Discover Montaña Blanca: GR-131, Maretas and volcanic relief

Montaña Blanca combines a signposted long-distance trail, volcanic formations and evidence of water storage with a recurring annual festival. The GR-131 passes through the town as part of the 71-kilometre Camino Natural de Órzola a Playa Blanca. On its fourth stage, it reaches Montaña Blanca after circling the Caldera Honda and Monte Guatisea.

Nature

The summit of Montaña Blanca lies at an altitude of 598 metres. On the south-western side of the volcanic cone, the Barranco Negro displays bands of lapilli and volcanic ash formed by water erosion. Thus, a single volcanic cone reveals both a clearly stated elevation and volcanic deposits with different structures.

The landscape can be understood through various features: the long-distance trail places it within a longer route, while the summit and Barranco Negro reveal individual forms of the volcanic terrain. The elevation, route and rocky relief therefore remain distinguishable aspects.

Culture and History

The Mareta de Montaña Blanca is a man-made water-storage facility. The Maretas de Montaña Blanca are cisterns dug into the southern slope of the volcanic edifice. Both names refer to the facilities at the volcano and to their function of storing water.

The archaeological site of Montaña Blanca includes channels, cup marks and rock paintings carved or made in the volcanic tuff. A Geoloruta connects the Ermita de La Candelaria with the Maretas de Montaña Blanca. The water facilities, worked tuff surfaces and named route are thus part of a shared local context, without their different forms and functions being conflated.

The festivities in honour of María Auxiliadora take place in Montaña Blanca every year as a community celebration. Alongside the permanent natural and cultural sites, a recurring annual festival date is therefore part of the local events calendar.

Trails and Events

The GR-131 is intended for hiking and is suitable for cycling along a very large part of its route. The long-distance trail can therefore be viewed in terms of two different modes of travel, while its inclusion in the 71-kilometre Camino Natural preserves its designation as a route extending beyond the local area.

The Vertical Montaña Blanca comprises three competition distances: 20K Fanega, 11K Almud and 6K Cuartillo. There is also hiking and a children's race. The three distances differ in their respective names and stated route lengths; the event programme also explicitly lists the two additional activity types.

Getting There

Intercity Lanzarote bus route 32 stops in Montaña Blanca. The specific route number supplements the information about the long-distance trail, Geoloruta and event with a public transport connection to the town.

Other Places

Other places: Lanzarote, Tías, Caleta de Famara, Haria, Playa Quemada, San Bartolomé, Urbanización Famara, La Hoya

To the higher-level travel overview: Lanzarote.