Verde Aurora

Guided tour of the farm: All about Aloe Vera

Fuerteventura is a stunning island located in the Canary Islands archipelago, famous for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and year-round sunshine. However, this island offers much more than just a beach vacation. For those who want to delve deeper into the local culture and traditions, Verdeaurora Bio Farm is a must-visit destination.  Verdeaurora Bio Farm is an organic family farm run by the third generation of the Mesa family. The team is passionate about their land and dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions and values of the island. They offer visitors the chance to experience the heart of Fuerteventura with guided tours that showcase the various organic crops grown on the farm, including aloe vera, olive trees, fruit trees, and permaculture.

 

Verde Aurora is a family inheritance that is now run by the third generation. The grandfather of young Luis Mesa bought the land in the 1960s, taking advantage of the expansion of tomato cultivation on the island. Later, Luis Mesa’s father, an agricultural engineer, inherited the farm. Despite his desire to continue with tomato production, he faced competition from Morocco and had to give up agriculture as a business to focus on his profession and rural accommodations.

Today, Verde Aurora has three rural houses. One of them is the old family house converted into a reception for visitors and a shop where different farm products such as oil or jam preserves are exhibited under the protection of the old kitchen fireplaces. Although the arrival of the tomato crisis made the family focus on rural tourism, Verde Aurora has been reborn thanks to the work of Luis Mesa’s son, together with his sister Aurora, without neglecting the work of his mother, Clotilde.

Now converted into an ecological farm, it specializes in olive cultivation, which the family patriarch bet on ten years ago after the decline of the tomato. They now have one thousand olive trees, as well as green aloe with a plantation of 5,000 plants, which share the land with a small self-consumption orchard, some fruit trees, and a wetland for bird watching. “Ornithology is another resource that we have to enhance while contributing to the conservation of the flora and fauna of the area.” Not surprisingly, Verde Aurora is located in a special bird protection area. In addition to this wide range of active tourism, they also organize stargazing sessions. Located between the protected landscapes of Malpaís Grande and the Natural Monument of the Cuchillos de Vigán, which gives added value to the farm, Verde Aurora produces its own organic extra virgin olive oil and produces a range of cosmetics based on the cultivation of aloe vera that can be purchased in the farm shop and online. With its own olive press, it produced 1,200 liters of oil last year from arbequina, picual, and hojiblanca varieties.

Continuing their commitment to quality over quantity, Verde Aurora does not aspire to expand their olive oil production beyond their current capacity in order to maintain the high standards of their product. “We won’t be able to compete in terms of quantity, but we can in terms of quality. The climate is conducive to a variety of crops on the island,” says Luis Mesa. Verde Aurora has already sold all of their 1,200 liters of olive oil for this season. However, they are not just focused on producing a high-quality product but also providing visitors with a unique experience.  That’s why they take the time to show visitors their eco-friendly production process in their own olive oil mill. In their pursuit of wellness and respect for the body and health, Verde Aurora also organizes sporting events such as the Verde Aurora Bike Race, which has been running for two years.  Recently, Aurora has also taken on the task of organizing events at the farm. In this family-run project, Luis Mesa senior is responsible for maintaining the farm, while his wife Clotilde advises, and their children Luis and Aurora manage marketing and administration tasks.

The farm offers three unique experiences:

The Bio Farm Experience, the Premium Experience, and the Starlight Experience. Each experience provides visitors with a chance to learn about the local culture and traditions, as well as the opportunity to sample some of the island’s unique and delicious produce. The Bio Farm Experience is a two-hour guided tour of the farm. Visitors will learn about the different organic crops grown on the farm and their uses. The tour includes an olive oil tasting, depending on availability, and an aloe workshop where visitors can make their own pure Aloe cream. It is an excellent experience for families with children aged 4 to 11, as children are welcome, and the cost is only 18€ per child and 25€ per adult.  

The Premium Experience offers a more comprehensive and immersive experience, with a duration of 3.5 hours. In addition to the activities in the Bio Farm Experience, visitors will also enjoy a tasting of local and farm products, such as tomatoes with oil, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, Majorero cheese with jams from the farm, and “amasao” gofio dessert. This experience is perfect for foodies looking to explore the island’s culinary traditions. The Premium Experience costs 45€ per adult and 25€ per child. The Starlight Experience is an unforgettable evening experience that combines the farm’s agricultural and cultural offerings with a unique stargazing opportunity. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the farm, an olive oil tasting, and an aloe workshop. The evening will be capped off with a buffet of typical tapas and drinks, followed by stargazing, accompanied by an expert who will provide the necessary material and knowledge to enjoy it.

The Starlight Experience is the perfect activity for those who want to experience the island’s natural beauty in a unique way. The experience costs 90€ per adult and 60€ per child. All experiences require comfortable shoes, a hat or cap, and sun protection. The farm provides a guide for each group, and the experiences are available in Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian, with a maximum of two languages per group.  

Verdeaurora Bio Farm is an exceptional destination for anyone looking to experience Fuerteventura’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. The farm’s commitment to organic and sustainable practices, combined with its dedication to preserving and promoting local traditions, makes it a unique and valuable addition to the island’s tourism offerings. The farm experiences are well worth the investment, as they offer visitors an immersive and educational experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Verdeaurora Bio Farm has something for everyone.  

To book visits to Verde Aurora with transfers from any part of the island, please contact Amazzzing Travel at [email protected].  In conclusion, Verde Aurora is an excellent example of how a family can adapt to the changing times while still preserving their heritage. They have transformed their farm into an ecological estate that not only produces high-quality olive oil and aloe vera-based cosmetics but also offers visitors a chance to experience the production process firsthand. The Mesa family’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and rural tourism has created a unique destination for travelers looking to discover the authentic side of Fuerteventura.  

Fuerteventura Times is a bilingual lifestyle magazine that showcases the best of what the island has to offer. From breathtaking beaches and natural landscapes to the latest in food, culture, and events, we bring you the most up-to-date and engaging content. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay connected and up-to-date with everything happening on the island.

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