pre-Hispanic monuments Fuerteventura, medieval ruins with arches, columns, and crumbling walls under a clear blue sky.
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Pre-Hispanic monuments of Fuerteventura

The pre-Hispanic monuments of Fuerteventura tell the story of the mahos, the ancient inhabitants of the island. Before the Castilian conquest in the 15th century, this North African-origin people lived here for centuries. They left engravings, settlements, caves, and sacred mountains that we can visit today. In this guide, we show you the most important places and how to visit them respectfully.

Who were the mahos?

The mahos were the aboriginal people of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. They primarily lived by herding goats and adapted to a dry and challenging land. At the arrival of the Europeans, the island was divided into two kingdoms: Maxorata in the north, and Jandía in the south. Today, the island's catalog includes more than 700 archaeological sites, although only six have the highest protection as Assets of Cultural Interest.

The most important pre-Hispanic monuments of Fuerteventura

Montaña de Tindaya, the sacred mountain

Tindaya, in the municipality of La Oliva, is the great symbol of the mahos. At its summit, there are over 200 engravings in the shape of feet, called podomorphs. According to experts, many face west and may have astronomical or religious significance. Therefore, the mountain is an Asset of Cultural Interest. Keep in mind that access to the summit is regulated.

Poblado de La Atalayita

In the Pozo Negro valley, in Antigua, you will find the Poblado de La Atalayita. It is a set of more than a hundred volcanic stone constructions, perfectly integrated into the landscape. Additionally, it has an interpretation center explaining how the mahos lived. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to start the tour.

Cueva de Villaverde

The Cueva de Villaverde is a volcanic tube about 190 meters long in the north of the island. The mahos used it as a refuge and dwelling. It is now protected, so it's advisable to check information before visiting the area.

La Pared and the ravines with engravings

At the isthmus of Jandía, La Pared recalls the ancient wall that, according to tradition, separated the two kingdoms. On the other hand, the ravines of Cavadero and Tinojay hold rock engravings. In Tinojay, there are even pictures of ships carved into the rock.

Betancuria and its archaeological museum

Betancuria was the first capital of the island. However, its most famous monuments are from after the conquest. The convent of San Buenaventura and the church of Santa María belong to the Castilian era. Nevertheless, the village is a must-stop because it houses the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura. There you can see pieces found in Tindaya, Villaverde, La Atalayita, or La Pared.

Tips for visiting the pre-Hispanic monuments of Fuerteventura

  • Start with the museum in Betancuria and the center of La Atalayita to understand the context.
  • Do not touch or step on the engravings: they are fragile and many have suffered damage.
  • Bring water, a hat, and comfortable shoes, as many places have no shade.
  • Check the map of Fuerteventura before organizing the route.
  • Check the live weather with the webcams of Fuerteventura, especially if it's very windy.

In short, the pre-Hispanic monuments of Fuerteventura show another side of the island, beyond the sun and the beach. Visiting them is the best way to learn about the mahos and their understanding of the landscape.

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