Mancha Blanca in Lanzarote: Volcanic Trails, Culture and Tradition

Mancha Blanca in Lanzarote leads to a place where the lava from the volcanic eruptions of 1730 to 1736 came to a standstill. A teak cross marks this site, which is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of Historic Site.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Mancha Blanca, compare the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. These three details are among the specific booking information that you can review side by side before making a decision.

Nature and Trails

The centre of Mancha Blanca has an elevated walkway that allows visitors to take a circular route across lava flows. During the eruptions from 1730 to 1736, these reached areas used for agriculture.

The Ruta Termesana is a guided walk of approximately 2 km with a very low level of difficulty and a duration of around 3 hours. Participation is available by prior registration in person or by telephone.

The route passes through an area of the park with various formations from recent volcanism; their dynamics and geomorphology are explained along the way. It also covers colonisation by lichens and traditional cultivation in the surrounding area.

Several hiking trails begin in Mancha Blanca. This makes it possible to compare the different trail and experience formats by length, duration and thematic focus.

Visitor Centre

The Centro de Visitantes e Interpretación de Mancha Blanca is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility or impaired vision.

The permanent exhibition explains the volcanism of the Canary Islands and Timanfaya, as well as the local flora, fauna and coast.

Audiovisual panels, models and supplementary activities are used to communicate the natural and cultural values of this area.

Culture and History

The Ermita de Los Dolores and its cistern are protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of Monument.

The Ermita de Los Dolores was built in connection with the volcanic eruptions of 1730 to 1736 as a joint vow by the residents of Tinajo to the Virgin Mary.

For the design of the portal, oculus and lateral buttresses, the chapel uses volcanic rock from the surrounding area.

Festivals and Traditions

31 July, when the eruptions of 1824 began, is known as Día del Volcán. Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores is celebrated on 15 September.

The Feria Insular de Artesanía de Mancha Blanca takes place as part of the celebrations of Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes and brings together craftspeople from across the archipelago.

The procession of the Romería de los Dolores begins in Tinajo and ends at the Ermita de los Dolores in Mancha Blanca.

People from across the island of Lanzarote and the rest of the archipelago take part in the Romería de los Dolores wearing traditional clothing. The procession includes local snacks and music played on timples, guitars and chácaras.

Other Destinations

Other places at the same level are La Santa, La Vegueta and El Cuchillo.

Market and Local Produce

The Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal represents the traditional sectors of the municipality of Tinajo: agriculture, livestock products, products from the sea and confectionery.

The Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal features folklore performances and traditional demonstrations, including threshing, grape harvesting and treading, roasting maize and making gofio.

To the main travel overview: Tinajo.