Making the most of Puerto del Rosario Fuerteventura
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura's capital, grew from humble Puerto del Cabras, the port of the goats, into a busy working port that continues to develop. Its latest developments will accommodate more cruise ships.
As the town center surrounds the port, the principal places of interest are an easy walk away.
View a webcam of the harbor.
Take a printable map with you.
Until 1956, Puerto del Rosario was called Puerto Cabras, before receiving its rather more attractive new name. It began at a Watering Hole used by local Farmer for goats, with little more than a few Goat Herder's Cottages and Sailor's Huts.
In the early 19th Century, Maria Estrada opened a Tavern and the settlement became a small village and port. Goats and their meat, hence its original name, and products such as barilla were exported there. Its growing importance led Puerto Cabras to become the island's capital in 1860.
Ships usually offer a Betancuria tour; alternatively, go to Playa Blanca beach, about 3 km south of Puerto de Rosario.
If time permits, Caleta de Fustes, about 10 km south, has a pleasant beach and marina.
Getting around
Buses from all Fuerteventura's major towns make Puerto del Rosario easy to visit from elsewhere on the island. The journey from Puerto del Rosario to Caleta de Fuste takes around 20 minutes, while Corralejo takes about 40; both have services every half an hour in each direction. A new bus station opened in 2008 provides transport around the island. For shopping, remember that many shops close for the siesta.
Nearby places
Set in a picturesque valley, Betancuria was once Fuerteventura's capital. The Norman conqueror Jean de Bethencourt founded it in 1405, which explains the name Betancuria, and the town has considerable history behind it.
Its location was chosen to protect the capital from pirate attacks, although pirate Jaban penetrated Betancuria in 1593 and reduced everything, including Santa Maria church, to rubble and ash.
Food and shopping
Fuerteventura was not exactly a shoppers paradise until recently, but Las Rotondas shopping center's opening in Puerto del Rosario changed things. Beyond that center, Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario are the best places to shop—carry your passport if you want to use your Credit Card!
Money
Currency: the euro.
Staying connected
The language is Spanish.
Dial 112 free of charge for emergencies throughout Spain. Service is in Spanish and, in some tourist areas, also in English, French and German.
See a webcam at a beach.
Opening Hours and
The most common shop and business hours run Monday through Saturday from 9.30 h to 13.30 h and from 16.30 to 20.00 h.
Big shopping centers and department stores trade uninterruptedly from 10.00 h to 21.00 or 22.00 h, and sometimes open on Sunday.
During high season, shops in coastal cities commonly stay open beyond 22.00 h.
Pharmacies trade 9.30 to 13.30 h and 16.30 to 20.00 h. Every major city has pharmacies open 24 hours. Their rolling late-hour schedule is published in newspapers and posted at all pharmacies.
Museums are generally shut on Mondays.
National information.