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Puerto del Rosario is one of those places that surprises you. Personally, I didn’t know much about the capital of Fuerteventura until we visited it a few years ago, and the truth is that I loved it. Also, there are many things to do in Puerto del Rosario, so we stayed for a few days to explore this city.
Puerto del Rosario used to be a small fishing village until it became the capital of the island in 1860. Since then, its reputation began to grow, drawing more tourists and becoming one of the places to see in Fuerteventura, where you will find beautiful beaches, valuable historical heritage, nightlife, and much more.
In addition, many of the government institutions work here, so the city does not thrive solely on tourism. Here you will be able to appreciate a bit of everyday life, but Puerto del Rosario, Canary Islands does not lose the charm of what has been known to be a small and cozy town.
In this guide, I will tell you everything about what to see in Puerto del Rosario. I have selected activities and sites of all kinds, so I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like.
1. Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario, an essential place to visit in Puerto del Rosario
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary Church) is a must-see in Puerto del Rosario. This church is an icon of the city, and it’s located in the center of the historic quarter, where you will find other important buildings such as the Cabildo de Fuerteventura and the government office, so you will easily get lost among its little streets.
1. Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario, an essential place to visit in Puerto del Rosario
This neoclassical church was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, and in addition to its exquisite architecture, you will be able to appreciate other details that are worth seeing with your own eyes. For example, in the central part, there is a sculpture of the Virgen del Rosario from the 19th century.
In addition, it has some red stonework windows that are quite a relic of the past, and a large bell tower that has been preserved since its foundation.
So, if you are looking for things to see in Puerto del Rosario in one day, you have to add this church to your itinerary.
2. Lime Kilns, the most curious thing to see in Puerto del Rosario
The lime kilns are incredible things to see in Puerto del Rosario, so you cannot miss them. There are several of them distributed throughout the city, and their presence tells a bit about the history of the town’s economy.
Limestone can be found in various places in Fuerteventura, which is why, for many years, kilns were built to burn this stone and obtain lime for selling. This was done in the coastal areas mostly, to facilitate the shipment of the merchandise. In fact, the port of Puerto del Rosario became known as the “Puerto de la Cal,” (Lime Port) since this activity quickly became the mainstay of their economy.
2. Lime Kilns, the most curious thing to see in Puerto del Rosario
If you want to visit them, you can choose between several. If you are looking for an option close to Puerto del Rosario’s town center, you can go to the Hornos de Cal D. Carlos Suarez, located 0.5 miles away. In addition, a few feet away you will find the Centro de Interpretación Los Hornos de Cal de El Charco, which offers explanations and relevant information to complement your visit.
On the other hand, the Hornos de Callao de Los Pozos are located about 1.2 miles south of the center and are some of the oldest to see in Puerto del Rosario. Another option is the ones in La Hondura, located 1.9 miles away, but to the north.
3. Sculpture Park, an interesting place to see in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
The unique Sculpture Park (Parque escultórico) is among the best things to see in Puerto del Rosario. This set of more than 100 statues is scattered throughout the city, and it is worth searching for these artistic works while walking through its streets.
3. Sculpture Park, an interesting place to see in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Puerto del Rosario works like an open-air museum, and you will find sculptures by different artists with different meanings in all its corners. You will be able to appreciate representations of historical figures, animals, or abstract figures, but I assure you that all of them have a particular charm.
The first creation was La Fuente de la Explanada, a sculpture located on the seafront, at the intersection of Castillo y León Street where the historic center begins. Other famous works are las Caracolas, located on the main pier, and the Pescador de Viejas, next to the promenade.
4. Visit the promenade, the best thing to do in Puerto del Rosario at sunset
The promenade is one of the liveliest areas to see in Puerto del Rosario. Here, several of the main avenues of the city converge, such as León y Castillo and Calle Juan de Betancourt, and you will find yourself very close to the ferry and cruise terminals, so there are always quite a few people.
