Vega de Río Palmas is a place in the municipality of Betancuria on Fuerteventura. The name means floodplain on the palm river. In 2013 the place had 187 inhabitants.
Vega de Río Palmas is located on the oasis-like Barranco de las Peñitas. Terraced cultivation is still practiced there in part. With the help of wind turbines, the farmers pump groundwater into the fields surrounded by clay walls. They benefit from the fact that the valley, which is over 200 m above sea level, has slightly more groundwater than other areas of the island.
Built in 1666, the church is called Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña. Their shape is typical of Spanish colonial style. The well-designed façade contrasts with the rather simple construction of the adjoining nave. The clearly structured Renaissance portal is flanked by twin columns. Above it - at the level of the roof - there is a stone belfry for two bells.
In the main altar there is a 23 cm alabaster figure of the Virgin Mary in the French late Gothic style. The figure represents the Virgin of the Rock (Nuestra Señora de la Peña), patron saint of the island since 1675. Various paintings surround the statue: at the top is the baptism of Jesus accompanied by angels, at the side are Saints Peter and Paul. Below is the Virgin of the Apocalypse on the left and Joseph's dream on the right.
The carved artesonado ceiling above the chancel indicates Moorish influence. It is a fine example of the Mudéjar style, richly decorated with ornaments.
