Fuerteventura Part 4 Betancuria

In the north of Fuerteventura is a small village called Betancuria, an oasis of green. It was a former capital. The reason for its location was to protect the capital from pirate attacks, although in 1593 the pirate Jaban penetrated Betancuria and reduced everything including the Santa Maria church to a pile of rubble and ash.The church was not rebuilt until 1691.

The parking was easy with room enough for coaches . From the carpark there was a twisty path alongside the dried up river bed which took us straight into the village.

There were small gift shops to browse round and  terraces covered in pots of bright flowers.

We visited the church and "lit" an electronic candle...an unwelcome modern twist, until we realised that almost everything was made of wood, including the criss crossed floor with slabs of rock in between .

We bought ourselves a very welcome icecream......

......and then wandered further round the pretty streets.

I just loved this doorway....

Many areas had been planted as cacti gardens and much effort had been 

put into the overall look of the village.

This is a private garden, seen from the road.

We walked on to an area with a watermill which would have been worked by animals.

Then we espied this enticing path leading upwards...

The walls on either side were built from volcanic rock and the verges were strewn 

with wild flowers and succulents. Absolutely fascinating. I shall remember that path for a long time to come.

As we walked down the road there were perfect vistas in all directions.

This "cob" roof  was planted with 

(or self-seeded with)

sedums/succulents.

A sight close to my heart.

Finally an irrigated field ......looks like it`s ready for potatoes but I can`t see this is likely.

 

If you come to this part of the island, I highly recommend a visit to this jewel of a village . 

It is well worth the drive.

This is the final part of my Fuerteventura adventure.