A Walk Through Fuerteventura

by David Collins

Fuerteventura is well known to tourists for its beaches and its windsurfing. But there is much more to it than this. This book is a passionate and authoritative account written by someone who really knows the island. It describes a walk over the mountains and remote desert landscapes of the island, referring in particular to wildlife and places of historic interest, but also including personal anecdotes from visits over more than thirty years. The book provides an enthusiastic account of the island, its wildlife and history as seen through the eyes of its most passionate exponent. “If you’d like to know more about Fuerteventura and its wildlife, just follow David Collins on his journey across the island. A privileged few have had David as their guide on Fuerteventura. Now everyone can enjoy his knowledge and passion, which are weaved into this enjoyable travelogue.” Chris Durdin, Honeyguide Wildlife Holidays “This book is filled with interesting anecdotes and information revealing the true spirit of Fuerteventura and its flora and fauna” Rod Casey, Villaverde, Fuerteventura

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This page has collected the miscellaneous items unattributed to specific David Collinses.

For the 18th-19th century Australian legislator, see David^^^^^^^Collins

Reviews

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Collins came to love the island of Fuerteventura after a first trip in the 1970s to study a native bird – the Houbara Bustard – for a Masters Degree. I came to the island much later but I too love it and I found his descriptions of those earlier days fascinating. The island was so undeveloped back then that he describes the trip as a bona fide expedition.

After a career in ecology and numerous visits to the island David returns in 2006 to follow a notion he's had to walk its length. He's not a regular hiker so his preparation and planning have left a something to be desired. The struggles of his walk are many but he describes them well while telling us lots about the island.

As well as being a travelogue the book particularly features Collin's observations of nature through his ecologist's eye. Nothing that grows, flies, crawls or scampers goes unremarked or unclassified. The appendices to the book provide a extensive listing of the birds and plants to be found on Fuerteventura.

I've learned a lot from the book I'm looking forward to my next trip to Fuerteventura now. I'll be looking at it in new ways.