The Fuencaliente salt flats in La Palma are a charming place worth visiting. Not only can you enjoy the process of salt production, but also incredible views and delicious dishes in the local restaurant. The landscape surrounding the Fuencaliente salt flats is of incredible natural beauty. The most striking feature is the contrast of colors: the deep black of volcanic lava, the intense blue of the ocean, and the white and pink hues of the salt flats. This play of colors creates a unique, almost magical feeling that envelops you, making you feel deeply connected to nature in its purest form.
Salinas Fuencaliente La Palma: a fascinating journey through salt production
The Salt Flats are located in one of the most impressive landscapes on the Island of La Palma, characterized by a mantle of pyroclasts and lava flows that evoke recent eruptions. Since 1967, this place has housed the most modern salt production complex in the Canary Islands, the result of the efforts of a family dedicated to the artisanal production of sea salt. In 1971, the eruption of the Teneguía volcano forced the interruption of activities at the salt flats. The lava flow stopped just before reaching the area, and since then, the precious sea salt harvested from this region has been marketed under the name Sal Marina Teneguía, in honor of this event.
Unlike the large extensive salt flats, where salt is harvested only once a year, the small salt flats of Fuencaliente produce between 7 and 8 harvests annually, from May to October, as it is essential to store the salt before the first rains arrive. This process requires meticulous work, resulting in fine-grained salt of excellent quality, which also meets the standards for organic products.
Charming protected natural space
The Salt flat of La Palma are a collection of pools and evaporators that today cover an area of 35,000 square meters. These marine salt flats in Fuencaliente feature an interpretation center where you can learn about their operation and the local flora and fauna. Experts in ornithology, botany, and related sciences have shown a growing interest in this exceptional landscape, which also serves as a resting place for many migratory birds. In fact, in 1994, it was designated a Natural Area of Scientific Interest, highlighting its ecological and scientific importance in the region.
In this colorful landscape, the pink tones of the captured water stand out. This bubblegum-like color is caused by Dunaliella salina, a microorganism that has adapted to the high-salinity environment and has a reddish pigmentation that protects it from sunlight.
Also, you can’t miss the Las Salinas Fuencaliente Restaurant, which offers delicious local dishes and panoramic views of the sea and the salt flats. In the same complex, there is a small souvenir shop where you can buy Teneguia salt.
Discover the spectacular and unmissable surroundings of La Palma’s salt flats
A few minutes from the Fuencaliente lighthouse and salt flats, you will find Echentive Beach and El Aljibe Natural pool. This black sand beach, surrounded by spectacular lava formations, is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the warm waters of the Atlantic. A little further in the vicinity of the Princess Teneguia Hotel, you will also find the fascinating Zamora beach.
Moreover, Fuencaliente is a privileged place for star-gazing due to its low light pollution and its location in La Palma, an island worldwide recognized for its clear skies and astronomical quality.
Do not miss the opportunity to witness the special magic that envelops Fuencaliente, especially at sunset. Take a look here at the best spots to watch sunsets. The Salt Flats and their surroundings invite you to discover a world of natural beauty, history, and starry skies in La Palma.
Recommendations for visitors
- Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection to fully enjoy La Palma Salinas.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to buy Fuencaliente Salt as a souvenir or gift.
- Take advantage of your visit to the Fuencaliente Salt Flats to explore the surroundings and discover other points of interest in the area.
Salinas map
How to get to Fuencaliente’s Salinas
BY CAR:
If you are in Santa Cruz de La Palma and wish to visit the Fuencaliente salt flats, start your journey by heading south on the LP2 main road. As you proceed, be on the lookout to turn left onto LP 207, the first road that goes down towards the coast. This route is clearly marked with a sign indicating “EL FARO” and “LAS CALETAS”. Continue on this road until you reach the salt flats.
On the other hand, if you are starting from Los Llanos, follow the LP2 road south until you reach the town of Los Canarios. Once there, take the road that goes down towards the coast in the direction of Las Indias, following the signs towards the Hotel Princess. The road will take you past the hotel and you will continue past a banana plantation area. Along your way, you will pass by Punta Larga and Playa Echentive until you finally reach the salt flats.
For your return, you can choose to go back by the same road or take the LP 207, which will lead you back to the LP2, offering you another perspective of the beautiful landscape of this part of the island.
BY BUS:
Bus line no. 23 Fuencaliente – Hotel Teneguia – Lighthouse has a stop right in front of the salinas.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MENTION THAT IN THIS AREA OF THE ISLAND THERE IS NO NETWORK COVERAGE.
