Tindaya is a sacred place that the Maho people — the prehistoric aboriginal inhabitants of Fuerteventura — dedicated to worship and spirituality.

On and around the mountain, more than 300 podomorphic engravings (depictions of human feet) have been found, all facing the direction of the winter solstice.

These types of engravings exist only in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and North Africa — but Tindaya Mountain contains the largest known concentration.

The exact meaning of these markings remains unknown.

What we do know is that some engravings in Lanzarote point precisely toward Tindaya, while those in Tindaya are perfectly aligned with sunsets throughout the year.

During the winter solstice, their orientation aligns with Mount Teide in Tenerife and with Gran Canaria.

Much remains shrouded in mystery.

Tindaya Mountain: A Natural Monument Worhty of Respect

Tindaya is not only a place of natural beauty, but one rich in history, culture, magic, mystery, and controversy.

In 1987, only the summit of Tindaya Mountain was declared a Natural Monument. Unfortunately, this allowed the lower slopes to be exploited as a trachyte quarry starting in 1991 — an activity that left visible scars on the mountain before it was finally halted.

Tindaya Mountain: A Cultural Heritage of Fuerteventura

When archaeological findings of this magnitude are uncovered, one might expect authorities to fully protect the entire site.
But Tindaya’s case is perplexing.

Despite the mountain’s clear cultural significance, only the summit was declared a BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural, or Cultural Interest Property) — as though it were detached from the land beneath it.
It’s like declaring only the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica a historical monument, without recognizing the basilica itself.

Many believe this strange decision was made to enable a controversial proposal by renowned Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida, who envisioned hollowing out the mountain to create what he described as “a monument that celebrates emptiness.”

Over 12 million euros were allocated for a feasibility study on the project — though it’s unclear how the funds were spent.

Public Opposition and Legal Victory

Civil society immediately opposed the Chillida project.
Activists and local residents argued passionately that: “The monument already exists. The mountain is the monument.”

They insisted that the mountain was sacred long before the engravings, not because of them — the engravings exist because of its sacred status.

Thanks to tireless efforts by the community, environmental groups, and the campaign “Tindaya no se toca” (“Don’t touch Tindaya”), a major victory was achieved in March 2023, when the entire mountain was finally declared a BIC, fully protected from future exploitation.

Access Only with an Authorized Guide

 Most of the podomorphic engravings are practically invisible in sunlight, and as a result, many have been unintentionally destroyed simply by walking over them without noticing or intending harm.

Therefore, authorities have prohibited climbing and visiting Tindaya Mountain. It is necessary to request permission from the Consejeria del Medioambiente to climb the mountain, and it can only be done with an authorised guide.

Alma Calma Hotel Rural collaborates with various authorized guides who can accompany you in discovering Tindaya Mountain and its history.

Tindaya Mountain: A different Landscape Every Day

From our terrace, the sunsets over Tindaya are a daily masterpiece.
Each evening, the light paints the stones and slopes in new and unexpected colors — no two views are ever the same.

Come discover the spirit of Tindaya.
Feel its energy. Let its story captivate you.

Click here to explore our sunset aperitifs. where we serve homemade dishes crafted with care using local, ecological ingredients, for a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience!