Pájara

The basics

What travelers love about Pájara is the mixture of traditional Canarian culture and the influence of Spanish colonial architecture. In the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Regla church especially, it’s possible to see Spanish, Mexican and Canarian influences all in one grand building. As well as picturesque streets, there are plenty of hidden gem bars and cafés to visit—try some papas arrugadas with mojo rojo, a traditional local dish of salted potatoes with a paprika sauce.

Tours typically include the surrounding desert and mountains—a perfect opportunity to discover the volcanoes and desert landscape of Fuerteventura. Pájara tours can also take in the nearby whitewashed town of Betancuria, or travel north to the dunes of Corralejo. Many tour operators stop off at Pájara on their way to the black beach of Ajuy, or the cliffs and caves of Playa de los Muertos.

Things to know before you go

• Pájara is a must-visit for travelers who want to see the authentic volcanic landscape of Fuerteventura—it’s the gateway to Betancuria National Park, too.
• Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a scarf, especially if you’re heading out on a dune buggy ride—you’ll need dust as well as sun protection in the desert.
• Bring cash, as some cafés and bars prefer it and there are fewer places to withdraw it here.
• There are restrooms available to the public located inside the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Regla church.

How to get there

Getting to Pájara is surprisingly simple, given its isolated location. Driving here by rental car is how most travelers get here; however, taxis and airport transfers are happy to drive to the center of town. There are many tours offering day trips in Pájara too, from adventurous dune buggy tours to comfortable group excursions.

When to get there

It’s best to visit Pájara during the cooler hours of the morning or late afternoon, especially during the summer. Grab a coffee and enjoy the morning, or make the most of the evening with a glass of wine and authentic local tapas. At night, the skies are filled with stars thanks to the lack of light pollution in the outskirts of the Betancuria National Park—however, there are few places open late.

The best food in Pájara

There’s a great selection of local cafés and bistros in Pájara. From freshly brewed coffee and handmade pastries at Ca’ Luisa to the authentic Canarian cheese and homemade dishes of La Fonda, you don’t have to travel out of town for a bite to eat. If you do want to travel, however, take a trip to nearby Ajuy—en route for many tours—and dine on fresh local seafood at the top-rated Cafe Del Mar Ajuy.