La Oliva (Historic Town)

A historic town that served as Fuerteventura's seat of military governance from the 16th to the 19th century. The town's centerpiece is the Casa de los Coroneles (House of the Colonels), a magnificent restored 18th-century mansion that was the residence of the island's military governors. The building features traditional Canarian architecture with a large central courtyard, wooden balconies, and original stonework. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, dating from the 17th century, stands opposite the Casa de los Coroneles. The town also hosts a contemporary art centre (Centro de Arte Canario) and is a good base for exploring Tindaya Mountain and the northern countryside.