Zona Arqueológica Roque de Chijafe

Zona Arqueológica Roque de Chijafe is an archaeological site located in the municipality of Arona, in the south of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. It sits on a rocky outcrop formed by horizontal or sub-horizontal basaltic flows, with occasional thin layers of pyroclastic material — debris ejected during past volcanic activity — sandwiched in between. This geological structure turned the rock face into a natural surface for the engravings left behind by the island's early inhabitants.

What can you see here?

The rock preserves 15 panels of schematic-geometric engravings. Rectilinear motifs dominate — single lines or bundles of lines arranged in converging patterns, transverse lines, stair-like (ladder) forms, cruciform shapes, and some signs with a triangular tendency. The most common technique used was incision, both shallow and deep, while scratching appears less frequently, and in some cases the engravings show discontinuous pecking with visible signs of abrasion.

This variety of techniques and forms is what makes the site stand out: researchers consider it unique for the typology of rock art it represents, drawing comparisons to engravings found on islands further east in the archipelago. That connection makes Roque de Chijafe an important reference point for understanding the early settlement of the Canary Islands.

Who created the engravings?

The engravings are attributed to the Guanches, the indigenous inhabitants of Tenerife who lived on the island before the Spanish conquest. They left numerous traces of their presence across the island in the form of petroglyphs, caves, and other archaeological sites — Roque de Chijafe is one such place, offering evidence of the symbolic or ritual activity of this ancient community.

Protected status

Given its historical and cultural value, the site was declared a Cultural Heritage Site (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) under the category of Archaeological Zone by Decree 208/2008, issued on October 14, 2008. This is the highest level of legal protection granted to cultural heritage under Spanish law, underscoring the site's importance to the region's archaeology.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Roque de Chijafe located? The site is in the municipality of Arona, in the southern part of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.

What do the engravings on the rock depict? Mostly geometric and schematic motifs — straight lines, cruciform patterns, ladder-like and triangular shapes, made using incision, scratching, or pecking techniques.

Who made these engravings? They are attributed to the Guanches, the indigenous people of Tenerife who lived on the island before the Spanish conquest.

Is the site legally protected? Yes, since 2008 it has held the status of Cultural Heritage Site (BIC) under the category of Archaeological Zone — the highest level of heritage protection under Spanish law.

Why is this site significant? Because of the unique typology of the rock art it displays, which relates to engravings found on islands further east in the Canary archipelago, making it an important point of reference for studying the region's early settlement.