Fuencaliente
Fuencaliente
At the Fuencaliente Lighthouse, in the south of La Palma, visitors are greeted by a strikingly volcanic landscape. This is Fuencaliente, known in the Benahoarite period as the canton of Abenguareme.
Covering an area of 56 square kilometres, volcanic cones rise throughout the municipality, bearing witness to the many eruptions that have shaped this land over the centuries.
The most recent eruption was that of Teneguía in 1971, which gave rise to one of the island’s most spectacular locations: the Echentive Pools. Formed by a combination of seawater and thermal spring seepage, these emerald-green pools with their calm waters invite visitors to enjoy an unforgettable swim.
The municipality’s name, Fuencaliente de La Palma, comes from a thermal spring whose hot waters were once renowned for their medicinal properties. Unfortunately, the spring was buried during the eruption of the San Antonio Volcano.
Today, the San Antonio Volcano can be visited, and its visitor centre features an exhibition on volcanic activity, including an earthquake simulator. Los Canarios is the municipality’s main population centre, followed by the districts of Las Caletas, Los Quemados, Las Indias, La Fajana, and El Charco.
The people of Fuencaliente have transformed ancient lava flows into one of the finest wine-producing regions in the Canary Islands, as well as extensive banana plantations. The famous southern wine of La Palma, grown on volcanic soil, is known as Malvasía. William Shakespeare referred to it in his writings as “a sweet and aromatic wine that delighted the senses.”
Natural Landscapes and Heritage
Teneguía Volcano
A volcano located in the Cumbre Vieja range that erupted in 1971.
Roque Teneguía
An older golden-coloured rock formation surrounded by more recent lava flows and featuring ancient Benahoarite engravings.
Playa de La Zamora Chica
A small black-sand beach with a beachfront kiosk serving food and drinks. The neighbouring cove is known as La Zamora Grande.
Landmark Sites and Heritage Interpretation Centres
San Antonio Volcano Visitor Centre
An interpretation centre dedicated to the 1677 eruption and the volcanic activity of La Palma. Visitors can also observe live monitoring and recorded footage of volcanic activity from other volcanoes.
Teneguía Wineries
Visit the renowned Teneguía wineries and enjoy wine tastings beside the San Antonio Volcano.
Fuencaliente Lighthouse
An iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse dating from the 1980s, located in a dramatic volcanic setting close to the original lighthouse.
Recommended Restaurants
El Jardín de La Sal
Themed restaurant in a unique volcanic setting.
La Casa del Volcán
Traditional Canarian cuisine.
La Guildera
Fresh fish kiosk with views overlooking the beach.
Kiosco La Zamora
Fresh fish kiosk located directly above La Zamora Chica Beach.
Photo Gallery
