The Salt Zero Emissions
Route
Caleta de Fuste The Salt Museum
Discover The Salt Route by Bike traditional saltworks since 1990. Today they have become one of the emblematic places of the Fuerteventura Biosphere Reserve. These are the only saltworks still preserved in Fuerteventura. Their first harvest dates back to the first year of the nineteenth century, when they were known by the name of Salinas de la Hondurilla. Around 1910, the present-day saltworks were built on the ancient ones, according to an old style of clay saltworks lined with stones that is unique in the world, and only survives in a few places in the Canary Islands. The saltworks are also an extraordinary natural place. The water pools are a treat for many birds that find here a place to stop and shelter. Surprising beings such as the brine shrimp, Artemia salina, live in their shallow waters, accustomed to these extreme situations.
The eighteenth-century Castle of San Buenaventura is located next to the marina of Caleta de Fuste. It is an important site in the history of the island, and it is listed as a property of cultural interest. It is the starting point of the Salt Route. However, the well-marked bicycle lane that will lead us to Salinas del Carmen can be reached from anywhere in Caleta de Fuste. This route presents almost no difficulty because of the absence of slopes. Towards the Salt Gardens The bicycle lane will lead you to the Salt Museum entrance, in the heart of the saltworks. Who has never seen an old salina, here will be able to enjoy a true masterpiece of man in harmony with nature. You can delight in an exceptional place qualified as a UNESCO cultural landscape. Given the beauty and cultural importance of this place, the UNESCO supported the conservation of these
After arriving at the Salt Museum, you can take a break and enjoy the exhibition that will bring you through the history of salt. Later you can enjoy visiting the saltworks, where you will see the traditional salt production in situ. It is a unique experience where you can observe the whole salt-making process and the singular and unusual water management systems, from the catchment of seawater until the crystallisation of salt by evaporation.These visits are lead by expert guides from the museum, who will explain the production of salt from seawater in detail. Castle of San Buenaventura. Caleta de Fuste. Image: Carlos Gonzรกlez
Why by bike? One of the best ways to enjoy your stay in Caleta de Fuste is going along the Salt Route Biking provides multiple benefits: • It is more pleasant and allows to fully enjoy the scenery and the visit of each site. • It saves energy, it does not pollute and avoids noise. • • It is healthier and more environmentally responsible. TO RENT BIKES YOU CAN ASK YOUR HOTEL OR GET IN TOUCH WITH THE COMPANIES MENTIONED IN THE BROCHURE.
What the STARTER project aims to achieve? In the Museum of Salt, all visitors who access by bike will receive the gift of a packet of salt produced in the Salinas del Carmen.
Salinas del Carmen are among the few saltworks in the world, along with few others, such as those of Ibiza and Formentera in the Balearic islands and of Fuencaliente in La Palma, that produce one of today’s gastronomical jewels: the Foam Salt, Sal de Espuma, formerly known as Flor de Sal, which is only produced by a few still preserved ancient saltworks. The visit can be completed by a tour in the beautiful fishing village next to the saltworks, walking along its unique coast or enjoying the excellent cuisine of the place, where fish and salt are never absent.
The Salt Road is an initiative promoted by the STARTER project. The STARTER project is an initiative co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme of the European Commission. The main objective of STARTER is to promote energy efficient and sustainable mobility measures, with the aid of everybody: tourists, local authorities, bike rental companies, and hotel managers.
DISCOVER THE SALT GARDEN BY BIKE Save energy and emit less CO2
AN INITIATIVE WITHIN THE EUROPEAN STARTER PROJECT in cooperation with
Ayuntamiento de Antigua