Los Canarios – Volcanoes, Coast and Starry Skies

The Los Volcanes de Teneguía Natural Monument makes Los Canarios a place of impressive volcanic landscapes. It consists of volcanic cinder cones and lava fields, particularly those formed during historic eruptions, and covers 457.4 hectares within the municipality of Fuencaliente. The main access road leads from Los Canarios via the LP-130 towards Faro de Fuencaliente.

Other places to discover: El Tablado, Quinta Zoca, Tazacorte, Breña Alta, Hoya Grande, Puntagorda, Garafía and Breña Baja.

Nature

The designated natural areas also include the Salinas de Fuencaliente, which are designated as P-19, a Site of Scientific Interest, within the Canary Islands’ network of natural areas. The marine reserve extends over 3,455 hectares off the southwestern coast of La Palma and reaches a depth of 1,000 metres. Its seabed drops steeply and features numerous crevices, caves and tunnels; at the same time, it is home to a diverse range of marine flora and fauna.

A viewpoint overlooking Volcán Teneguía has been established on the Las Machuqueras–Los Quemados track. The project cost €28,248. At Playa de Echentive, two natural pools lie at the foot of the nearby cliff. Playa Nueva, also known as Playa de Echentive, was formed when lava from the Teneguía volcano reached the sea during its eruption between October and November 1971. It is approximately 275 metres long and has a typically volcanic appearance.

Playa de la Zamora is a black-sand beach approximately 150 metres long and 15 metres wide, located below a cliff. It can be reached via the road from Las Indias and is divided into two sections. The varied landscapes, beach sizes and coastal features provide several concrete points of reference for organising your own excursion ideas.

Getting around

The local SL FU 112 walking trail runs between El Puertito and Los Quemados through the Los Volcanes de Teneguía Natural Monument. The Ruta de los Volcanes also leads through the volcanic landscape: the prepared and signposted trekking route passes through the municipalities of Fuencaliente, El Paso and Mazo in the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park and ends in the district of Los Canarios, the centre of the municipality of Fuencaliente.

The section of the GR-131 from Fuencaliente to Faro de Fuencaliente is 7.4 kilometres long; the round trip covers 14 kilometres. The Los Canarios–El Puertito route is classified as moderate to challenging.

Roque Teneguía can be reached from Los Canarios via a track. The route is approximately 5.5 kilometres long, with the final 500 metres following a footpath through lapilli. Autonomous diving equipment is permitted in the marine reserve with prior authorisation.

At Faro de Fuencaliente, there are two lighthouses: an old stone building and a newer, taller lighthouse painted white and red. The visitor centre at the San Antonio volcano has a small dome for astronomical observations, as well as a replica of historic astronomical markers for the seasons.

Culture

The Iglesia de San Antonio Abad, Fuencaliente’s most important religious building, dates from 1576. On 18 April 1996, it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest as a historic monument. Another historical trace consists of more than 150 rock engraving motifs at the site on the eastern side.

Los Caballos Fuscos are a cultural tradition preserved by the residents of the Los Quemados district for more than a hundred years. The Viejas Solteronas dance tradition also originated in Los Quemados in 1966. It involves around ten women who recite witty and humorous verses.

The Fuencaliente harvest festival has been held since the 19th century and was permanently moved to the Los Canarios district in 1948. The festival includes a procession with floats designed by residents of the districts. Typical local products and wine with the La Palma designation of origin are distributed during the event.

History

Fuente Santa was a thermal spring on the southern coast of Fuencaliente. While it flowed in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was visited by distinguished patients and curious visitors. In 2005, a 200-metre-long tunnel at sea level provided access to the foot of the cliff, where the thermal pools of Fuente Santa were formerly located.

In 2020, an audiovisual room, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria at the San Antonio volcano visitor centre were renovated; the museum content was also improved. Fuencaliente is certified as a “Starlight” municipality and has a night sky free from light pollution, suitable for observing the stars.

For the higher-level travel overview: La Palma.