Taking a walk along the promenade is one of the best things to do in Puerto del Rosario, especially at sunset. In addition to the wonderful views of the sun reflecting off the ocean, you will enjoy the essence of the city to the fullest.
4. Visit the promenade, the best thing to do in Puerto del Rosario at sunset
There are cafes, restaurants, shops, several of Fuerteventura’s nightclubs, and some green spaces with beautiful sculptures, so you will always find something to do here. A part of the pier is reserved exclusively for sports and fishing boats, so you can spend some time there and appreciate another type of landscape.
However, the most interesting thing is the skeleton of a 33-foot-long rorqual tropical whale that you will find near Playa Chica. This incredible sculpture is part of the Senda de los Cetáceos project, an initiative that seeks to raise awareness about the need to protect the natural environment for the local whale population.
For this project, the skeletons of stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands have been recovered, either for natural reasons or by human action, and they are exposed in different areas of the Fuerteventura coast.
5. Unamuno House Museum, a traditional place to visit in Puerto del Rosario, Spain
The Unamuno House Museum (Casa Museo de Unamuno) is another great place to visit in Puerto del Rosario, Spain while you make your way through the city. This museum is located in the old Fuerteventura hotel, an emblematic place where Miguel de Unamuno spent a few months of his life while taking refuge from the Primo de Rivera dictatorship. Also, the story says that he wrote his poems there while watching everything from the roof, naked.
5. Unamuno House Museum, a traditional place to visit in Puerto del Rosario, Spain
Here, you will be able to take a trip back in time and discover everything about the traditions of the time, but, above all, you will be able to feel the love that Unamuno developed for the Majorera island throughout that time, up close.
The house has original objects, photos, and texts that retell his entire journey visiting the inland towns of Fuerteventura, and his walks along the beaches appreciating the beauty of its nature and tranquility. At the entrance, you will find a large statue as a tribute, making this place in Puerto del Rosario worth visiting.
6. Playa Blanca, the best beach in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
If you’re a beach lover, there are several things to do in Puerto del Rosario, although visiting Playa Blanca is my favorite one. It is less than 1.2 miles to the south of the city and has 1,640 feet of golden sand where you can lie in the sun.
6. Playa Blanca, the best beach in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Unlike the beaches closest to the pier, this one is not overrun with tourists, so it has a quiet environment where you can relax and rest away from the crowds. However, it has all the services you need to spend a long day by the sea, such as restrooms, showers, and parking, making this beach in Puerto del Rosario a good place to visit with family.
In addition, it has a children’s playground and a restaurant, so if you want, you can easily spend the whole day enjoying the beach and its surroundings.
7. Playa Chica, an urban beach you can visit in Puerto del Rosario
Playa Chica, also known as Playa de los Pozos, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto del Rosario. This beach is located at the end of Primero de Mayo street, right next to the Palacio de Congresos, so it won’t take you long to get there from the center of Puerto del Rosario’s old town.
7. Playa Chica, an urban beach you can visit in Puerto del Rosario
It is only 328 feet long and is protected by 2 dikes on either side, so it may be a good option if you’re looking for a beach with calm waters or you’re on a vacation with small children.
Here there are almost no waves, and you can easily access it on foot. In addition, there are restrooms, hotels, and restaurants in the area, so you don’t need to go far to enjoy a day at the beach with modern comforts.
8. Playa Lajas, another beach where you can relax in Puerto del Rosario
Playa Lajas is another beach to visit in Puerto del Rosario. This beach has volcanic sand and a different landscape than the previous ones, so it is worth a visit. Of course, it is 3.7 miles away from Puerto del Rosario, so you will need a car to get here, but I assure you that it’s worth it for the tranquility and sparse crowds.
8. Playa Lajas, another beach where you can relax in Puerto del Rosario
In addition to lounging or lying in the sun, this beach is the perfect place to practice some water sports, so if you’re thinking about trying something new or practicing your skills, here you can sign up for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing lessons.
