Betancuria is the old capital of Fuerteventura, tucked into a green valley in the volcanic interior about 30 kilometres south of Puerto del Rosario. It is a small and genuinely pretty colonial town — palm-lined streets, white-washed houses, and the handsome 17th-century church of Santa María de Betancuria that anchors the modest main square. The church is among the most historic buildings in the Canary Islands and contains some notable religious art. The Archaeological Museum of Betancuria next door is small but worthwhile, with pre-conquest Guanche artefacts.
The drive through the interior to reach Betancuria is itself part of the point — the landscape of volcanic hills, dry barrancos, and stone walls is striking, and the viewpoints on the road to Antigua offer sweeping views across the island. Combined with a lunch at one of the village restaurants, a morning here makes the best half-day trip you can do on Fuerteventura.