Comprehensive Guide to Must-See Attractions and Activities in Puerto del Rosario

Puerto del Rosario is today’s capital city of Fuerteventura with a population of above 43 000 people. The majority of the people coming to this island will start their journey at the town’s airport. Then use a car, taxi, or bus (3, 10, 16) to continue further. The town is quite small and major points of interest are within walking distance.

Stroll the streets and enjoy wall art

Whether you walk down the center, near the Iglesia Nuestra S. church, or the promenade next to the Playa Chica beach, you will encounter many walls with colorful graffiti.

Some of the murals are done on roads. For example, near the church and museum, a local artist Dailos Panigua created a remakable artwork named Once Invisible, Now Invincible. Originally the street art piece was for the celebration of Women’s Day on March 8. It thematically covers problems such as human trafficking, domestic violence, murder, forced marriage, and sexual assault.

Listen to live music

Close to the Rotonda de las Culonas sculpture and C. León y Castillo street lies a lively square where you can catch live music performances if you time your visit right. One section of the square features graffiti-adorned walls on either side. Next to it is a spacious flat surface serving as a stage and seating area. During my visit, I had the pleasure of stumbling upon talented local young artists playing familiar tunes, adding to the vibrant ambiance of the area.

Relax on the beach

Two major beaches are located in the town. One of them is Playa Chica in the center near the harbor. It is a small beach with a sandy cove where you can enjoy sunbathing or a quick dip in clean and calm water. Nearby you will find Playa Blanca with its calm waters and 1 km of sandy dunes. It is possible to rent hammocks and parasols. Its amenities include free showers, free car parking, and free sun cream dispenser.

Near the airport is the Playa de las Caletillas which is mostly used by locals. Usually never crowded, without lifeguards. 

Playa de Puerto Lajas is reached by a short drive. It is windy and thus great for winding or kitesurfing. Quiet place with black sand and lifeguards. There is even a restaurant and bar at the beachfront. The place offers views of the city’s industrial port.

Visit the Casa Museo Unamuno

Small museum dedicated to Spanish writer Miguel de Unamuno. Located in the old town of Puerto del Rosario, it showcases wooden furniture, big draperies, and many vintage pieces like a typewriter, or phonograph. The writer came to the island after being banished by the dictatorship of Rivera. He became interested in the island’s history and its people and wrote many sonnets about it. 

Explore the Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario church

The temple was completed in 1931 and dedicated to the Our Lady of the Rosary which people on the island celebrate on the 7th of October. The church is in the middle of the city and there are many graffiti around it.

Shop at the Mercado de Biosfera

The shopping mall is located right next to the bus station. It is open only on Saturdays from 8 am until 1 pm. You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, cheeses, spices, baked goods, and local crafts made by local farmers and artisans.

Wander through the Sculpture Park

Located near the harbor, this open-air park boasts numerous sculptures, many of which originate from the annual International Sculpture Symposium held in the town. Showcasing a diverse array of artistic styles, from abstract forms that invite various interpretations to figurative representations. The park offers an immersive experience for art enthusiasts. Some sculptures within the park are interactive, encouraging visitors to engage and play within their artistic realms.

Explore the Centro de Arte Juan Ismael

This place is a 2-floor contemporary art gallery named after Juan Ismail. Juan was a respected artist of Spanish modernism (surrealism). Besides art exhibitions, you can attend artist talks, book guided tours, hands-on art activities, live performances, poetry readings, or music concerts. The entrance is free and the place is open on We-Sat from 10 am to 9 pm and closed on Sundays, Mondays, and during public holidays.