Harmonizing Traditional Uses with Natural Wonders
Nestled in Fuerteventura, the Betancuria Rural Park is a sanctuary that seamlessly blends traditional practices with natural and scenic values. This unique enclave shines with its impressive geological richness, coupled with endemic and scientifically significant biodiversity.
Municipalities: A Tapestry of Communities
Connecting Puerto del Rosario to Tuineje
Spanning across Puerto del Rosario, Betancuria, Antigua, Pájara, and Tuineje, the Betancuria Rural Park encompasses a tapestry of communities that contribute to the cultural and natural wealth of the region.
Surface Area: 16544.3 Hectares of Diversity
Beyond the Numbers – Exploring the Vast Landscape
Encompassing 16,544.3 hectares, this captivating landscape features abrupt reliefs, with mountains soaring over 700 meters in altitude and valleys extending to the sea.
Population: Villages within the Wilderness
Life Amidst Nature
With nine settlements within the park, each with its unique charm, the population ranges from the quaint Cortijo del Peñón with five residents to the lively Casas Puerto de la Peña with 150 inhabitants, creating a vibrant tapestry of life.
Exceptional Vegetation: Pine Forests, Scrublands, and Island Endemisms
A Botanical Wonderland
The park’s vegetation hosts an impressive array, from lush pine forests to dense scrublands. Standout species, endemic to the island, add a distinctive character to the surroundings.
Varied and Threatened Fauna: Birds, Reptiles, and Endangered Mammals
The Wildlife Symphony
The fauna of Betancuria Rural Park is equally captivating, featuring a diversity of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Some species face the threat of extinction, emphasizing the park’s crucial role as a refuge and vital habitat.
Tourist Attractions: Trails, Historic Villages, and Centennial Monuments
Nature and History Unveiled
For nature and history enthusiasts, the park’s trails offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty and serenity. Charming villages and historical monuments, such as the 15th-century Betancuria Cathedral, enrich the tourist experience.
The Mystery of Betancuria’s Whispering Winds
Secrets Carried by the Breezes of the Past
Legend has it that the winds that whisper through Betancuria carry ancient secrets. Locals believe these winds bring messages from ancestors, guiding the islanders through the twists and turns of life. If you find yourself in Betancuria, listen closely – you might just catch a glimpse of the past in the soft rustle of the wind.
Exploring Wildlife: From Devil’s Damselflies to Migratory Birds
A Fauna Adventure
Home to various life forms, from devil’s damselflies to endemic wingless grasshoppers, the park’s wetlands provide habitat for the San Antonio frog, while reptiles like the Atlantic lizard and the lisneja share the territory.
Avian Nesting: Egyptian Vultures, Buzzards, and Migratory Species
Wings Over Betancuria
Serving as a nesting area for notable birds like the Egyptian vulture, common buzzard, barn owl, little owl, Canary Islands stonechat, and common blue tit, the Betancuria Rural Park has been a haven for migratory species since 1994.
Vibrant Flora: Majorero Endemisms and Emblematic Species
The Botanical Kaleidoscope
The park’s flora showcases Majorero, Canarian, and Macaronesian endemisms, featuring noteworthy examples like jorjao, farroba, cuernúa, cardo, verol, Canary palm, tasaigo, sea rosemary, wild olive, sweet tabaiba, and bitter tabaiba.
Discover the Natural and Cultural Marvel of Betancuria Rural Park, where conservation intertwines with admiration for Fuerteventura’s unique history and biodiversity.
