Los Canarios is the town centre of the municipality of Fuencaliente and also the end of the Ruta de los Volcanes. Its volcanic landscape, trails of varying lengths and difficulty, and local traditions give the town and its surroundings their distinctive character.

Volcanic Landscape and Protected Nature

The Los Volcanes de Teneguía Natural Monument covers 457.4 hectares in the municipality of Fuencaliente. Its landscape includes volcanic cinder cones and lava fields, particularly those formed by historic eruptions. The main access route runs from Los Canarios along the LP-130 towards Faro de Fuencaliente; road conditions may change, so check access before setting out.

The Salinas de Fuencaliente are also among the area's natural attractions: in the Canary Islands' network of protected natural areas, they are designated as P-19, a Site of Scientific Interest. The La Palma Marine Reserve is on a different scale. It covers 3,455 hectares off the island's southwest coast and reaches depths of up to 1,000 metres. Its steep seabed, with crevices, caves and tunnels, is home to diverse marine flora and fauna. Autonomous scuba diving is permitted in the reserve with prior authorisation; check the authorisation requirements before diving.

Trails with Different Levels of Difficulty

The Ruta de los Volcanes is a prepared and signposted trekking route. It passes through Fuencaliente, El Paso and Mazo in the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park and ends in Los Canarios. Another reference point is the Los Canarios–El Puertito route, rated moderate to challenging. Weather and trail conditions may affect the actual difficulty. The local SL FU 112 footpath between El Puertito and Los Quemados passes through the Los Volcanes de Teneguía Natural Monument.

The GR-131 section from Fuencaliente to Faro de Fuencaliente is listed as 7.4 kilometres; the round trip covers 14 kilometres. This provides a specific distance for planning, while the moderate-to-challenging rating applies to the Los Canarios–El Puertito route. The route to Roque Teneguía starts in Los Canarios along a dirt track and is about 5.5 kilometres long. The last 500 metres are on foot along a path through lapilli. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

A viewpoint overlooking Volcán Teneguía has been set up on the Las Machuqueras–Los Quemados dirt track. Check its condition before visiting.

Coast and Starry Skies

Playa Nueva, also known as Playa de Echentive, formed when lava from the Teneguía volcano reached the sea during its eruption between October and November 1971. The beach is about 275 metres long and has a typically volcanic appearance. Playa de Echentive is also home to two natural pools at the foot of the nearby cliff. Swimming conditions may vary.

Playa de la Zamora offers a different kind of coastline: the black-sand beach lies below a cliff, is approximately 150 metres long and 15 metres wide, and can be reached via the road from Las Indias. It is divided into two sections. Check local access and sea conditions before visiting.

Fuencaliente's night sky is another of its special features: the municipality is certified as a “Starlight” municipality and has a sky free from light pollution that is suitable for stargazing. The San Antonio Volcano Visitor Centre has a small dome for astronomical observations, as well as a replica of historic astronomical markers for the seasons. If you are planning a specific programme, check the current offerings in advance.

Church and Traditions in Los Canarios

The Iglesia de San Antonio Abad dates back to 1576 and is Fuencaliente's most important religious building. On 18 April 1996, it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). The harvest festival also shapes the town's history: it has been held since the 19th century and was permanently moved to Los Canarios in 1948. Its customs include a procession with floats created by residents of the local districts. Typical local products and wine with the La Palma designation of origin are distributed during the procession. Dates and programmes may vary from one edition of the festival to another.

Other cultural traditions originated in the district of Los Quemados. Residents have kept the Los Caballos Fuscos tradition alive for more than a hundred years. The Viejas Solteronas dance tradition began there in 1966; it is currently performed by about ten women, who recite risqué, humorous verses. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals or a performance, check the event dates separately.

Discover more destinations: Los Llanos De Aridane, El Tablado, Garafía, Fuencaliente De La Palma, Puntallana, Breña Baja, El Castillo, Tazacorte

For the main travel overview: La Palma.