Gran Tarajal

Overview

This beautiful town is located on the east coast of the Tuineje municipality, within Fuerteventura island. Unique and unpretentious, Gran Tarajal is often referred to as the last authentically ‘Spanish’ town on the island. As a hub of maritime and agricultural activity, its 7000 inhabitants are very proud of this peaceful town, which sits on the mouth of the Rio Gran Tarajal.

The centre comprises of numerous steep and narrow streets built into the hillside, lined with quaint cafes and artisan shops served by friendly locals. Down below, lies a gorgeous seafront promenade which leads onto the black sandy beach of Playa de Gran Tarajal.

Unlike the neighbouring resort of Las Playitas, this harbour town is still untouched by mass tourism. For those looking to escape thronged beaches and sample a more tranquil experience, Gran Tarajal is the perfect antidote.

History

For many years Gran Tarajal was Fuerteventura’s principal harbour for the exportation of the island’s agricultural produce. Garnering a steadfast reputation as one of the most important ports in the archipelago, the town also drew considerable, if unwelcome, interest from Barbary pirates and conquistadors throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Gran Tarajal's bravest hour came in 1740 when locals withstood an attack from a British fleet looking to invade the island. Incredibly, the British, equipped with cannons and muskets, were defeated in what became known as the Battle of Tamasite, near the bay of Playa Gran Tarajal.

Culture

Gran Tarajal is noted for its hardworking ethic and as a result, reamins as one of the island’s principal production hotbeds. The fishing community, in particular, is a source of pride for the town.

It is also not uncommon for jovial and engaging restaurateurs to stay open into the early hours in a haze of Sangria and storytelling, providing visitors with a wonderful example of the town’s undeniable Spanish identity.

Economy

Needless to say, fish is the town’s most-valued commodity. Cheeses and agricultural produce, namely tomatoes are also exported.

How to get there

By Bus:
There are many buses (Tiadhe bus number 1 and 10) which run between Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable, you will have no problem getting to Gran Tarajal from these two resorts. Both lines stop at the airport en route, with bus number 1 offers more regular service.

Tiadhe bus number 18 from Pájara also operates from 07:30 until 18:30, although the service is less frequent. There are also regular buses from neighbouring Las Playitas resort to Gran Tarajal, the Tiadhe bus number 12 runs from 06:45 until 21:00.

By Car:
If travelling from Corralejo or the airport, the simplest route would be to take the motorway FV-1, followed by FV-2 (from airport) heading south before turning off onto the FV-4 for Gran Tarajal. From the south (Morro Jable), head north on motorway FV-2, then follow sign onto FV-4 for Gran Tarajal.

Sights

With its unique history, Gran Tarajal boasts a plethora of old yet stunning bulidings.

Gran Tarajal Church

Built in 1879, the church was funded by a returning islander who had made his fortune in Cuba. Situated in the town’s central square, it is enclosed by an expansive grove of Canarian palm trees whose fronds are often used by local artisans to make baskets and Majorero straw hats.

Adjacent to the church also sits an intriguing water fountain featuring the heads of six seahorses.

Beaches

There is one main beach in Gran Tarajal.

Playa de Gran Tarajal beach

Gran Tarajal's town is fronted by a curving bay of fine black sand. Approximately 1km in length, the beach is popular with swimmers, divers, windsurfers and kiteboarders drawn to its calm waters. As the sand can be clammy, especially during the heat of the summer, there are several public shower facilities dotted along the seafront, where you can wash off.

Festivals

From fishing competitions to lively re-enactments of past battles, there are numerous festivals which are worth incorporating into your visit.

Open Internacional de Pesca de Altura de Canarias (Open International Deep Sea Fishing of the Canary Islands)

In September the town attracts a number of visitors for the largest deep sea fishing contest in the Canary Islands. Held at the new harbour, fishermen from across the world can be heard in heated conversation trying to outdo each other. Competition is high, and in recent years, catches have included a blue marlin which weighed a staggering 380kg!

Battle of Tamasite Re-enactment

Over 250 years on from the victory of the poorly armed but lionhearted locals over the British, the battle is still a point of pride for their descendants, who celebrate through a lively re-enactment each October.

Fiesta de la Juventud (Youth Festival)

Held at the end of July as a means of celebrating juventud (youth), the celebrations are suitably lively and energetic, featuring concerts, fairs, games and dancing in both the town centre of Gran Tarajal and on the beach.

Other Festivals

February 2nd- Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
November 13th- San Diego de Alcalá

Restaurants

There are several charming restaurants to be found in the labyrinthine town centre of Gran Tarajal, serving local Canarian fare at more than reasonable prices. Unsurprisingly, seafood is the town’s speciality, seaweed in particular.

La Parada Restaurante y Bar

Serving traditional Spanish/Canarian dishes, including tapas and fish, at reasonable prices, this friendly restaurant and bar is located just a couple of minutes away from the Playa de Tarajal and promenade. It is also the perfect place for a cold beer and small bite to eat whilst watching the match with the locals on its big screen TV. Average price: €7.50 (including drink and coffee).

Address: Calle Princesa Tamonante 18, 35200 Gran Tarajal, Tuineje, Fuerteventura island.
Telephone: +34 928 949 244
Opening hours: 07:00 - 01:00 (closed on Tuesdays)