Fuencaliente Lighthouse

In the south of La Palma, we discover a completely volcanic landscape. This is Fuencaliente, known in Benahoarite times as the canton of Abenguareme.

Covering 56 square kilometres, volcanic cones rise up everywhere, revealing how numerous volcanic eruptions have shaped this territory.

The most recent was the eruption of Teneguía in 1971, which gave rise to one of the island’s most spectacular places: the Echentive natural pools. Formed by seawater and thermal water seeping through the ground, their emerald-green, tranquil waters invite visitors to enjoy an unforgettable swim.

The name of the municipality, Fuencaliente de La Palma, comes from a thermal spring whose hot water was believed to have medicinal properties. Unfortunately, it was buried by the eruption of the San Antonio volcano. The volcano is open to visitors and houses an exhibition featuring an earthquake simulator. Los Canarios is the main settlement, followed by the neighbourhoods of Las Caletas, Los Quemados, Las Indias, La Fajana and El Charco.

The people of Fuencaliente have developed one of the Canary Islands’ finest wine-growing regions on the volcanic lava flows, alongside lush banana plantations. The wine produced in the south of the island, 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 sites:

• Teneguía Volcano A volcano in the Cumbre Vieja area that erupted in 1971. Location
• Roque Teneguía An ancient, golden-coloured rock formation surrounded by lava from more recent eruptions. It features rock engravings created by the Benahoarite people. Location
• La Zamora Chica Beach A small black-sand beach with a kiosk where you can eat and drink. La Zamora Grande Beach lies in the neighbouring cove. Location
  

  

Landmarks and heritage interpretation centres:

• San Antonio Volcano Visitor Centre An interpretation centre dedicated to the 1677 eruption and La Palma’s volcanic activity. You can also observe the activity of other volcanoes through monitoring screens and video recordings. Location
• Bodegas Teneguía Visit the Teneguía winery and sample its wines near San Antonio Volcano. Location
• Fuencaliente Lighthouse An iconic lighthouse with red and white stripes, built in the 1980s. It stands in a volcanic area near the original lighthouse. Location
  

  

Recommended restaurants:

• El Jardín de La Sal Themed Restaurant
• La Casa del Volcán: Traditional Canarian cuisine
• La Guildera: Fresh fish kiosk with views of the beach
• La Zamora Kiosk: Fresh fish kiosk on La Zamora Chica Beach