
GR 130 Camino Real Fuencaliente Stage
Explore traditional salt pans on La Palma's southern tip, a unique blend of industry and dramatic volcanic coastline.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Restaurant & toilets open

GR 130 Camino Real Fuencaliente Stage
Best Time
Restaurant & toilets open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore traditional salt pans on La Palma's southern tip, a unique blend of industry and dramatic volcanic coastline.
"A must-see gem on La Palma, offering fascinating salt extraction and stunning ocean views."

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

On-site Restaurant
Adjacent to the salt pans
Savor traditional local dishes with a stunning sea view. A perfect spot to refuel after exploring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Windy Conditions Expected
Best Times
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
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
What People Dislike
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
🚶 Hikers on the GR 130
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Salt Extraction
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.
A Volcanic Landscape Meets the Sea
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.
Dining with a View
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit