los dos faros
1 / 10

GR 130 Camino Real Fuencaliente Stage

4.6
·6k reviews·Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Explore traditional salt pans on La Palma's southern tip, a unique blend of industry and dramatic volcanic coastline.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday to Sunday, 11 AM onwards

Restaurant & toilets open

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
los dos faros

GR 130 Camino Real Fuencaliente Stage

Best Time

Thursday to Sunday, 11 AM onwards

Restaurant & toilets open

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore traditional salt pans on La Palma's southern tip, a unique blend of industry and dramatic volcanic coastline.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"A must-see gem on La Palma, offering fascinating salt extraction and stunning ocean views."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

Volcanic gravel paths can be sharp. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for Wind

It's often windy here. Bring a windbreaker or long sleeves, even on sunny days. :cloud:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Salt Pans Exploration

Salt Pans Exploration

The salt extraction complex

Wander through the intricate salt pans and learn about traditional salt extraction methods. A truly unique coastal landscape.

Coastal Views

Coastal Views

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the dramatic volcanic coastline from the salt pans.

On-site Restaurant

On-site Restaurant

Adjacent to the salt pans

Savor traditional local dishes with a stunning sea view. A perfect spot to refuel after exploring.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Footwear is Key

The paths through the salt pans are made of volcanic gravel and can be sharp. Opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes to ensure a comfortable and safe exploration of this unique landscape. :athletic_shoe:

Windy Conditions Expected

La Palma's southern tip, where the salt pans are located, is often windy. Pack a windbreaker or long-sleeved shirt, even on sunny days, to stay comfortable while enjoying the coastal views. :cloud:

Best Times

When
Thursday to Sunday, 11 AM onwards
Why
Restaurant & toilets open
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime with good weather
Why
Best for coastal views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

Volcanic gravel paths can be sharp. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for Wind

It's often windy here. Bring a windbreaker or long sleeves, even on sunny days. :cloud:

Check Restaurant Hours

The cafe/restaurant is only open from 11 AM, Thursday to Sunday. Plan accordingly! :knifeforkplate:

Combine with Volcanoes

This spot is great to combine with visits to nearby volcanoes for a full day of exploration. :volcano:

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

Volcanic gravel paths can be sharp. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for Wind

It's often windy here. Bring a windbreaker or long sleeves, even on sunny days. :cloud:

Check Restaurant Hours

The cafe/restaurant is only open from 11 AM, Thursday to Sunday. Plan accordingly! :knifeforkplate:

Combine with Volcanoes

This spot is great to combine with visits to nearby volcanoes for a full day of exploration. :volcano:

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy the salt pans and parking for free! Buses are infrequent, so consider a car. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Salinas de Fuencaliente a fascinating and unique stop on La Palma, praising the interesting salt extraction process and the stunning volcanic coastal landscape. The on-site restaurant is a popular spot for enjoying local food with a view. While generally well-received, some note the windy conditions and the limited opening hours for amenities.

"This is such an interesting stop on the southern tip of La Palma. Seeing and learning about the entire process of extracting pure salt from seawater is fascinating, as is discovering the difference types of sea salt.
The walk through the salt pans is all volcanic gravel but is an easy stroll (although I would suggest fully closed shoes as the rock can be very sharp). Every time we have been there, it has been quite windy, so I would recommend a windbreaker or at least long sleeve shirt even on nice days.
We have been here several times and plan to stop by the next time we're on that end of the island."

Kevin

"Nice place. You can walk through the Salinas with also amazing volcanic lanscape behind it. We bought some salt in the gift shop and had some traditional dips with bread at the restaurant which were really great!"

Nele Van Melckebeke

"Very peculiar place. A must see when visiting La Palma! Good to combine with a visit to the nearby volcanos"

Helmer Koppelman

What People Like

Unique salt extraction process
Stunning volcanic coastal views
Great on-site restaurant

What People Dislike

Often windy conditions
Limited restaurant hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The GR 130 Camino Real Fuencaliente Stage, also known as Salinas de Fuencaliente, is located on the southern tip of La Palma. While buses do serve the area, they are infrequent. Many visitors find it easiest to reach by car, as there is free parking available. If you're hiking the GR 130, this stage is a natural point to pass through. :car: :bus:

Yes, there is free parking available at the Salinas de Fuencaliente, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. :car:

Public buses do go to the vicinity of the salt pans, but they are infrequent. It's advisable to check the local bus schedules in advance if you plan to rely on public transport. :bus:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Salinas de Fuencaliente and the surrounding salt pans is free. You can explore the area at your own pace without purchasing a ticket. :ticket:

While the salt pans themselves can be accessed freely, the on-site cafe/restaurant and shop have specific opening hours. They are typically open from 11 AM and operate from Thursday to Sunday. :clock:

