Find the Arco de las Peñitas in Fuerteventura

By Ellen (Updated May ’22)

⏱ 3 min

If you’re reading this, you’re probably specifically looking for how to find the arch in Fuerteventura, in Spain, seen in many photos on social media. I’m talking about the Arco de las Peñitas, around the Barranco de las Peñitas. We went there, without much of a plan except for some information from some other blog posts that I checked. Unfortunately, even though they try to give you good instructions to find the arch, I didn’t find them detailed enough and we almost gave up. That’s why I’ve written this step-by-step guide for you to find the Arco de las Peñitas.

Note: honestly, we were hesitant to write about this spot. A local told us that some spots on the island aren’t the same anymore, because tourists visit only to “get that Instagram shot.” Right now it’s still somewhat unknown, but I imagine that in a few years this spot will cater to tourists. “Secret” or “hidden” places in the world are becoming fewer, due to the influence of Social Media. It’s both a blessing – feeding tourist economies, and a curse – overtourism which can bring human destruction of these places. Please take care of the places you visit. Learn about the areas you’re visiting, the local people and cultures, and be present in the moment.

Before you go: What to know about the Hike to Arco de las Peñitas

The Arco de las Peñitas is found in the area of the Barranco de las Peñitas. You can do a longer hike, that takes you past the old water dam in the area, or you can do a short hike straight to the arch. The route described in this post, is to go straight to find the Arco de las Peñitas.

• How to get there: you’ll need a car. There is no public transportation nearby, and while you might be able to get a taxi to go there, you’ll be far away from any main roads/areas making it difficult to return by taxi.
• Hike time: if you’re able to follow this guide and don’t lose your way, it should only take you 30-45 minutes to ascend to the top where the arch is.
• Terrain: ROCKY! Wear trainers or hiking boots, do not try to attempt this in sandals.
• Is the hike good for kids?: I would not bring small children due to the terrain. It is rocky, with loose rocks, and a couple of parts where you have to climb up large boulders.
• Where to park?: there is a parking area at the end of Cam. Pajara road, shown on the map below.

Starting the hike

As you approach the parking area, on your left you will see what is basically, a mountain of rocks. The arch is behind the boulder sticking out on the left.

Park your car, and if you’re facing the mountains, the path to start the hike will be on the left side of the parking area.

The path starts out wide. As you start walking, you’ll see an abandoned building made from stones in the background. Walk towards it.

Once you reach the abandoned building, you’ll see a large mound of rocks/boulders on the top left side of the mountain. That’s your goal! As the path starts to disappear, you’ll always want to keep that in sight as your goal. The arch is behind it.

For now, stay on the path. It’s a narrower path now, but you can still tell it’s a path. You’ll pass a sign post. Keep going.

Middle of the hike when the path gets narrower

The path will keep getting smaller and rockier. Keep that mound in sight! You’ll see another small abandoned stone building on your left. Keep following the path.

You’ll now be able to see both the small abandoned building, and the wall of rocks below. Keep moving towards your goal.

No path for the last part of the hike

Eventually, the path disappears and you’ll just have to improvise as you head towards that mound of rocks at the top.

Keep going! The mound will start to get closer! You’ll reach a point where you have to do a small bit of climbing up some rocks.

Once you climb up those boulders, you’ll be even closer.

Once you reach the mound of rocks/boulders – you still won’t be able to see the arch. TRUST us, it’s there! You’ll have two ways to continue. The white arrow in the photo below leads you underneath the boulder. We saw people who went this way – you go under, and climb up out the other side of it. We did not do this. Instead, we followed the green arrow in the photo. You have to climb up, to go around. This requires a little bit of climbing as well.

You won’t be able to see the arch right away, but keep going up! You’ll eventually see it on your left. Follow the path around to reach it.

You made it! The arch really is a stunning work of art by Mother Nature. It’s quite and peaceful up there. Take some time to relax after your ascent, admire nature, and enjoy a peaceful moment before you head back down.

I hope this will help you to find the Arco de las Peñitas!

For more hiking in Spain…

Check out our other posts below.