Montaña de Tindaya, Sacred mountain in Fuerteventura, Spain.
Montaña de Tindaya is a volcanic summit rising to 401 meters above sea level on the Canary island of Fuerteventura, with dark rock formations that stand out distinctly in the flat landscape. Its slopes display rough stone patterns and cave openings that give the mountain a jagged, weathered appearance.
The Guanche, the indigenous people of the Canaries, left behind more than 200 rock engravings on the slopes that document their presence across centuries. These carvings reveal that the mountain held important meaning for the early island inhabitants.
The mountain's name comes from the indigenous Guanche language, and its appearance has shaped the island's identity for generations. Visitors today can sense how the place remains important to local communities in ways that go beyond geography.
The walk to the summit follows a marked trail with some steep sections and can be completed in around half an hour. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and plan to hike in the early morning during hot weather, as the mountain offers little shade.
During the 1990s, artist Eduardo Chillida proposed carving a massive geometric cavity inside the mountain, a plan that would have removed thousands of tons of stone. The controversial project never came to fruition and remains a fascinating chapter in the site's history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
