Living in LA Oliva

[warriors]

Hi,  anybody living in La Oliva advise on how friendly the community is,  what the weather is generally like a little more inland, are the bars and restaurants any good for a beer or two,  we have lived elsewhere on the island and are looking for a few pointers if we decide to move.  Thanks

[erik_tonny]

We once considered la Oliva. We went to Fuerteventura for the climate, wel in la Oliva you will find a different kind of weather. Due to the higher altitude the winds are stronger and the temperature is lower. The winter evenings in la Oliva are cold and you really need heating

[Ivemovedon]

Not much there in the way of cafe's bars or restaurants. If you like life real quiet then it could be the place for you. Villaverde is just down the road of course with plenty of eateries, but still a drive away so if you like a drink or two it could be a problem.

[malabu]

If you chose to live in an area like La Oliva then you have to accept the place as it is, but there are a couple of bars and cafes and it is in a good area if you want to get about, but what it has in its favour is how quiet it is, and there is nothing at all out in the sticks.

[paully]

Very good bakery....if you can find it though

[zedzedeleven]

Very good bakery....if you can find it though

Ah, is there now, cheers Paully, we like a challenge and look forward to seeking it out next visit!

[warriors]

Does anyone actually live there!??

[el caballo hambriento]

Loads of people live there and it is the administrative centre for the municipality of La Oliva.  At least 2 bars + kiosk bar on square.  Latter does great snacks.  Pizzeria/burger restaurant. Small supermarket, gas station, chemist, atm. 
Why not check it out if you are already living on the island or book a holiday there. There is accommodation on the likes of Airbnb.

[paully]

Very good bakery....if you can find it though

Ah, is there now, cheers Paully, we like a challenge and look forward to seeking it out next visit!

Hi ZZ

  Go down the `main drag` and opposite the Church you will see the Pharmacy. Go one road back from that and turn into what looks like a road of derelict buildings. Keep going until you come to a detached building on the left and thats it..They do nice coffee but try the Aniseed bread..It will do horrors for your waistline but your tastebuds will thank you ..oh and its nice and soft as a bonus

[warriors]

Loads of people live there and it is the administrative centre for the municipality of La Oliva.  At least 2 bars + kiosk bar on square.  Latter does great snacks.  Pizzeria/burger restaurant. Small supermarket, gas station, chemist, atm. 
Why not check it out if you are already living on the island or book a holiday there. There is accommodation on the likes of Airbnb.

We currently live on Tenerife and are looking to move back to fuerteventura, unfortunately we have dogs and cats so not able to stay over.  I am aware of the towns facilities but was hoping that some of you lovely people actually lived in Olivia to give a residents view of the climate in particular winter time and any other experiences of the town
Thank you for all replies thus far

[el caballo hambriento]

It has a vet!  It is not touristy. Some knowledge of Spanish would help, lessons are available on the island.  It is usually colder in a spell of inclement weather and gets more rain than coastal locations but we are not talking of huge differences and the inclement weather does not last for long.  There is a bus service that goes from Corralejo to El Cotillo. I think you would need a car if you lived there.  Having looked around on local notice boards etc I would say that there is very little provided for the English community.  Triquivijate and Tindaya have more English people living there apart from the touristy resorts which have even more English but check that out for yourself as things change.  Caleta de Fuste strikes me as having a more English feel than anywhere else on the Island.

[gattaca66]

We have friends who live in La Oliva, and they absolutely love it, specifically because it is so 'un-touristy' and suits their particular lifestyle. Prior to making our own move to the island, we rented in Corralejo, Moro Jable, Caleta and La Oliva. On paper, La Oliva/Villaverde was particularly attractive because of lower property prices and some superb villas on the market, but our stay there was disappointing. It was markedly cooler than Caleta during the day, and frankly cold at night, to the extent that we had to use the heating (March/April). The clincher for us, though, was the constant howling of dogs throughout the night, across the two villages. We opted for Caleta in the end, and love it, (have never needed the heating on!), but I know people in La Oliva and Villaverde who would live nowhere else. If possible, do try before you buy!

[warriors]

We have friends who live in La Oliva, and they absolutely love it, specifically because it is so 'un-touristy' and suits their particular lifestyle. Prior to making our own move to the island, we rented in Corralejo, Moro Jable, Caleta and La Oliva. On paper, La Oliva/Villaverde was particularly attractive because of lower property prices and some superb villas on the market, but our stay there was disappointing. It was markedly cooler than Caleta during the day, and frankly cold at night, to the extent that we had to use the heating (March/April). The clincher for us, though, was the constant howling of dogs throughout the night, across the two villages. We opted for Caleta in the end, and love it, (have never needed the heating on!), but I know people in La Oliva and Villaverde who would live nowhere else. If possible, do try before you buy!

Thank you for an informed and impartial answer,  just what we were looking for in regards to experiences.  Unfortunately due owning 2 big,  but quiet dogs and a cat we find it impossible to find a rental anywhere on the island. Living in a rural community in North Tenerife has very much the same problems and is one of the reasons we wish to move.  Cheers gattaca66

[el caballo hambriento]

Surely there are kennels and catteries on Tenerife.  Even Fven has them!

