- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tindaya Mountain, located in the north-east of Fuerteventura in Spain’s Canary Islands, is widely regarded as one of the most mysterious natural sites in the world. Surrounded by legends, magnetic anomalies, and an extraordinary archaeological footprint field, the mountain continues to draw global curiosity, even though climbing it is strictly prohibited.
For more than 2,000 years, Tindaya was revered by the island’s indigenous Guanche people. They considered it a magical mountain linked to spiritual protection and ritual practices. Its slopes hold extraordinary archaeological treasures, including more than 300 podomorphic, human foot-shaped engravings. Each carved outline is believed to represent ceremonial offerings or protective symbols carved directly into volcanic rock.
The Enigmatic Footprints
In 1990, researchers discovered 379 distinct footprints at the mountain’s summit. Most measure between 25 and 30 centimetres and represent only left feet, adding another layer of mystery. More astonishingly, nearly all of them point toward the west, and some studies suggest alignments with other nearby mountains during the winter solstice. Carbon dating placed their creation roughly 2,000 years ago, fueling speculation about ancient astronomical knowledge.
Magnetic Disturbances And Strange Lights
Tindaya Mountain is known to generate an unusually strong magnetic field capable of disrupting traditional compasses. Hikers and researchers have reported interference in navigation equipment near the site. Over the decades, locals have also described mysterious lights hovering near the mountain at night, giving rise to speculation about extraterrestrial activity. Although scientists offer no conclusive explanation, the combination of magnetic anomalies and nighttime sightings feeds a thriving UFO-based subculture.
While archaeologists attribute the engravings to ritual traditions, some modern theorists insist that Tindaya served as an ancient landing marker or communication site. The footprints’ westward orientation and reports of strange lights have only intensified these beliefs, making Tindaya a frequent subject in online paranormal forums.
In 1995, Tindaya became a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, prompting the Spanish government to ban climbing entirely. Only authorized scientists may access its summit under strict supervision to protect the ancient engravings from erosion and vandalism.
