Inland villages: Betancuria, Tuineje and Pajara.

From the ancient capital of Fuerteventura to a converted fishing village, passing through some of the most important gastronomic locations.
If you want to explore a new side of the Canary Islands, you cannot miss a visit to the three villages of Betancuria, Tuineje and Pajara.

Below we see what are the strengths of each of these destinations to include in your next trip to Fuerteventura.

Betancuria, the ancient capital rich in history and culture

Betancuria takes its name from the Norman knight Jean de Bethencourt, who founded and first colonized this area of the Canaries in 1404.
The importance of this place will grow over time, especially thanks to the particularly fertile soil and its location.
Despite its not easily accessible location, Betancuria was the capital of Fuerteventura until 1834.
This small town remains today a place that proves capable of telling an extraordinary story.

What to see in Betancuria

From an architectural point of view, Betancuria manages to amaze visitors by virtue of its unique-looking religious structures. The most important building in Betancuria is the Church of Santa Maria, which dates back to the first years after the foundation of the city. This church still manages to amaze visitors today thanks to its Gothic-Baroque mix in which clear Moroccan influences make their way
San Buenaventura was the first Franciscan convent in the Canaries.Originally.
it was a simple construction made from cheap materials such as palm wood. Towards the end of the sixteenth century, the monastery was completely remodelled. The nearby Hermitage of San Diego is a very traditional structure with two naves.
where you can breathe an atmosphere of calm spirituality.
History buffs really can’t miss a visit to the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, which allows you to discover the history of Fuerteventura starting with the native aborigines of the island. Finally, Betancuria offers many alternatives to satisfy food and wine lovers, thanks in particular to the dairy specialities.

Tuineje: a small gem

The small village of Tuineje, which was once the scene of a bloody battle between the Spanish and the English.
Tuineje is located on the south of the island and boasts a beautiful church that is still used today.
San Michele Arcangelo dates back to 1695 and is a very particular building, originally with a single nave.
The most culturally interesting aspects of Tuineje are the clear Moorish influences of some of the buildings. The latter were once built by the inhabitants of Arab origin without the classic white paint, in order to blend in and thus escape the raids of pirates.
On the border with Antigua is the Natural Monument of the Caldera de Gairía. It worth a visit.
Here you can admire many protected species, including vultures, eagles and falcons.
For those with more time on their hands, the village of Giniginámar is particularly suggestive, thanks to the small white houses that stand out against the black pebble beach.

Pajara: a perfect mix of scenic landscapes and excellent cuisine

Pajara is the largest municipality in all of Fuerteventura and therefore boasts numerous points of interest, ranging from landscape to cultural aspects.
Morro Jable is one of the places you should visit when travelling to Pajara.
This old fishing village is today a very popular tourist resort.
The many beaches of golden sand and rocks,and a historic center where you can taste some of the best fish dishes in all of the Canary Islands.
For those who prefer to explore the quieter and more reflective side of Fuerteventura, not far from Morro Jable is Punta de Jandia.
Here a stop at the lighthouse of the same name is mandatory.
Here you will find a very quiet place with a wonderful view of the ocean

One of the pearls of this municipality on the island of Fuerteventura is undoubtedly Playa de Sotavento. The sand dunes create an incredible landscape on the shoulders of the endless beach.