You can get to know Tindaya through three specific themes: the protected Montaña de Tindaya, rock engravings, and hiking trails that start in or pass through the village. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on the natural monument, cultural heritage, or a route with particular landscape features. The hiking trail and a visit to the natural monument are separate matters: the natural monument is closed to visitors.
Montaña de Tindaya: Volcanic Formation and Protected Status
The Montaña de Tindaya is a 400.48-metre-high trachytic volcanic plug. It rises from the Llano de Esquinzo plain and has been protected as a natural monument since 1994. Under Resolution CAB/2019/6143 of 30 December 2019, visits to the natural monument are closed. Before visiting, check whether a reopening has since been announced. Stage 3 reaches the foot of Montaña; a path leading up the mountain starts there. This route information does not override the closure of visits to the natural monument.
Rock Engravings and Casa Alta
There are a total of 111 rock engravings on Montaña, with approximately 244 podomorphs and eight linear incisions. Most are concentrated near the summit; two engravings are on the southern ridge. The figures and their distribution give a clearer picture of the different forms that make up this cultural heritage, though not all the sites are in the same location.
The Casa Alta de Tindaya is a traditional Majorero civic building. It houses exhibition and interpretation areas dedicated to the values of the Montaña de Tindaya and its surroundings. Since visitor access may change, it is advisable to check before visiting. This allows you to plan your exploration of the mountain around the exhibition areas there, without assuming that the natural monument itself is accessible.
Hiking: PR FV 9 and Stage 3
The PR FV 9 hiking trail starts at the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad in Tindaya and leads into the Vallebrón Protected Landscape. There, hikers can see the sharp ridgelines characteristic of Fuerteventura. The trail also crosses the valley between Montaña de En Medio and Morro de Tabaiba. Pronounced tabaibal formations (Euphorbia sp.) can be seen on their slopes. The route description therefore offers specific guidance on landforms and vegetation, not just a name for the trail. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Stage 3 of the Camino Natural from La Oliva to Tefía passes through the village of Tindaya and then through the volcanic Malpaís del Sobaco to Montaña Quemada; from there, it continues to Tefía. For the Vallebrón route, Tindaya is listed as the start and Tefía as the destination. The Camino Natural stage, by contrast, runs from La Oliva to Tefía and passes through Tindaya. Comparing the start and end points helps distinguish the two route descriptions. Trail conditions can also change, so check them before setting out.
Hermitage and Festivals
The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad was built in the first half of the 18th century; its first documented mention dates to 1765. The construction period and the first mention are two distinct dates. The Fiestas in honour of the Virgen de la Caridad in Tindaya culminate in a religious procession. As dates and programmes may vary, check the details for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Tesejerague, La Ampuyenta, Pájara, Tuineje, Valles de Ortega, Valle De Santa Inés, Majanicho, Tefía
For the main travel overview: Fuerteventura.
