Antigua

The basics

Instantly recognizable for the windmills that dot its surrounding landscape, Antigua offers a glimpse into Fuerteventura’s past. Briefly the island’s 19th-century capital, the town is handsome with historic architecture, while its accessible scale makes it a tranquil counterpoint to the island’s busy resort areas. Local museums include the Artisan Windmill Center of Antigua (Centro de Artesanía Molino de Antigua); the Majorero Cheese Museum (Museo del Queso Majorero), dedicated to local cheesemaking traditions; and the Museum of the Carmen Saltworks (Museo de las Salinas del Carmen).

Area archaeological sites, including Corraletes and Atalayita, and the historic Church of Our Lady of Antigua (Nuestra Señora de Antigua), round out the town’s major attractions, while the neighboring town of Betancuria offers its own relaxed pace and colonial history. Given Antigua’s proximity to area resorts, visiting independently is easy.

Things to know before you go

• To see a different side of the Antigua region, head to the nearby Costa del Antigua area, which offers unspoiled coastal scenery.

• Antigua can be very hot in the summer—come prepared with water and sun protection.

• For the best views overlooking the region’s scenery, it’s just a short drive into the nearby hills to the Guise and Ayose Scenic Viewpoint (Mirador de Guise y Ayose).

How to get there

Antigua is just 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Fuerteventura Airport, the island’s primary hub. While some limited local bus services are offered, the easiest way to reach the town from nearby coastal and resort areas is by rental car or taxi. Owing to its small sale, Antigua itself is best explored on foot.

When to get there

There’s never a bad time to visit Antigua. The town is busiest during the summer high season, and most attractions have longer visiting hours. The pace is calmer in the winter, though some local businesses may have reduced opening hours.

Caleta de Fuste

One of the island’s major hubs, the resort area of Caleta de Fuste is just a 15-minute drive from Antigua. Restaurants and bars give it a buzzing energy and a range of nightlife options, while its two sandy beaches are its primary draw. Other highlights include El Castillo (an 18th-century defensive tower) and the Dreams House Museum (dedicated to miniatures and models).