Arco de las Peñitas
A breathtaking natural rock arch in Fuerteventura's rugged interior, offering a challenging hike and otherworldly landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & golden hour light
Arco de las Peñitas
Best Time
Cooler temps & golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking natural rock arch in Fuerteventura's rugged interior, offering a challenging hike and otherworldly landscapes.
"An absolute gem in the middle of Fuerteventura’s rocky heart — Arco de las Peñitas is a breathtaking natural spot."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Non-Negotiable
Wear hiking boots or trainers. Many mention needing good grip for scrambling and avoiding slips.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water. There's little shade, and the sun can be intense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Natural Arch
The main attraction
A breathtaking natural rock formation resembling an elephant's head, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Dramatic Rock Formations
Along the hiking trail
Explore a stunning valley with otherworldly rock formations, sculpted by wind and time.
Panoramic Island Views
From higher elevations on the trail
Enjoy sweeping vistas of Fuerteventura's rugged interior as you ascend towards the arch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Unmarked Adventure
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Non-Negotiable
Wear hiking boots or trainers. Many mention needing good grip for scrambling and avoiding slips. 
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water. There's little shade, and the sun can be intense. +2
🗺️ Trail is Unmarked
Be prepared for an unmarked path. Some find it easy to get lost, so pay attention.
🧗♀️ Be Ready to Scramble
Sections require climbing and stretching. Avoid loose clothing like jeans.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Non-Negotiable
Wear hiking boots or trainers. Many mention needing good grip for scrambling and avoiding slips.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water. There's little shade, and the sun can be intense. +2
🗺️ Trail is Unmarked
Be prepared for an unmarked path. Some find it easy to get lost, so pay attention.
🧗♀️ Be Ready to Scramble
Sections require climbing and stretching. Avoid loose clothing like jeans.
🐿️ Friendly Squirrels
You might encounter squirrels; some visitors bring nuts for them.
📸 Capture the Magic
It's an incredibly photogenic spot, often called 'the Majorero Yosemite'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Arco de las Peñitas as an amazing and breathtaking natural gem, offering otherworldly landscapes and an iconic rock arch perfect for photos. However, many emphasize that the hike, while not long, is demanding and potentially dangerous due to unmarked trails and scrambling, requiring proper footwear and ample water.
"It was amazing experience, but you need to be prepared. It is better to wear comfortable full shoes. The hike is dangerous and demanding for people who never hike before. My mum is not very athletic and experienced but she did it. It is better to have water and maybe some nuts for squirrels 🙃"
Adriana Bielakiewicz
"An absolute gem in the middle of Fuerteventura’s rocky heart — Arco de las Peñitas is a breathtaking natural spot that’s 100% worth the hike. The trail leads you through a stunning valley of dramatic rock formations, palm trees, and peaceful surroundings that feel almost otherworldly.
The natural stone arch is a real highlight and makes for an awesome photo spot, but the whole walk is beautiful — especially the views once you start gaining a bit of elevation. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like a hidden oasis in the desert.
We loved every part of it, but be smart: bring plenty of water. The sun hits hard and there’s barely any shade, so it’s not ideal to stay out here too long without hydration. The trail isn’t too difficult, but it can take a while depending on how far you want to go — so good shoes and water are a must.
Overall: peaceful, powerful, and one of our favorite nature spots on the island."
Otakar Klika
"A nice climb. Definitely need to have the right footwear. (Boots or trainers) slippy in some parts and need to take your time. Because its a beauty spot now its busy people taking pictures, we went in the evening."
irene burke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is near the Ermita de Las Peñitas, often accessible by car. Some videos mention parking near the 'Camino de Buen Paso' (FV-627) or close to the Ermita. The route itself is not well-marked, so GPS or following others can be helpful.
Yes, parking is generally available near the starting points of the hike, particularly close to the Ermita de Las Peñitas.
The Arco de las Peñitas is located near Betancuria and Pájara on Fuerteventura. +1
Public transport options are limited for reaching the trailhead directly. Renting a car is highly recommended for easier access.
