The island's former capital lies next to a dried up stream in a picturesque valley set deep among mountain roads. Some of the viewes getting there are breathtaking - there are a number of scenic pull-in points along the road.
It was founded in 1405 and was built to protect the capital from pirate attacks. However, in 1593 a pirate called Jaban broke through and reduced everything including the Santa Maria church to burning rubble.
The church was finally rebuilt in 1691.When people started moving away from the town because of the lack of arable land, it handed the title of capital to La Olivia. Well worth a visit because of its history.
Cofete
The town sits in one of the most isolated areas of Fuerteventura and you can only get to it using one of the small dirt tracks that litter the island but it is well worth it for the views.
As you pass the highest point, there are breathtaking scenes to the north and south of the island. Also worth a visit is Villa of Gustav Winter. The house stands on land the same shape as Fuerteventura and the position of the villa is the same as its location on the island.
Antigua
This was at one time the capital of Fuerteventura before the title went to La Olivia. Today the capital is Puerto del Rosario.
The church that dominates the town, Cruz de los Caldos, was built in 1785 and stands among shrubbery and trees and is usually open to the public in the mornings. There is a beautiful village square which is filled with flowers all year round.
A fully restored windmill is now a tourist attraction featuring handicrafts, old relics and telling the history of the island. There is an attractive cactus garden to wander around with a craft shop seling local handicraft.
La Lajita
A small fishing village which has become more popular. There are some excellent fish restaurants as well as the zoo where you can try camel riding. You can even go on a camel safari . And while at the zoo, don't miss out on visiting the botanical gardens and garden centre.
Los Molinos
A beautiful bay with view from the cliff .. Go and feed the ducks in the duck pond then wander through the village and across the beach to a restaurant not only with excellent views but also a donkey and two "hornos" outside ovens.
La Alcogida
Nearby is La Alcogida, a whole village turned into an eco-museum giving a glimpse of how islanders used to live before tourism arrived. Just after the Second World War, a seven year drought halved the population as islanders left in droves because of the shortages brought about by the lack of water. No such problem these days as desalination plants provide all the water the island needs.
La Pared
A small village which in 1966, tried to become an exclusive tourist town. However, it's still pretty quiet but does boast some nice restaurants, a golf practice course and a horse riding school.
Gran Tarajal
The second largest town on the island with houses built in to the steep hill top and a black sandy beach with attractive promenade.
Tuineje
In 1740 just 37 farmers armed with less thn half a dozen muskets battled against 50 English pirates and won attacking the Englsih before they had chance to reload. Thirty Englishmen and five locals were killed that day. The canon they captured can still be seen in front of the museum in Betancuria.
The Isle of Lobos
Perfect for those who find even Fuerteventura too much. Just a short boat ride away there is tranquillity and peace in this national park along with plants and birds not found anywhere else in the world.
Ajuy
A beautiful cliff walk with views over the village and just a few miles away in a deserted cove, a real shipwreck!The American Star, a huge passenger liner, ran aground near here several years ago. The sight of this towering liner just yards off shore in an isolated cove is very errie indeed!
Moro Jable
Superb beaches and views on the drive south to this attractive resort. Don't miss to stop and view Playa Sotavento or even visit it. Beautiful beaches, lagoons and a surfers' paradise.
El Cotillo
Surrounded by lovely beaches, this village with its new harbour and views across the bay has a charm of its own and is popular with surfers and windsurfers.
Las Playitas
A small fising village built on sheer rocky outcrops with a black sandy beach stetching out behind it and little fish restaurants - a quaint village. Om the road back from it, a small road on the right leds to El Faro de Entallada, a lighthouse set at the mouth of a wide valley - an interesting little detour.
About El Cotillo Fuerteventura