Salinas de Fuencaliente

A contrast of colours

The Las Salinas de Fuencaliente (Fuencaliente Salt Flats) Site of Scientific Interest is a protected area located in the south of La Palma, next to the legendary Fuencaliente lighthouse. It is one of the island's most distinctive landscapes, with its picturesque pools where the water evaporates, its peculiar pyramids of salt and its contrasting colours. The blue of the sea and the sky stand out against the white of the salt and the black of the volcanic soil, which is so characteristic of this island. These salt flats are the only ones still in operation in the province. Their distinctive feature is the traditional way in which salt has been produced and extracted since 1967. It is an example of productive activity carried out with respect for the environment

A place of great ecological interest

It is a site of great ecological and scientific interest, not only for its flora and fauna, but also because it is a roosting, feeding and breeding place for many migratory birds. In 1994 it was declared a Site of Scientific Interest, as it is one of the few wetlands in the Canary Islands. Precisely because of this, up to 50 species of migratory birds, such as plovers, little stints, turnstones and sandpipers, can be found here. The salinity in the salt marshes forms a unique ecosystem, which generally harbours organisms that are exclusive to saline areas, such as Ruppia maritima or Artemia salina.

Catering

Parking

Trekking routes

Public transport

Fuencaliente

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Sustainability

- Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
- Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
- Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
- Do not walk in areas where it is not allowed and respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
- Do not light fires outside the permitted areas and be especially careful during the summer months.
- Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).