[warriors]

Our two dogs came from the shelter in LA Olivia after being neglected and mistreated and I would not considered putting them back in a kennel and our cat is leukemia positive so no kennels will take him.  I appreciate your replies and help and take all of the comments positivity and with thanks

[el caballo hambriento]

Visit separately?  Anyway good luck with your decision making.

[Charlie dont surf]

Something that should surely be mentioned when talking about La Oliva is the wonderful market held in the Casa Del Coronels. A must for foodies who like to cook at home. Here you will find a selection of stalls selling the freshest seasonal fruit and veg grown on the island by the few hardy farmers, that deserve your support. Also, artisan bakers and cheesemakers selling a variety Of delicious breads, goat cheese and yoghurts. There's even a stall that caters for lovers of the German sausage where you'll find the very best Bratwurst, Blutwurst and Schwartwurst served by a lovely young fräulein who travels up, especially for you, from South of the Island.

Open 10-2 Tuesday and Thursday (or Friday in Summer months)

[Snowdrop]

Something that should surely be mentioned when talking about La Oliva is the wonderful market held in the Casa Del Coronels. A must for foodies who like to cook at home. Here you will find a selection of stalls selling the freshest seasonal fruit and veg grown on the island by the few hardy farmers, that deserve your support. Also, artisan bakers and cheesemakers selling a variety Of delicious breads, goat cheese and yoghurts. There's even a stall that caters for lovers of the German sausage where you'll find the very best Bratwurst, Blutwurst and Schwartwurst served by a lovely young fräulein who travels up, especially for you, from South of the Island.

Open 10-2 Tuesday and Thursday (or Friday in Summer months)

[Snowdrop]

Sorry - meant to include thanks for that.  Will go next week 😀

[zedzedeleven]

Sounds better than the farce that the Corralejo markets have become, stall after stall selling the same fake african sourced bags belts and shades, with the addition of second hand junk at the campanario markets.

[spitfire58]

Think all the regular markets are the same now zed. Same stuff in Caleta & same stuff every time you go in & they all seem the same. I assume the same traders just do the rounds of the island. My wife was looking at some white lacy/crochet cardi thing last year & it had been on the hanger so long it had welded itself into the non slip soft rubber top on the hanger !!! Lol

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

An indoor swimming pool.
You can attend doctor's appointments there (Spanish Health System).
Post Office, 13:00 - 14:30, M-F.
Lottery shop 

[spitfire58]

WB Tamara, have you been away on hols. Haven`t seen you posting for quite a while 😁😁

[Johnrgby2]

WB Tamara, have you been away on hols. Haven`t seen you posting for quite a while 😁😁

Yes, welcome back Tamara I thought you had deserted us.

[el caballo hambriento]

An indoor swimming pool.
You can attend doctor's appointments there (Spanish Health System).
Post Office, 13:00 - 14:30, M-F.
Lottery shop 

I think the lottery shop has closed (nr the small supermarket, on the corner).  It just may have moved.  Perhaps someone can provide more input.

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Hi Spitfire & John. I'm here, just kept my head down for a while as I didn't like the direction the forum was going. (I'm an HP sauce kind of person  , prefer factual Q & As, let other people air their opinions if that is what they like doing.)

Lottery shop - believe it is now between Persymar Blinds shop and the ATM.

Had another think today while driving through:
Pertrol Station/Car Wash/Ferreteria/Gas bottle exchange/Tyre services
and of course a Cemetery and Crematorium 

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Warriors - have you thought about hiring a touring caravan/mobile home to enable you to holiday (possibly illegally?) in La Oliva?

Alternatively, if you see a property advertised that you would consider buying you could always ask the owner if you could have it on a 'rent to buy' contract which gives you the chance to try before you buy! It worked for us.

[spitfire58]

Hi Spitfire & John. I'm here, just kept my head down for a while as I didn't like the direction the forum was going. (I'm an HP sauce kind of person  , prefer factual Q & As, let other people air their opinions if that is what they like doing.)

Lottery shop - believe it is now between Persymar Blinds shop and the ATM.

Had another think today while driving through:
Pertrol Station/Car Wash/Ferreteria/Gas bottle exchange/Tyre services
and of course a Cemetery and Crematorium 

Ha ha, yeah. I get that one, feel like that myself !! 😁😁

[stevenizzy]

Hi everyone.

We live in La Oliva and can honestly say it is the best move we ever made. When we moved to the island we bought a place in Corralejo as that was where we had been on holiday for years and loved it. But our wanting for a bit of space and peace and quiet got us looking further afield.
We moved out to La Oliva last year and it suits us down to the ground. Yes it is quiet however there are a small selection of bars (the square is lovely in the afternoons) and Villaverde is easily within walking distance with the lovely restaurants there.
The pharmacy is useful, market is lovely and having a petrol station here is really handy - especially on a Sunday when very little is open!
All in all if you want to live somewhere more rural, enjoy country living with some amenities and enjoy the beautiful surroundings then La Oliva is a fab place to live.
Feel free to pm me if you want more info...

[el caballo hambriento]

This thread has been so refreshing to follow.  Such a change from the weather, Brexit and individuals having a go at each other.