Betancuria is the historic gem nestled in the heart of Fuerteventura. With its cobbled streets, gleaming white buildings and authentic ambience, it’s an enjoyable visit that offers a time-travel experience.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in the village of Betancuria in Fuerteventura and some useful tips for planning your visit.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Stroll through the old town
Even if you only have 30 minutes to take a break in the village, we recommend you do so. Compared with the other Canary Islands, Fuerteventura has few traditional and historic villages. Walking through the narrow streets of Betancuria is like stepping back in time. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed houses. It’s one of the island’s must-see attractions.
The location is quiet and peaceful, nestled in the mountains. It’s really very pleasant to visit and not very big.
You can visit it on your own, or join an organized tour that takes you around Fuerteventura’s mountainous area. See options.
2. Admire Santa Maria Cathedral
The village’s main attraction is its church/cathedral, which is extremely photogenic. Built in the 15th century, it is one of the oldest in the Canaries. It became a cathedral in 1424.
Its original version in Norman Gothic style was destroyed by a pirate raid in the 16th century and rebuilt in Canarian style the following century. It features Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance architecture.
On the outside, mind you:
- Lime walls
- Exposed stone
- Its square bell tower with small bells. Its base dates from the Gothic version.
- Its magnificent wooden doors – particularly the main portal, framed by pilasters – are a delight to behold.
Inside, notice:
- Its 3 naves
- The wooden ceiling
- Church floor tiles with wooden slats at intersections
- Its arches
Practical information
- Opening hours are unclear… in theory, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm.
- Small entry fee
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Fuerteventura
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
3. Note the elements of Canary architecture
All around the town, you can discover typical elements of Canarian architecture. There aren’t many on Fuerteventura, unlike the other islands. Betancuria is an ideal place to discover them.
For example notice:
- Lime roofed houses
Lime is used to whiten walls, reflecting sunlight and keeping houses cool. - Thick walls
Thick walls help keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter. - Wooden balconies
Wooden balconies are a distinctive feature of Canarian architecture. They are often decorated with geometric motifs.
So remember to look up.
4. Realizing its historical importance
Betancuria is one of the oldest towns founded by Europeans in the Canaries. It was built in the early 15th century by the Norman Jean de Béthancour, who made it the capital of the Canary Islands. It remained the capital of the island of Fuerteventura until 1834.
It owes its name to its founder. In Castilian, his name was Juan de Bethencourt. The original name seems to have been Sainte-Marie de Bethancourie.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Fuerteventura
Choosing where to stay:
Choose by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
- Best resorts (quiet or lively)
Our favorite: Hotel INNSide – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
5. Spend the night in the village
For a trip back in time, the village has a hotel in a historic building: Casa Princess Arminda.
We loved the well-restored building, typical of the Canary Islands, and the unique atmosphere that reigns in this small hotel.
Our room was spacious, with stone and lime walls.
And the inner courtyard was very pleasant for a drink or a rest.
What’s more, it gave us the chance to take a quiet stroll around the village at sunrise. Magic!
- See prices, pictures and availability
- Please note that rooms are limited, so book early.
6. Admire its position nestled in the heart of the mountains
The town is really quite small. There are only 200 inhabitants.
It is nestled in the heart of Fuerteventura’s small mountains.
Take the time to wander the alleys behind the church (and not just the few streets in the old center), so you can get a view of the roof of the church and the surrounding hills.
The town was built not too far from the coast, but not by the sea either. This made his defense easier.
7. Fuerteventura Archaeological Museum
To find out more about the history of Fuerteventura, you can also visit the Museo Arqueologico y Etnografico (Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum). It’s a small museum that mainly covers the Guanche tribes. They were the natives during the Norman and Spanish conquests.
Here you’ll find bone and shell tools, ceramics and religious objects.
The museum also features a local tomb estimated to be between 600 and 1,000 years old.
Panels introduce you to their way of life, their fishing techniques and how they collected water on such a dry island.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm (in theory, but no official website to keep up to date).
- Price: low entry fee
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Other things to do in and around Betancuria
We’ve listed our must-haves, but you can also take advantage of..:
- Visit the Musée des arts sacrés in the church’s former presbytery: religious paintings and sculptures.
- Discover small craft stores (ceramics…)
- The ruins of the Franciscan convent of St. Bonaventure, a little way from the center. Monastery founded in 1416
- Hiking in the Betancuria rural park around the village
The village is also on Fuerteventura’s most beautiful road.
Be sure to stop off at the surrounding viewpoints:
- To the north: Mirador Corrales de Guize with its famous statues
- South: Mirador de Las Penitas and Mirador del Risco de la Penas
If you’re exploring this part of the island by day, we recommend combining it with the Ajuy caves and the Museo del Queso Majorero (local cheese museum).
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Dolphin watching
- Boat to Lobos Island
- Buggy tour
- But also; surfing lessons, 4WD tour in Cofete, windsurfing, scuba diving…
Is the village of Betancuria worth a visit?
Yes, Betancuria is definitely worth a visit.
It’s one of the most beautiful places on Fuerteventura where you can discover more about the island’s history. The place is charming, easy to visit and the road to get there is superb!
How to get to Betancuria + parking
Where is Betancuria – Map
- In the heart of Fuerteventura, along the north coast
- On the road FV 30
- Morro Jable to Betancuria = 1h10 drive
- Costa Calma to Betancuria = 1h drive
- Caleta de Fuste to Betancuria = 30min drive
- Corralejo to Betancuria = 50min drive
How to get there
The easiest way to enjoy the village and the surrounding area is to rent a car.
By public transport, the number 2 bus passes through Betancuria. From Puerto del Rosario – see map and timetable here.
From the main resorts, you can also join an organized tour that takes you to discover the mountainous area of Fuerteventura. See options.
Parking in Betancuria
We forgot to take photos of the parking lots. Sorry.
Don’t enter the old alley zone.
You’ll find parking areas along the main FV-30 road where you arrive.
Please note that one of the parking lots to the south has a charge.
And a little further north of the village, there’s also a parking area for camper vans.
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Visit Betancuria: useful tips
How long and when?
Allow just 1 hour for a stroll around town, or half a day if you wish to visit the church and museums.
To really soak up the atmosphere, we recommend an overnight stay. See prices, pictures and availability
It’s best to arrive early in the morning, before the crowds, to enjoy the village’s atmosphere and calm, and to find easy parking.
The other option is at the end of the day.
Directions, plan and difficulty: plan
The village is small and easy to explore. The floor is paved, but with no major height difference.
There are a few steps in some parts of the village
Here’s a plan to give you an idea:
Visiting with children
We didn’t see any specific attractions for children.
They should, however, appreciate the somewhat labyrinthine effect of the alleyways and the small decorative elements left by locals.
Restaurants
There are several restaurants in the village.
- Casa Santa Maria in restaurant mode in a room with a superb wooden ceiling
- Or quicker restaurants like La Sombra and its joilie terrace.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Fuerteventura
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Fuerteventura
Most beautiful beaches
Cities and villages
Natural pools
Boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Fuerteventura
How to get around
How to rent a car in Fuerteventura
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
