Casa Patricia
American Star Shipwreck
The remote beach of Playa de Garcey, on the west coast of Fuerteventura, is home to one of the World's strangest tourist attractions, the shipwreck of the American Star ocean liner. This huge ship has been wrenched in half by the force of the elements and now sits alone, lost and ghost like, a truly weird sight.
In 1994 the ship had been taken out of service and was on its way to Thailand for a new career as a floating restaurant. However, while being towed by the west coast of Africa, it encountered a heavy storm. It was decided that for the tug towing the ship to stay out of danger they should cut the American Star loose, with the intention of reconnecting in calmer weather.
The reconnection was never made and the liner wasn't seen again until it ran aground at Playa de Garcey.
Betancuria
Betancuria, the former capital, is not only one of Fuerteventura's most historic towns, its also one of its prettiest. The town's historic quarter features beautiful examples of traditional white washed architecture, the ruins of a monastery, a bodega and artisan's workshops.
La Lajita Zoo
Oasis del Los Camellos is a small, colourful zoo in the fishing village of La Lajita, on the east coast of Fuerteventura. It boasts a fine selection of birds and reptiles, but its popularity is largely due to the camel safaris it offers. An absolute must for the younger members of the family!
Well worth a visit, has a superb garden centre attached and very reasonably priced restaurants with a free bus which runs from Caleta.
El Cotillo
El Cotillo is a charming fishing village with a coastline characterised by deserted beaches with small lagoons offering sheltered sunbathing behind black lava rocks. There are also dramatic cliff-top walks with views over the wild and rugged sea.
The village itself has a pretty harbour with small bars and restaurants specialising in seafood. The tower here was built in 1743 as a look out for pirates. Great for fishing and surfing.
