Lanzarote-virtual | The hilltop village of Femés

The hilltop village of Femés.

This old farming village which stands at 450m above sea level, was once a place of refuge from pirates. Along the winding road there are numerous old farm dwellings.

The valley is very fertile and the fields produce large onions and juicy tomatoes. Red earth from a nearby mountain is transported to the fields.

The centre of religious life is the church of Femés, with a statue of the patron saint of Lanzarote, San Marcial de Limoges. The Cathedral of San Marcial del Rubicón stood here in earlier days, but it was demolished by English pirates in the 16th century. This used to be the entrance to the wilderness of the Rubicón, also the seat of the bishop. Nowadays, Femés belongs to the parish of Yaiza.

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On July 07, the saint is carried in procession around the church. These festivals are a high point in the island calendar. From the, so-called, balcony, one has a lovely view over the plain towards Playa Blanca, the Red Mountain and the southern tip of the island, an impressive panorama.

Up here there is a restaurant with a high terrace and a small village restaurant where one can sample such specialities as, rabbit, goat-kid, stews and papas con mojo (the small island potatoes with garlic sauce).

Femés is worth a visit and is a special experience, both from a culinary point of view, as well as a wonderful view.

Illustration: Up here, at 450 m, you have a great view over Playa Blanca to the Red Mountain and, when it is very clear, you can see the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura as well.