Approximate coordinates for the area are 28.3917393, -14.1041383.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit the Arco de las Peñitas. It's a natural site accessible to the public.
As a natural attraction, there are no official opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, but it's best to go during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, there is no entrance fee to access the Arco de las Peñitas.
Yes, it's a natural landmark, so it's accessible year-round. However, visiting during daylight is strongly advised for safety.
Please respect the natural environment. Avoid leaving any trash behind and do not disturb the rock formations or wildlife.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered short, taking about 20-40 minutes one way, depending on your fitness and how much you stop for photos. Some describe it as 2.5 km round trip.
The difficulty is often described as medium. While not extremely long, it involves uneven terrain, some climbing, and potentially steep sections, especially in the final part.
It's recommended for those with some hiking experience. Beginners might find certain sections challenging due to the unmarked path and need for scrambling. +1
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or trainers with good grip. Comfortable clothing, possibly long pants to protect from scrapes, is also advised. Avoid sandals or casual shoes. +4
The landscape is dramatic and arid, with striking rock formations, palm trees, and a dry riverbed, often compared to an oasis or an alien terrain.
It has become quite popular, especially in recent years. Weekends and peak tourist times can be busier. Visiting early or late, or on weekdays, can help avoid crowds.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and softer hues. Golden hour is particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the arch and the surrounding landscape. A drone can offer unique aerial perspectives.
The natural arch itself is the primary photo spot. However, the entire hike offers scenic views and interesting rock formations worth capturing.
Its unique shape, often compared to an elephant's head, and the stark, beautiful desert-like landscape make it incredibly photogenic.
Yes, drone footage is popular here and can provide stunning aerial views of the arch and the barranco.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the time of day carefully to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early morning hikes are generally best for younger adventurers. The unique rock formations and the 'elephant' arch can spark imagination, making it an exciting, albeit demanding, outing. Ensure everyone has sturdy shoes and is prepared for an unpaved, uneven path.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Experienced hikers will find the terrain manageable, but always exercise caution. The lack of clear signage means you need to be observant and prepared for unexpected obstacles. The stunning geological formations and the feeling of discovering a hidden gem make this hike a standout activity for adventure enthusiasts on Fuerteventura.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Aim for the golden hours for the best light, which will dramatically enhance your photos. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the arch and its surroundings. Drone footage is also highly popular here, offering breathtaking aerial views that are perfect for reels and videos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to the Arch
+3Be aware that the final third of the trail can be particularly challenging, with no clear paths. This is where sturdy shoes and careful footing are paramount. It's also crucial to bring ample water, as there is very little shade along the route, and the Fuerteventura sun can be intense. Some travelers recommend wearing long pants to protect your legs from scrapes.
Despite the challenges, the hike is widely considered worth the effort. The landscape is described as otherworldly, with dramatic rock formations and a sense of peaceful isolation. The reward at the end is the magnificent natural arch and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Fuerteventura countryside.
+1Understanding the Landscape
+1The ravine itself is a dry riverbed, lined with impressive rock walls that display a spectrum of earthy colors, from ochre to deep red. Scattered throughout the barranco are palm trees, adding a surprising touch of lushness to the arid environment. This contrast between the rugged rocks and the resilient vegetation creates a visually striking scene.
Many visitors are struck by the otherworldly atmosphere of the Barranco de las Peñitas. It feels like a hidden gem, a natural sanctuary far from the more developed tourist areas. The quiet and peacefulness of the location, combined with the dramatic geological features, make it a truly memorable experience for nature lovers and hikers.
Photography Opportunities
To capture the best images, timing is crucial. Visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – bathes the landscape in warm, soft light, enhancing the textures of the rock formations and creating beautiful shadows. This also helps to avoid harsh midday sun, which can wash out colors and create unflattering light.
Beyond the arch itself, the entire hike offers photogenic vistas. The dramatic rock formations, the winding path through the barranco, and the panoramic views from higher elevations all provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Drones are also popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the arch and the surrounding canyon.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit