The island of Fuerteventura is renowned for its white sandy beaches that seem to go on forever and its crystal-clear waters. However, it is also home to several wonderful natural locations that are perfect for hiking lovers. One such example is the Barranco de las Peñitas ravine, offering rocky terrain, semi-desert hills and spectacular landscapes. A hike through this ravine is an experience that will live long in the memory.
Barranco de las Peñitas ravine
The Barranco de las Peñitas ravine, which stretches from Vega de Río Palmas to Ajuy, is one of the most beautiful and striking settings in Fuerteventura. Furthermore, the area is yet to be overly exploited by tourism.
The ravine contains one of the few remaining dams on the island of Fuerteventura. The best way to explore this natural area is by hiking along its trails. One of these trails leads to a small chapel that pays homage to the patron saint of Fuerteventura: the Virgen de la Peña. Each year, on the third Saturday in September, many local people pay their respect to the saint by undertaking a traditional pilgrimage. Legend says that the Barranco de las Peñitas ravine was the site of one of the virgin’s apparitions.
The route, lined with palm trees, sometimes resembles the sort of trails that lead up to an oasis. The most common indigenous species are the Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis Chabaud) and the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). The existence of these trees on the Canary Islands date back to a time prior to the arrival of human settlers. The final stretch of the ravine holds the Las Peñitas dam, which was built after the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War; now, however, it barely contains any water.
If you enjoy climbing, this is the perfect spot to practice it. During your hike, you’re bound to walk past several climbers making the most of the fantastic conditions.
Vega de Río Palmas: a stop-off point along the way
In the area, we highly recommend visiting Vega de Río Palmas: a small but picturesque village most famously known for its church Iglesia de la Virgen de la Peña and its beautiful brownish desert landscape. In fact, it could be argued that this is one of Fuerteventura’s most spectacular locations.
Places to eat in Vega de Río Palmas
Despite being a small village, it has enough bars to make it a suitable stop-off point for a mid-hike break, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries. Below, you will find a list of some of the village’s best restaurants where you can enjoy the exquisite local cuisine of the Canary Islands.
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Restaurante Casa de la Naturaleza
This intriguing establishment in Vega de Río Palmas is something of an oasis in the middle of the desert. It is decorated in such a way that allows you to enjoy several different vibes in the same venue. Its menu contains traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. If you’re passing through this village, you simply must find the time to enjoy some tapas on its wonderful terrace.
The restaurant also has an exhibition depicting the history of the location, offering information about the fauna and flora of the Canary Islands.
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Restaurante Don Antonio
The Restaurante Don Antonio is a typical Canarian restaurant set within a seventeenth-century rural house. Its menu includes various types of fish, meats and other carefully crafted dishes, which are sure to satisfy even the most sophisticated of palates. The restaurant’s gorgeous and quaintly decorated courtyard is a fantastic setting to recharge your batteries, relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the village. The exposed stone is one of the main elements of its construction, lending warmth to the atmosphere.
As it is such a small village, there’s not much else to see here. However, in the neighbouring town of Betancuria you will find several bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. This neighbouring town is the oldest town in Fuerteventura. Despite the fact that it only has eight hundred inhabitants, this is the area’s nerve centre in terms of eating options and leisure activities. We strongly recommend exploring its surrounding areas, where you will experience the warmth and friendliness of the locals.
Barranco del Buen Paso ravine
The Barranco del Buen Paso ravine is another of the area’s main tourist attractions. This ravine runs through the Betancuria Rural Park, and is one of the main places where you will find the Canary Island date palm. It is found halfway along the Barranco de las Peñitas trail, linking the towns of Betancuria and Pájara.
If you enjoy spending sunny days on the beach, Fuerteventura is also home to some spectacular locations that will be right up your street. One such spot is the famous Playa de Sotavento beach, where you will be blown away by its endless kilometres of fine sands and transparent waters. For adventure lovers who enjoy hiking, free climbing or simply spending time in the great outdoors, Fuerteventura also boasts dozens of ravines, valleys and mountains.
If you visit Fuerteventura, you are sure to be blown away by its landscapes, cuisine and the hospitality of its people.
