Ajuy, Pájara facts for kids
Ajuy is a small, quiet fishing village located on the west coast of Fuerteventura. This island is part of the Canary Islands, which belong to Spain. Ajuy is also part of a larger area called the municipality of Pájara.
Ajuy has an interesting history! Back in 1402, a Norman explorer named Jean de Béthencourt landed near here. He came to take over the island for the Spanish crown.
A small part of Ajuy, called Puerto de la Peña, used to be a busy port. It was the main port for the old island capital, Betancuria. Sadly, pirates often attacked this port long ago.
About 2 kilometers from Ajuy, you'll find Caleta Negra, which means "Black Bay" in Spanish. Near this bay, there's an old lime kiln. A lime kiln is like a big oven used to heat limestone. The limestone from Ajuy was very pure and was sent from this place until the late 1800s.
Today, Ajuy is a popular spot for tourists. People love to visit its amazing caves. These deep, dramatic caves were carved into the soft limestone cliffs by strong ocean storms over many years. It's a great place to explore and see nature's power!
Contents
Exploring Ajuy's History
The First Landing
Ajuy holds a special place in the history of Fuerteventura. It was near this village that the first European conquerors arrived. In 1402, Jean de Béthencourt, a brave explorer from Normandy, landed on the island. His goal was to claim Fuerteventura for the Spanish crown. This event marked the beginning of a new era for the island.
Ajuy's Old Port
Puerto de la Peña was once a very important place for Ajuy. It served as the main port for Betancuria, which was the capital of Fuerteventura a long time ago. Ships would come and go, bringing goods and people. However, being a port also made it a target. Pirates often attacked Puerto de la Peña, trying to steal treasures and disrupt trade.
The Story of Caleta Negra
Just a short distance from Ajuy is Caleta Negra, or "Black Bay." This area was important for its natural resources. You can still see an old lime kiln here. A lime kiln is a special furnace used to heat limestone. When limestone is heated, it turns into lime, which was used for building and farming. The limestone from Ajuy was known for being very pure. It was shipped from Caleta Negra to other places until the second half of the 19th century.
Ajuy's Amazing Caves
Discovering the Sea Caves
One of the biggest attractions in Ajuy today is its incredible sea caves. These caves are not just holes in the rock; they are deep and dramatic. They have been carved out over thousands of years by the powerful ocean waves and winter storms. The waves slowly wore away the softer parts of the limestone cliffs, creating these natural wonders.
A Popular Tourist Spot
Visiting the caves is a popular activity for people exploring Fuerteventura. You can walk along paths that lead to the cave entrances and look inside. It's a fantastic way to see how nature can shape the land. The views from the cliffs around the caves are also breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the rugged coastline.
Gallery
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Cuevas de Ajuy 2016
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Cuevas de Ajuy 2012
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Cuevas de Ajuy 2016
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Cuevas de Ajuy 2016
See also
In Spanish: Ajuy para niños
