beaches of Sotavento that are a short 1km away from La Pared host the world wind surfing championships. Many of the beaches allow nude and topless sunbathing, great for those unflattering tan lines.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Restaurants in La Pared are some of the finest in the area. Specialising in fresh seafood and international dishes alike, there is something for everybody. A relaxed little town, La Pared is pretty quiet in the evenings. You can enjoy a quiet drink in Tina’s bar (see Restaurants), but there are no nightclubs here. If you feel like a party, then head to nearby Costa Calma or Morro Jable. A taxi back should be reasonably priced.

Bahia Mar

Specialising in fish, this traditional and quintessentially Canarian restaurant is located on a small bay. They have a beautiful terrace, gardens and interior, so you’re guaranteed a beautiful ambiance regardless of where you choose to sit. The restaurant has a swimming pool with a long water slide which is great if you are looking to take the family out to dinner. Adults can enjoy a glass of wine from the vast choice they have on offer whilst the children splash about in the pool.

Address: Bahia La Pared, Itsmo del, S/N 35627 Pájara, Fuerteventura Island
Telephone: +34 928 549 030

El Camello

El Camello offers an array of international cuisine with local flair. You can choose to dine on the roof terrace or in the garden. This is the most expensive restaurant in the area, but a good place to treat your other half to a night of exquisite food. They have an extremely large wine list, serving a variety of wines from Fuerteventura, the Canary Islands and across the globe. If you are not a wine connoisseur then ask the knowledgeable waiting staff as to what they would recommend to complement your meal.

Tina's Bar

Tina’s bar has been open since 1978. A friendly bar and place to enjoy a nice relaxed drink of an evening. You will find many of the locals propping up the bar on most days, and it will give you the chance to get to know the friendly people of the area. The bar also provides food after 7pm, and is famous for its succulent tenderloin steak.