Churches at Fuerteventura

The churches at Fuerteventura are a testament to the influence that faith and tradition have had on the lives of the islanders over the centuries.

The island is home to a rich collection of hermitages and sacred places that reflect its important historical, cultural and religious heritage.

The majesty of the churches at Fuerteventura is conveyed in the simplicity of their architectural styles.

Each church architecture tells a unique story and evokes a sense of devotion rooted in the island’s identity.

Today, Fuerteventura’s churches have become popular tourist destinations, also housing precious sacred artwork and relics, which further enhance the tourist experience.

Visitors can appreciate the beauty of the religious architecture and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of serenity and peace that emanates from these “Ermita ” or “ Iglesia ”.

The preservation and restoration of these historic structures has allowed tourists to experience Fuerteventura’s cultural richness, beyond its picturesque villages.

 

Churches in the municipality of La Oliva

With almost 30,000 inhabitants, the municipality of La Oliva is located in the north of the island, with an area of 356 square km and includes the cities of Fuerteventura of:

• Corralejo
• El Cotillo
• Lajares
• The Caldereta
• La Oliva
• Majanicho
• Parque Holandés
• Tindaya
• Vallebrón
• Villaverde

Here we list the most beautiful and renowned churches in the municipality of La Oliva :

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria in the town of La Oliva, was officially the second church built in the locality, after the Ermita (Chapel) de La Virgen del Rosario . 

The church was begun at the end of the 16th century and completed in the 17th century, and represents the characteristic shapes and angles of Majorcan architecture .

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Buen Viaje is located in the village of El Cotillo and served as a physical reference for local fishermen and boats operating in the area.

The chapel of San Vicente Ferrer in Villaverde , dating back to the end of the 17th century, where in the structure of this small church a door made of black volcanic stone stands out.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calendaria   is located in the center of the city and is the main church of La Oliva.

The architecture of the church features ceiling paintings and a Baroque altar by Juan de Miranda from 1700.

 

Churches in the municipality of Puerto del Rosario

With over 45,000 inhabitants , a surface area of almost 300 square km, the municipality of Puerto del Rosario , located in the center-north of the island and includes:

• Puerto del Rosario
• El Matorral
• Puerto Lajas
• Tetir
• Tefia

Some of the churches in the municipality of Puerto del Rosario are:

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario , a strikingly beautiful 17th-century white marble church in the center of town.

The church is one of the oldest sacred places in Puerto del Rosario and is considered an important cultural and religious heritage of the island. 

Ermita de San Andrés in Tetir, a small 17th-century religious building, was an old aspiration of the inhabitants who wanted a place for religious celebrations.

It was inaugurated and authorized for worship by the Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands in 2009 and previously religious acts took place in an improvised location.

 

Churches in the municipality of Betancuria

The municipality of Betancuria is located in the central-western area of Fuerteventura, with almost 700 inhabitants and a surface area of 103 square km and includes:

• Betancuria
• Santa Ines Valley
• Vega de Río Palmas

The places of worship in the municipality of Betancuria, the historic capital of Fuerteventura, are:

Iglesia de Santa María de Betancuria is one of the most representative and historic buildings on the island of Fuerteventura, with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture .

Inside the church there are several works of religious art of great historical value.

The location of the church of Betancuria, surrounded by mountains and natural landscapes, makes it a first-rate tourist attraction.

Ermita de Santa Ines , located in the small village of Valle de Santa Ines, dates back to the end of the 16th century.

Iglesia de la Virgen de la Peña (Church of Our Lady of the Rock) , is located in a place surrounded by flowers and palm trees, built in the 18th century.

This French Gothic-style church has a classic limestone façade that highlights and emphasizes its beauty and importance.

 

Churches of the municipality of Antigua

Located in the central part of the island of Fuerteventura and with an area of almost 250 square km and almost 13,000 inhabitants , the municipality of Antigua includes:

• Antigua 
• Triquivijate
• Ortega Valleys
• Agua de Bueyes
• Casillas de Morales
• Caleta de Fuste
• Costa de Antigua

The churches of the municipality of Antigua , this inland town of Fuerteventura are:

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Antigua , a religious temple located in Antigua, built in the 17th century is one of the main historical and architectural monuments of the island. 

The structure of the church features a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese influences, in Baroque style and is a place of worship and pilgrimage .

The Church of Las Salinas del Carmen in Antigua is a small, newly built sanctuary.

The stained glass window of the church in Antigua has about 300 crystals mounted on top of each other and reflects marine motifs in harmony with the rest of the building. 

It is made with top-quality materials such as hand-blown glass and then colored in special ovens at 800° to fix the colors and ornaments.

 

Churches of the municipality of Tuineje

The municipality of Tuineje is located in the south-eastern part of the island of Fuerteventura, with an area of 276 square kilometers, with almost 16,000 inhabitants and includes: 

• Gran Tarajal
• Tarajalejo
• Las Playitas
• Giniginamar
• Tesejerague
• Tiscamanità

The most evocative churches in the municipality of Tuineje are the following:

The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel , created under the protection of San Miguel Arcángel and represents the Battle of Tamacite in 1740.

The villagers undertook to build the chapel and provide it with the necessary facilities for worship.

Ermita de San José de Tesejerague, a chapel in Baroque architectural style, was declared a Property of Cultural Interest with the category of natural monument in 2007.

Much of Tesejerague’s architectural wealth   is found in its hermitage, where San Jose is venerated, which dates back to the 18th century.

The Church of Our Lady of Candlemas in Gran Tarajal, built in 1900, with funding from Matías López, a Canarian emigrant who returned from Cuba.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelora is a place of worship much loved by the inhabitants, also for resting.

The church square of Gran Tarajal is decorated with a shaded garden and adorned with a beautiful fountain representing 6 stone seahorses.

 

Churches of the municipality of Pàjara

The municipality of Pàjara is located in the southwest of the island of Fuerteventura, with an area of almost 384 square km and almost 21,000 inhabitants , divided into these hamlets:

• Costa Calma
• Morro Jable
• Solana Matorral
• La Lajita
• Jandia Peninsula and Sotavento 

The most evocative churches in the municipality of Pàjara are:

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen is one of the most important buildings in Morro Jable. 

This church, founded in 1992, crowns the city in an extraordinary way and enjoys the best view of the entire city of Morro Jable.

It also enjoys an enchanting and incredible view of the entire length of the beach up to the Faro De Matorral.

In the month of July, great celebrations are held in honor of the Virgen de Nuestra Señora del Carmen .

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Fatima , a small, very picturesque church, typical of Majorera, is one of the places not to be missed in La Lajita.

A mix of white structure , decorations with volcanic stones and the dome with the bell tower, attract not only tourists but also residents.

 

Tips for visiting Fuerteventura’s churches

Getting around Fuerteventura and visiting these sacred places is easy and convenient, thanks to Fuerteventura’s mild year-round climate.

Before visiting the island, it would be a good idea to consider some small tips on car rental in Fuerteventura and where to stay .

The island of a thousand colors and possibilities is able to satisfy both young people , with its heavenly beaches, museums and places of worship and nightlife of Fuerteventura with pubs and discos . 

As well as families with children , choosing the less windy beaches for an itinerary of Fuerteventura suited to their needs.

April and May in Fuerteventura are ideal months to visit not only the most beautiful beaches , but also for trekking routes and visiting the churches of Fuerteventura .