Toilets are available at the salt pans, but they are only accessible during the opening hours of the cafe/restaurant (Thursday-Sunday, from 11 AM). Outside of these hours, the nearest toilets are at the lighthouse, which requires an entry fee. :toilet:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

At the GR 130 Fuencaliente Stage, you can explore the fascinating salt extraction complex, learn about the traditional methods used to harvest sea salt, and enjoy stunning coastal views. Information boards along the self-guided walk explain the process in detail. :salt: :camerawithflash:

The paths through the salt pans are primarily made of volcanic gravel. It's recommended to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the gravel can be sharp. :athletic_shoe:

Yes, visitors often report that it is quite windy at the Salinas de Fuencaliente, especially on the southern tip of the island. It's a good idea to bring a windbreaker or wear layers. :wind:

Yes, there is a small shop on-site where you can purchase souvenirs, including various types of sea salt harvested from the pans. :gift:

A self-guided walk through the salt pans is the most popular way to explore. Information boards provide insights into the salt extraction process. :walking:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant located at the Salinas de Fuencaliente that offers traditional local dishes. It's a great place to enjoy a meal with a view of the sea. :restaurant:

The restaurant is typically open from 11 AM and operates from Thursday to Sunday. It's always a good idea to confirm hours if you're planning a visit. :clock:

The restaurant serves traditional local dips with bread and other regional specialties. Visitors have praised the quality of the food. :bread:

📸 📸 Photography

The salt pans offer unique photographic opportunities with their geometric patterns, the contrast of white salt against dark volcanic rock, and the expansive ocean backdrop. The interplay of light and water in the pans is also very photogenic. :camerawithflash:

The southern tip of La Palma is known for its sunsets. The salt pans, with the ocean as a backdrop, can provide a beautiful setting for sunset photography, though wind conditions might be a factor. :city_sunset:

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. However, the unique textures and colors of the salt pans can be visually striking at various times of day. :sunrise:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Salinas de Fuencaliente offers an engaging and educational experience for families. Kids can marvel at the vast salt pans and learn about how salt is made in a hands-on way. The self-guided tour is easy to follow, and the open space allows children to move around safely. Remember to bring sturdy shoes for everyone, as the gravel paths can be uneven. The on-site restaurant is also a good option for a family meal with a view. Reddit

🚶 Hikers on the GR 130

For those trekking the GR 130 Camino Real, the Fuencaliente Stage is a significant point. It offers a unique break from the trail, allowing you to explore a working salt farm and enjoy coastal vistas. The self-guided tour is a perfect way to break up a long hiking day. Ensure you have appropriate footwear for the gravel paths and consider stopping at the restaurant for a well-deserved meal. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The salt pans present a photographer's dream with their geometric patterns, stark contrasts between white salt, dark volcanic rock, and blue sea. The changing light throughout the day offers diverse shooting opportunities. Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light and dramatic skies. The unique textures and the vastness of the landscape provide endless creative possibilities. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Salt Extraction

The Salinas de Fuencaliente is a working salt-extraction complex that offers a fascinating glimpse into a traditional craft. The process begins with seawater being channeled into a series of shallow ponds, or salinas. As the water evaporates under the Canarian sun and wind, the salt concentration increases. Different ponds are used for various stages of the process, allowing for the harvesting of different types of salt, from fine table salt to coarser varieties.

Visitors can follow a self-guided tour along the gravel paths that wind through the pans. Informative boards explain the historical and technical aspects of salt production, detailing how the unique volcanic landscape of La Palma contributes to the quality of the salt. It's a hands-on way to understand a centuries-old industry that is still vital to the local economy and culture. Reddit

A Volcanic Landscape Meets the Sea

The setting of the Salinas de Fuencaliente is as remarkable as the salt production itself. The complex is nestled against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic terrain, a testament to the island's fiery geological past. The dark, rugged lava fields contrast sharply with the shimmering white salt crystals and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a visually stunning panorama.

This unique environment is not only beautiful but also functional. The porous volcanic rock helps with drainage, and the prevailing winds are crucial for the evaporation process. Many visitors are struck by the raw, natural beauty of the area, often recommending combining a visit here with explorations of nearby volcanic sites for a comprehensive experience of La Palma's geological wonders. Reddit

Dining with a View

The on-site restaurant at Salinas de Fuencaliente is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine with an unparalleled view. Perched overlooking the salt pans and the vast ocean, it provides a serene atmosphere for a meal or a refreshing drink. The restaurant is known for serving traditional Canarian dishes, with many guests specifically mentioning the delicious bread and dips. Reddit

While the food is a draw, the ambiance is equally important. The sound of the waves and the expansive coastal scenery create a memorable dining experience. It's the perfect place to unwind after a walk through the salt pans, reflecting on the unique processes and the stunning natural beauty of the area. Remember to check the opening hours, as the restaurant is typically open from Thursday to Sunday, starting at 11 AM. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2