For planning your trip, several themes stand out in Malpaises: the Ruta de los Volcanes runs through Montaña de Nambroque, rural houses and niches for crosses have been preserved in the village, and La Salemera lies on the coast of the municipality of Villa de Mazo. You can weigh up whether hiking, local history, or the coast should be the focus of your stay.
Volcanic Landscape and Protected Nature
The Ruta de los Volcanes runs through Montaña de Nambroque in Malpaises. The mountain is located in Parque Natural Cumbre Vieja. The route and natural area give the hiking option a clear connection to the volcanic landscape.
Montaña de Tirimaga offers a different perspective: it is more easily accessible and provides views over large parts of the municipality of Villa de Mazo. The view described encompasses the municipality as a whole, so you can consider the outlook from Tirimaga independently of any particular route.
Another natural feature on La Palma is the Monumento Natural de Montaña del Azufre. The former coastal volcano is distinguished by shades of yellow, red, orange, grey, and black. The entire Monumento Natural is designated as a Site of Community Importance on La Palma. Educational and recreational activities are permitted at the crater and on the northern and western slopes of Montaña del Azufre, provided they are compatible with its protection.
The natural monument can be reached via a track that connects the road descending from the LP-132 to La Salemera with the environmental waste treatment complex. Part of the access route follows the local hiking trail SL VM 121. For specific route planning, check current trail conditions separately.
Hiking Trails with Different Points of Interest
The PR LP 16.1 runs from the PR LP 16 to La Salemera. An older municipal hiking description rates it as moderate, giving it a score of 6 out of 10; it names the bathing area beside a lighthouse with avant-garde design as the endpoint and describes the bathing area as the most popular in the municipality. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
A rare remnant of tabaibal-cardonal vegetation has been preserved on the descent from Malpaises to La Salemera. This feature gives the route its own natural point of interest. Those interested in plant life can appreciate it as part of the landscape along this descent.
A walk along the Canal de Fuencaliente, where it crosses the LP-132, leads to the rural and ethnographic features of Malpaises. These features are the focus of the walk, rather than a difficulty rating for a longer hiking route.
The mountain bike route network of the municipality of Villa de Mazo also includes a downhill route from El Pilar to La Salemera. Its physical and technical difficulty are both rated “very high.” Since trail conditions, signage, and ratings can change, check the latest information before your ride.
Traces of Rural Heritage
The former Molino de Pérez Guerra in Tirimaga was once the centre of the Malpaises district. Several traditional rural houses have been preserved in Malpaises. They have two storeys, external staircases and balconies, as well as hipped roofs. These features make the architectural style easy to identify: the external staircases and balconies are as much a part of its appearance as the roof design.
At least three well-preserved niches for crosses can also be found here. Together with the houses and the former mill, they offer different points of reference for exploring the rural heritage of Malpaises; the mill’s former central role is also part of the area’s history.
La Salemera: Cove and Water
La Salemera lies on the coast of the municipality of Villa de Mazo and has a small cove of volcanic origin with black sand. Swimming and diving are possible, especially in the large natural pool at its end. Check sea conditions before swimming. This offers a distinct coastal focus for your trip planning, alongside hiking trails and rural architecture.
Discover more destinations: Lodero.
Return to the main travel overview: Villa De Mazo.
