The hiking trail in the Canary Islands, between ravines and rocks, was the setting for 'Solo: A Star Wars Story'.

Spain has served as a setting for several films in the Star Wars saga. Many probably already know that Seville's majestic Plaza de España was used to represent the Naboo palace, but what few know is that one of the franchise's spin-offs, Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), also used an exciting location in Spain to film some sequences.

The filming of the movie, which focuses on the youth of the legendary character played by Harrison Ford, was temporarily relocated to the Canary Islands, specifically to the heart of Fuerteventura. It features one of the most alien-like places in the entire archipelago, the magnificent Betancuria Rural Park, an arid, Martian-like environment through which an extraordinary hiking trail runs that anyone can complete.

The Peñitas Ravine Route in Fuerteventura

The fantastic Barranco de las Peñitas trail runs for more than eight kilometers through the natural park, passing through impressive canyons formed millions of years ago, idyllic natural pools , and environments with geological structures that seem otherworldly. It takes around three hours to complete, and its low difficulty makes it ideal for all types of hikers, even the less experienced.

The starting point of the route is in the village of Vega de Río Palmas, and in addition to passing by fascinating sites such as the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña (hidden among geological formations) and the Buen Paso palm grove, trekking enthusiasts will enjoy magnificent panoramic views of an almost lunar landscape that few tourists explore when visiting the island. Therefore, following this route is one of the best excursions you can take while exploring Fuerteventura.

This enormous area of more than 16,500 hectares is the perfect location for science fiction films such as Solo: A Star Wars Story or the Dune saga. The high peaks, combined with the desert-like enclaves of the rural park and the secrets hidden within it, create a film set right on the island of Fuerteventura.

This way, all nature lovers spending a few days on the Canary Island can leave the idyllic beaches of Fuerteventura for a morning and explore one of the archipelago's most stunning and wild places. The Barranco de las Peñistas route is one of the most beautiful hikes you can take in Fuerteventura, and it's a must-do.