Puerto del Rosario
There are two main reasons why people come to Fuerteventura: beaches and surfing. Without any shadow of a doubt, this is the best island in the Canary archipelago if you’re looking for relaxation and beaches. But sometimes, amid relaxation in unspoilt and secluded places, the body yearns for a few hours of city life, bars and shopping. That is why Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura’s capital, offers an easy option for a break from the beach. It is a small city, and therefore easy to get around, allowing you to adjust the pace of your holiday.
A day in Puerto del Rosario offers several options for getting to know this town of 40,000 inhabitants. You could begin with a stroll along Calle Primero de Mayo, its pedestrian and commercial hub. Along the way, you will find the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (which has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest), the Town Hall and the House-Museum of Miguel de Unamuno, a former hotel where the writer stayed during his exile. The centre recreates that period, and is therefore an interesting way to spend a morning.
After you have explored the main business and shopping area, you could continue on to the harbour district, which is always bustling and full of life. There, container and cruise liner berths are sheltered from the powerful Atlantic waves that never cease to batter the walls of the docks. Fuerteventura’s capital is one of the main entry points for both passengers and goods, so you are very likely to come across cruise ships moored here.
If by now the walk and the sea air have given you an appetite, this can be a good place to stop for an aperitif. El Bounty del Muelle, Los Paragüitas or El Perenquén are all good options for sampling Canary Island cuisine on the ocean front.
Leaving the harbour, you could continue along the oceanfront promenade to Playa Chica beach. This is Puerto del Rosario’s only urban beach, and offers an ideal opportunity for a quick dip before lunch. If you can wait a bit longer for lunch, it may be a good idea to continue walking along the oceanfront for another 20-25 minutes, until you reach Playa Blanca, one of the city’s most famous beaches. It is only a five-minute drive, but the walk proves well worthwhile.
At Playa Blanca, you will once again feel the characteristic energy and vibrancy of this island. Only the old Parador de Turismo [state-owned hotel] has withstood the pressure to change. On the sands, you can have lunch at a little beach bar against a backdrop provided by the Atlantic Ocean and by the white houses of Puerto del Rosario.
There’s no better way to end a day in Puerto del Rosario than by enjoying the sunset at a terrace-bar overlooking the ocean. You could try Playa Chica, La Marea, El Cangrejo Colorado, or La Terraza Zielo.