Betancuria

In October, 2013, I spent the day at the historic ciudad of Betancuria on Fuerteventura, Canary Islands ~ Islas Canarias.

Betancuria was once the capital of Fuerteventura, hence its status as a town; though it's really the size of a small pueblo or village.

It is situated in the centre of the island.

Having ambled round the Main Street of the village, which boasts several souvenir shops, a heritage centre, and a couple of bars, I walked up the paved hill to the main attraction of Betancuria, the ancient ecclesiastical complex of Santa Maria.

The old Church of Santa Maria is at the centre of this charming cultural Mecca.

I spent perhaps twenty minutes in the church, admiring its artifacts and religious icons.

I lunched at the Santa Maria café, where I enjoyed a plate of mixed tapas (€8) and a refreshing glass of chilled white wine. 

This proved to be a charming little haven of tranquillity.

Afterwards, I wandered down to a local bodega, where I enjoyed a reinvigorating gin and tonic.

This bodega has a wonderful prospect of the Santa Maria church.

First published in October, 2013.