Tindaya Mountain is a place of extraordinary beauty — a site that is unique, powerful, and steeped in history, mystery, and energy.

Here, the sunrises are dreamlike. As it rises, the sun paints the sky in breathtaking colors: shades of pink, blue, yellow, red, and turquoise blend into one another in a spectacle that feels almost otherworldly.

And at sunset, the wonder repeats.

From our house, the uninterrupted view toward the horizon — free from buildings, roads, or factories — reveals a symphony of colors, playing across the sky in perfect harmony. You can watch the sun drop into the ocean as clouds dance above, forming ever-changing shapes.

These daily displays are gifts from the land, and they move us deeply.

A Local’s Wisdom and a Place in the World

A dear friend of mine, Inma, a true Majorera (native of Fuerteventura), once said to me: “If you want to witness a new and exciting show every day, sit on the same stone in front of the sacred mountain of Tindaya at sunset. Stay still in the same place — you’ll see a new and beautiful landscape every evening.”

I took her advice.
And in doing so, I found my place in the world.

Ancestral Heritage and Sacred Symbols

Tindaya was once a sacred site for the Maho people, the first known inhabitants of Fuerteventura.

In prehistoric times, they dedicated this mountain to worship and spirituality.

Over 300 podomorphic engravings — stylized representations of human feet — were found in the area, oriented toward the winter solstice.

Such engravings are found only in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and North Africa, but Tindaya Mountain holds the largest known concentration.

The exact meaning remains a mystery.

It has been discovered that the engravings in Lanzarote face Tindaya, while those on Tindaya are precisely aligned with the sunset during key times of the year.

On the winter solstice, their orientation matches the position of Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak, on Tenerife) and points toward Gran Canaria.

Much remains to be uncovered.

Beauty, Mystery… and Controversy

Tindaya is not only a site of spiritual and natural wonder — it has also been the center of controversial exploitation and debate.
In 1987, it was recognized as a Natural Monument, but that didn’t prevent damage.

Beginning in 1991, the mountain was partially transformed into a quarry for extracting trachyte, a volcanic rock.

This activity has now ceased, though it left visible scars on the mountain’s face.

Protection and Restricted Access

Most of the ancient foot engravings are nearly invisible under sunlight.
Sadly, many have been accidentally destroyed by visitors unaware of their presence.

To protect what remains, authorities have prohibited unsupervised access.
Climbing the mountain requires a permit from the Consejería del Medioambiente and must be done accompanied by an authorized guide.

A Place That Changes Every Day

Every time I look at Tindaya, I discover a new landscape, a fresh palette of colors and shadows.

It’s a place where the light, the wind, and the silence all tell different stories.

Like Inma said — just sit in the same spot, and the mountain will reveal something new every time.

I only hope that Tindaya’s spirit and story can endure — protected from the greed that too often marks our human presence on this Earth.