Vega de Rio Palmas, a picturesque village at Fuerteventura

Vega de Rio Palmas is a small and picturesque village, located in the east of Fuerteventura, in the municipality of Betancuria with only 200 inhabitants .

The name “The Valley of the River of Palms” comes from the fact that the road from Betancuria to the village is an enchanting panorama.

Flanked by lush palm trees contrasting with the broad horizon of pink peaks, they create a spectacular panorama.

The village is famous for its church of the Virgin of the Rock – Virgen de la Peña , which contains the statue of the patron saint of Fuerteventura .

The fertile land of this inland town  means that the main activity of its inhabitants is agriculture.

In the small village, the picturesque houses of the farms stand out on small terraced fields.

Characteristics of the village of Vega de Rio Palmas

This village is a small inland town in Fuerteventura with wild but breathtaking landscapes.

The reddish mountain ranges, rising majestically at the foot of the river that flows through the fertile lands, look like a painter’s canvas.

Vega de Rio Palmas collects rainwater from these mountain ranges, shaped by the wind, due to the permeability of the plutonic rocks that form these mountains.

This explains the unusual abundance in this valley of many native trees and shrubs of Fuerteventura and the fertility of the area.

One kilometer from the village, the Las Peñitas dam  was built , which fills with rainwater, especially in the winter months.

And from here you can reach the Barranco de Las Peñitas, one of the most beautiful trekking routes and excursions in Fuerteventura .

You can also enjoy traditional Canarian cuisine in the welcoming restaurants of this small town.

What to see in Vega de Rio Palmas?

Below the dam, between the steep cliffs of Barranco de Mal Paso is a small Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock (Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña).

This small village chapel was built in the 15th century by Jean de Bethencourt, where the statuette of Our Lady of the Rock was kept for years.

Iglesia de la Virgen de la Peña (Church of Our Lady of the Rock), is located in a place surrounded by flowers and palm trees, built in the 18th century.

This church in French Gothic style has a classic limestone facade that highlights and emphasizes its beauty and importance.

The arched door of the Church of Virgen de la Pena is flanked by twin columns with decorated capitals and the interior is a single nave.

The alabaster statue of the Virgen de la Peña is placed in a niche on a golden pedestal, framed with a silver sun and at her feet a golden crescent moon.

Every third Saturday in September, the faithful from all over Fuerteventura go on a pilgrimage to venerate their patron saint in this sacred place.

How to get to Vega de Rio Palmas?

Starting from Puerto del Rosario take the FV-3 and then the FV-20 towards Betancuria.

Once you reach Betancuria, continue on FV-30 towards Vega de Rio Palmas.