The Church of Santa María de Betancuria stands on the square at the centre of Betancuria, the inland village that was Fuerteventura's first capital. It was founded in the 15th century, in the early years of the island's colonial history. Berber raiders burned the church in 1593, and the building that stands today was rebuilt over the following century. Its architecture is plain and solid, with white walls and a stone bell tower, and the interior is visited for a fee.
Church of Santa Maria de Betancuria
Local name: Iglesia de Santa María de Betancuria
Whitewashed church founded in the 15th century, on the square of Betancuria, the old capital of Fuerteventura.
- Entrance
- Paid: €2.
- Parking
- Free asphalt car park about 60 m away in a straight line; a second car park about 160 m away.
- Difficulty
- None: the free car park is about 60 m away and the church stands on the village square.
- Transport
- Bus stop Betancuria, about 70 m away.
- Address
- Pl. Sta. María de Betancuria, 1, 35637 Betancuria, Las Palmas, Spain
What makes it special
A stone bell tower rises over white walls, and the square in front of it is the heart of Betancuria. The church was founded in the 15th century, when this valley village was the capital of Fuerteventura, and its plain, heavy walls still carry that early colonial history. Berber raiders burned it in 1593. What stands now was rebuilt over the century that followed.
Step inside and the nave is quiet and cool after the glare of the square, with carved wooden ceilings and gilded baroque altarpieces. Afterwards, the little square and the lanes around it are the obvious place to wander.
Good to know
- Entry to the church interior is paid; the square outside is open to wander.
- Paid public toilets stand about 60 m from the church.
- A drinking water point is about 60 m away.
- Restaurants, bars and souvenir shops crowd the centre around the church: the village is firmly on the tourist circuit.
Getting there
Betancuria lies in a valley among the mountains of inland Fuerteventura, and the church stands on its square, in the middle of the village. A free car park with an asphalt surface lies about 60 m away in a straight line, and a second car park sits about 160 m off. The bus stop named Betancuria is about 70 m away. From either, the last stretch is a walk through the village centre, past the restaurants and shops, with a guidepost about 40 m from the church.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay to go into the Church of Santa María de Betancuria?
Yes, entry to the interior is paid.Where do you park for the church?
A free asphalt car park lies about 60 m from the church in a straight line, with a second car park about 160 m away.Can you reach the church by bus?
The bus stop named Betancuria is about 70 m from the church.Are there toilets near the church?
Yes, paid public toilets stand about 60 m away.How old is the church?
It was founded in the 15th century. Berber raiders burned it in 1593, and the present building was rebuilt over the following century.