Betancuria
The oldest town in the Canary Islands, founded in 1404 and tucked into a valley, with the Church of Santa María and a street of whitewashed stone houses.
Betancuria was founded in 1404 by the Norman conqueror Jean de Béthencourt. It was the earliest European town in the Canary Islands and served as the island's capital until 1834. The old town lies in a valley surrounded by mountains. The Church of Santa María (rebuilt in the 17th century) has an exquisite wooden altarpiece and a Mudéjar-style ceiling inside; admission is about €2. Nearby are the ruins of the Convent of San Buenaventura, an archaeology and folklore museum, and small shops selling goat cheese. The town is very small, and you can see it all on foot in about an hour.
Opening hours
Church approx. 10:00–17:00 (closed Sunday afternoons)
Nearby sights
- Mirador de Morro Velosa
- Barranco de las Peñitas
- Church of Nuestra Señora de Regla, Pájara
- Caves of Ajuy
- Ecomuseo de La Alcogida
- Montaña de Tindaya
- Caleta de Fuste
- Salinas del Carmen Salt Museum