Betancuria, Fuerteventura (Betancuria is located in the heart of the island), is a charming town that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Canary Islands.
With its winding streets, traditional architecture, and stunning natural landscapes, Betancuria is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Fuerteventura.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your visit to Betancuria.
Betancuria Fuerteventura: How to Get There?
Betancuria is located in the central part of Fuerteventura, so getting there by car is the easiest way.
If you’re staying in Corralejo, the journey will take approximately 45 minutes.
If you’re coming from the airport in Puerto del Rosario, the drive will take about 30 minutes.
You can also take a bus from Puerto del Rosario or other major towns, but the schedule may be limited.
Taxis are also available, but they can be quite expensive.
Things to See and Do in Betancuria
- Explore the Historic Center.
- Betancuria is one of the oldest towns in Fuerteventura and has a rich history to discover. The town center is small, so you can easily explore it on foot.
- Highlights include the Church of Santa Maria, which was built in the 14th century and is the oldest church on the island, and the Casa de los Coroneles, a former governor’s mansion that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Fuerteventura.
- Hiking.
- There are several trails near Betancuria that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Mirador Morro Velosa.
- This viewpoint provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Betancuria Rural Park.
Rural Park Betancuria Fuerteventura
One of the main attractions in Betancuria is the Rural Park, which covers much of the surrounding countryside (16,000 hectares).
The park is a protected natural area, and it offers visitors the opportunity to see a range of unique flora and fauna.
The landscape is dominated by rugged hills and cliffs, and there are several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the area on foot. The park is also home to several traditional farms and rural settlements, giving visitors an insight into the traditional way of life in Fuerteventura.
Betancuria Fuerteventura Restaurants
Betancuria has several great restaurants that serve traditional Canarian cuisine. As well as other types of food. This was one of the reasons why we initially decided to visit Betancuria.
Here are some of the best places to eat in town:
- La Sombra – our personal favorite.
- It’s hard to even see the place at first – it’s hidden in trees and nature. This creates a unique atmosphere that we hadn’t really experienced before. Recommended by LivingFuerteventura.com!
- Casa Santa Maria.
- This restaurant is located in the historic Casa Santa Maria building, and it serves a range of traditional Canarian dishes, including fish, meat, and stews.
- La Casa Del Queso.
- Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and rustic decor that creates a cozy ambiance.
- In addition to cheese-based dishes, the restaurant also offers a variety of fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables, all prepared with a focus on local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Tips and Tricks for visiting Betancuria
- Rent a Car.
- Renting a car is the best way to explore Fuerteventura and get to Betancuria. It will give you the freedom to visit all the attractions you want at your own pace.
- Bring Sunscreen.
- Hugely important and we stress this in all of our “Tips and Tricks” sections in other posts. We see many people “going full lobster” here in a matter of minutes!
- Dress Light.
- Light, breathable clothing is best, and a hat and sunglasses are also recommended.
- Try the Local Cuisine.
- Betancuria has several restaurants that serve traditional Canarian cuisine, and it’s well worth trying some of the local dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), ropa vieja (shredded beef stew), and mojo (a sauce made from garlic, chili pepper, and paprika).
- Take Your time.
- This is a quiet little town. Nobody is in a rush to get anywhere. Fit in with the locals!
Betancuria history
We fell in love with this small town – so we decided to dig a little deeper into it’s history as well.
Betancuria is the former capital of Fuerteventura and was founded in 1404 by the Norman conquerors (Jean de Bethencourt and Gadifer de La Salle).
The town was named after the conqueror Jean de Bethencourt and became the political and religious center of the island until the 19th century.
Betancuria was also the site of numerous battles between the natives of the island and the Spanish conquerors.
Today, Betancuria is a small and peaceful town with a population of around 700 people. (This number can change quite drastically depending on where You look).
Check out the official Wikipedia page here.
Betancuria Fuerteventura Weather
The weather in Betancuria is warm and sunny throughout most of the year, with temperatures ranging from around 20°C in the winter to 30°C in the summer.
However, as Betancuria is located in the hills, it can be slightly cooler than the coast, and the evenings can be chilly. It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater if you plan on exploring the town after dark.
During the summer when we visited – it was extremely hot! Even when we went there for the second time in October, the temperatures remained high.
Are You planning to visit Betancuria? Or have You been there already? What was Your favourite thing about this delightful and historic place? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources for You to learn more about Fuerteventura and Betancuria
- Official website of the Fuerteventura Tourism Board: https://visitfuerteventura.es/
- Betancuria Tourism website: https://turismodebetancuria.com/
- UNESCO World Heritage website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1424/
- Lonely Planet guide to Fuerteventura: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/canary-islands/fuerteventura
- TripAdvisor page for Betancuria: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g776543-Betancuria_Fuerteventura_Canary_Islands-Vacations.html
- Top-rated things to do in Betancuria on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g776543-Activities-Betancuria_Fuerteventura_Canary_Islands.html
- Canary Islands guide by The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/spain/canary-islands/
- The Official Tourism website of Spain: https://www.spain.info/en/
- Expedia guide to Betancuria: https://www.expedia.com/Betancuria.dx6196512
- Rough Guides to Fuerteventura: https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/spain/canary-islands/fuerteventura/
