The old capital in the valley
Betancuria was founded around 1404 and became the capital of Fuerteventura. Civil, military and church institutions were based here. The town sits in an inland valley, partly for defence, because the coast was open to raiders. The capital role later passed to the coast, and Puerto del Rosario is today's capital.
That history is the reason to come. Betancuria is small and quiet, and most visitors walk through it in an hour or two. This is an independent guide. It has no link to the municipality, the church or the Cabildo. Prices and opening details below are as published in 2026, and several are not fixed, so check before you go.
The church of Santa María
The municipality dates the building of the church to around 1410. In 1593 raiders destroyed important buildings in the town, including the church. So the church you see today is not an unchanged building from 1410, and it is better to describe it as a church on the site of the original.
Entry prices, visiting hours and service times for 2026 are not fixed here. Churches change their hours for services, so look at the notice at the door. Dress for a place of worship and keep quiet during services.
Betancuria and island tours
Guided island trips, jeep safaris and boat tours, with live prices and availability.
Viewpoints and the Morro Velosa works
What to expect at each stop.
Morro Velosa
The Cabildo announced the start of renovation works on 25 September 2025 and expects them to finish before the end of 2026. On 14 August 2026 it put the fit-out of the future visitor centre and café out to tender. An opening date has not been confirmed. Do not plan the visit around a museum, a model of the island or a coffee stop. Check the current notice before you drive up.
Mirador de Las Peñitas
The viewpoint stands 338 m up and has parking. A signed trail, SL-FV-27, starts at Vega de Río Palmas and leads to the dam, the Presa de las Peñitas. Stay on the marked paths, do not feed animals, and leave stones where they are. Do not stack them into cairns.
Ajuy
The coastal natural monument of Ajuy has sea caves, a fossil dune and old lime kilns at the access. No entry fee or fixed access time is listed for it, so check the local notice on arrival. It is easy to combine with a Betancuria day by car or on a tour.
Getting there
Many visitors use a hire car or a guided island tour, since the valley sits away from the coast. If you plan to use the bus, read the current timetable first. The capital is the usual starting point. The airport page covers car hire terms.
Fuerteventura Airport →On the way: the cheese museum in Antigua
The Museo del Queso Majorero in Antigua has a mill and a garden. In 2026 an adult ticket costs €5 and a child ticket €3, and children from 0 to 3 are free. Residents pay €2.50 and €1.50. A combined ticket for the cheese, salt and mill museums costs €12.50 for adults and €7.50 for children. A tasting is extra.
The museum's own page gives opening hours of 10:00 to 18:00 every day from May to October and 09:30 to 17:30 from November to April. The central museum list shows 10:00 to 18:00 for the whole year, so confirm the winter time. The ticket office closes 45 minutes before closing.
More of Fuerteventura
Other places and guides from the capital.
Betancuria: frequently asked questions
Why was Betancuria the capital?
The town was founded around 1404 and housed civil, military and church institutions. Its inland position was chosen partly for defence.
Is the church of Santa María from 1410?
The municipality dates its construction to around 1410, and notes that important buildings, the church included, were destroyed in a raid in 1593. Do not describe today's building as unchanged since 1410.
Can I visit the Morro Velosa viewpoint?
Renovation works began in September 2025 and a fit-out tender followed in August 2026. A reopening date has not been confirmed, and you should not count on a museum or café. Look at the current notice before you go.
How high is the Las Peñitas viewpoint?
It stands at 338 m and has parking. The signed trail SL-FV-27 leads from Vega de Río Palmas to the dam.
How much is the cheese museum in Antigua?
In 2026 an adult ticket is €5 and a child ticket €3, with children aged 0 to 3 free. The combined ticket with the salt and mill museums is €12.50 for adults and €7.50 for children.