La Oliva

Overview

La Oliva is a precious trinket belonging to the Fuerteventura island. The town boasts a rich background in history, culture, and art. La Oliva is a quirky sample of an old fashioned working economy combined with a hint of 17^th century politics. The history of the town is in full display with its many museums which are built within ancient caves. La Oliva is perfect to visit if you would like an effective lesson in Spanish history or wish to learn more about well known artists that are from the Centro de Arte Canario casa mane.

History

The village of La Oliva was the political centre of Fuerteventura from the early 17^th- mid 19^th century. It is home to the local district town hall, Ayuntamiento. Archaeological sites have been discovered in La Oliva, which are presumed to have been linked to the ancient kingdom of Maxorata. In 1708, the regiment of the militia, who chose La Olivia as the meeting point and residence, quickly transformed the town into the military capital of Fuerteventura. In 1812, La Oliva was established as an independent municipality and broke away from Puerto del Rosario.

Culture

The culture of La Oliva is expressed very proudly through the many fiestas and gatherings which are celebrated in its municipal of the same name. La Oliva devotes many a day to expressing their cultural heritage, whether it is in the form of the extraordinary architectural sites, or uniquely sculptured religious monuments.

The citizens of La Oliva live their lives in a rather rustically pleasant way. Baking bread and musing over their grains produced among the beautiful windmills is something of a passion to them. When the people of La Oliva are not putting in many hours of hard graft they are wandering the astonishing olive fields. Their pride not only reaps from the saintly buildings and surroundings, but also from the large amount of home-growing they undertake.

Economy

La Oliva is known to be a farming town, specialising in growing olives and cereal which is evident at the Grain Museum (Casa Cilla Museo de Grano, see Museum section).

Sights

Steeped in history, one of the main attractions of La Oliva, is its beautiful church.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (La Oliva church)

This pretty 18th century church was built as a dedication to Virgen de la Candelaria. The church is located in the centre of La Oliva and is impossible to miss, as its attractive square bell tower is visible for miles from the town. This religious building possesses unique architectural features such as a carved Mudejar ceiling and a large painting of ‘The Last Judgement’.

Location: The church is located directly in the centre of La Oliva, Fuerteventura.

Museums

Casa Cilla Museo del Grano

Otherwise known as `La Cilla`, this museum traces the history of windmills, the grains, and the importance of the Island’s staple product, `Gofio`, a special flour made from roasted Maize.

Opening times: Tuesday-Friday, 9.30-17.30. Sunday- 9.30-17.30
Location: the museum is about 250m north of the Church, on the road towards El Cotillo
Telephone: +34(928)851400

Admission: Approx €2 for adult; children free.

Casa de los Coroneles (House of the Colonels)

Casa de los Coroneles is a 18th century, fort-looking house. It was restored and opened in November 2006, as an art gallery and culture centre, by the king and queen of Spain. A local fascination due to its abnormal construction and desert location, the house of colonels was once the home of the military governors.  According to folklore, concerning the rich living in the house, the building had 365 windows, one for each day of the year. The house possesses architectural pieces which are linked to the significance of the socio-economic development of Fuerteventura. The servants’ quarters and stables deserve a mention, with historic their tales seeping through the walls. A few steps out of the stables are the panoramic views of Montana Del Fronton. Casa de los Coroneles is one historic site turned art gallery that you must visit to get a real feel of the history left behind in La Oliva.

Telephone: +34 928 86 19 04
Hours: 10:00 - 14:00 and 16:30 - 19:00, Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: free

Cuevo de Llanos visitor centre

The Cuevo de Llanos visitor centre is built on the oldest historic site in the archipelago, which is approximately one million years old. The visitor centre is in the form of a fully accessible cave. Here, you can enter through the collapsed areas of volcanic pipe, from which the cave was constructed from. Cuevo de Llanos was formally used as a corral for camels and a poultry coop. The visitor centre also regularly runs educational tours.

Location: Cuevo de Llanos, Villaverde, La Oliva- Fuerteventura (approx 6 mins drive from central of La Oliva)
Telephone: 928 175 928
Tour times: Thursday- Saturday, 10.15- 12.45, 14.45- 17.15. (Every 30 minutes)
Fees: Adult: 5€  Children under 12: free Groups 10+: 3.75€  Residents: 2.50€

Centro de Arte Canario Casa Mane

The art gallery located in the centre of La Oliva provides a mix of permanent and temporary art exhibitions. The main section of the art gallery holds the permanent exhibition of Alberto Manrique along with many other famous Canarian artists. Located in the basement is the contemporary art gallery, where you will find many inspirational pieces created by artists of the same high status. The art gallery also has sensational sculptured gardens to admire in between viewing exhibitions.

Opening times: 10.00- 17.00 daily, closed Sundays.
Telephone: 928 868 233.

Beaches

La Oliva is located in the middle of the island hence it does not possess any beaches. However the natural sand dunes leading towards to the clear blue sea (Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo) are located 20 minutes away in Corralejo, and neighbouring town, El Cotillo. To visit El Cotillo you can get bus number 7 from La Oliva.

Festivals 

Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria Festival is on the  2^nd of February

The Corralejo Carnival, an electric, colourful, display of culture is located 17km from La Oliva. Dates vary each year, but it is usually takes place towards the end of Feburary or the beginning of March.

Restaurants

El Horno (The Oven)

El Horno is situated within the peaceful rural environment of Villaverde village, and boasts old fashioned farmhouse style cooking. El Horno specializes in Salmorejo rabbit and home-made garlic mushrooms, topped off with a large glass of house red.Average fees: 25 euro per person

Address: Ctra general, 91. 35640 Corralejo - La Oliva- Fuerteventura. (Approx 6 mins drive from La Oliva central)
Telephone: 928 868 671

Shopping

Just 20 minutes drive from La Oliva, Corralejo holds a bustling local market which sprawls out across the majority of the main esplanade within the town centre. Here you can find a variety of vegetables, fresh produce and specialities such as almond stuffed olives. It is recommended to visit in the morning due to closure during siesta- which is typically 1.00-15.00.

Friday market, Corralejo, La Oliva- Fuerteventura.