A perfect plan to end the day at the beach is to go to the town Puerto Lajas, which still preserves its fishing spirit and where you will find different traditional restaurants so you can try some fresh fish and shellfish. Overall, if you’re looking for a quiet place to visit in Puerto del Rosario, this is one of the best options.
9. Admire the murals and street art in Puerto del Rosario
Another thing to see in Puerto del Rosario is its street art. In 2011, the government launched a plan to beautify its streets, so it called on different local artists to paint their works in different parts of the city.
9. Admire the murals and street art in Puerto del Rosario
While the project is still in progress, there will be about 400 murals in total that will fill the streets of Puerto del Rosario with life and color. A great plan to tour the city is to look for these murals, which represent themes of Spanish culture, cartoons, and much more.
If you prefer to organize your visit, you can ask for a map with all the mural locations at the Tourist Information Center to find them more easily.
Lastly, the murals are usually loved by children, so if you are traveling with little ones, it’s something fun to visit in Puerto del Rosario.
10. Ecomuseo de La Alcogida, a historical place to visit in Puerto del Rosario
The Ecomuseo de La Alcogida is located in the town of Tefía, within the Municipality of Puerto del Rosario, about 12.4 miles away from the city center. Although it’s located on the outskirts, it’s an interesting thing to do in Puerto del Rosario, Spain if you want to know more about the traditional rural life of Fuerteventura.
This museum is made up of Majorera houses from the 19th century, which were restored by the Cabildo. Here, you will see representations of various aspects of daily life at the time and, among other things, you will be able to understand how an alcogida works. An alcogida is a typical water collection system that stores water in large cisterns.
10. Ecomuseo de La Alcogida, a historical place to visit in Puerto del Rosario
In addition, there are exhibits that will provide you with information about the different trades that were practiced during this time, such as baking, goldsmithing, and stone carving, and other displays about livestock, including camels, goats, and donkeys.
Visiting this museum is something different to do in Puerto del Rosario, and one of the things you can enjoy with the whole family.
Where to stay in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
There are many places to stay in Fuerteventura, but if you want to get the most out of your visit to Puerto del Rosario, I recommend spending 1 or 2 nights in this city. You can choose between several accommodations and there are options for each type of budget. These are my suggestions:
- High budget: Hotel el Mirador de Fuerteventura is one of the best hotels in Fuerteventura and has simple rooms with a balcony and views of the ocean.
- Medium budget: JM Puerto Rosario is a very good option for couples, and the hotel we stayed in during our trip.
- Low budget: Hotel Tamasite is a nice, cheap hotel right on the beach.
On the other hand, if you like nature, you can also go camping in Fuerteventura and spend the night on Playa Blanca in your tent.
Best restaurants in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
After visiting so many places in Puerto del Rosario, you’ll surely want to refuel yourself by enjoying some typical food in the Canary Islands. Although you will find all kinds of restaurants here, these are my top recommendations that I am sure you will love.
The first is the Restaurante La Jaira de Demian, which specializes in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine in general. I like it because it has a very relaxed atmosphere without neglecting the details in each of its dishes.
On the other hand, Casa Toño is located a few feet from the port and Casa Unamano, so if you are in that area, you can have lunch here and then continue your sightseeing tour. This is a more traditional restaurant where you can enjoy the flavors of the Canary Islands, and the prices are cheap.
Finally, El Bounty, is one of the top restaurants in Fuerteventura. They serve seafood, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine, so you will have an option for every palate. It is a cheap place to eat, so if you are in a large group, I recommend you take a look.
Puerto del Rosario map
Below, you will find a map of Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura that will help you organize your itinerary. It includes all the best things to see in Puerto del Rosario that I mentioned.
And that’s all for now. I hope this guide was helpful and encouraged you to visit Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura. It’s certainly worth adding to your visit to one of the best Canary Islands, so let me know what you thought of it. You can also leave me a comment with your questions, and I’ll be happy to help.
Enjoy Puerto del Rosario!
