Betancuria Old Town

Walk through the historic capital of the Canary Islands

Located in the mid-west of the island of Fuerteventura, Betancuria is one of the most important colonial landmarks in the history of the Canary Islands. Founded in 1404 by the Norman Knight Jean de Bethencourt, the town's location was chosen for its secluded inland position to offer a better defence against pirate attacks. The town reached its peak in the 18th Century due to its abundant dry crop harvests. Today the entire local economy depends on tourism.

Fuerteventura’s religious colonial town

A walk through Betancuria gives visitors a glimpse of the previous way of life in Fuerteventura. The colonial town, recognised as a heritage site in 1979, offers tours around its many religious buildings. Highlights include the church of Santa María de la Concepción; the chapels of Santa Inés and Nuestra Señora de la Peña, as well as the old Franciscan convent of San Buenaventura. A visit to the Museum of Sacred Art and Fuerteventura´s Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography is also recommended.

Historical heritage

Historic site

Tipo

Historic quarter

Archeological sites

Public transport

Restoration

Shop/shopping

Touristic bus

Touristic info

Betancuria

Go to web site

Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Do not throw any waste or other objects into the sea.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
Respect and look after the area's historic and cultural heritage, along with the different items of public furniture (information panels, railings, seats, lighting, etc.).