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Fuencaliente/Los Canarios
In contrast to the green north with its deep canyons, Fuencaliente in the south is epitomised by its unusual volcano-marked landscape. Across its surface area of 57 km sq. stretch kilometres of igneous rock, although broad expanses of pine forest can be found above the town of Los Canarios (the community is still called Fuencaliente, but the place name was changed to Los Canarios).
Fuencaliente has time and again been beleaguered by volcano eruptions. The last eruption was of the volcano Teneguia, which spewed forth ash and lava in 1971. In 1677/1678, the volcano San Antonio spilled over not only the holy spring to which Fuencaliente owes its name, but also much fertile pasture.
Only years later was it discovered that the porous igneous rock excellently retained moisture that - together with the sun-drenched climate of the south - offered ideal conditions for viniculture.
Today wine-growing is the principal industry for the approximately 1800 inhabitants of the community. About 1.5 million litres of wine are pressed every year.
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Sightseeing:
Centro de Visitantes Volcán San Antonio: The visitor centre is located below the parking lot and offers an ideal opportunity to learn about volcanism on La Palma. There are display boards, model and film presentations. Departure point for hikes to the volcanoes San Antonio and Teneguia.
Opening hours: Summer daily from 9:00-20:00, Winter daily from 8:30-18:30
Taller y Venta de Artesanía: The community has established a studio with a small shop in the Carretera General del Sur, where men and women independently create and sell their own arts and crafts.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-12:00/15:00-18:00
Bodegón Teneguía: Below the Carretera General del Sur. The cooperative founded in 1948 with 200 winegrowers is today the most modern winery in the Canaries, with a wine-tasting bar and wine sales.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00, Sat+Sun 9:00-14:00
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Bodegas Carballo: In der Carretera de las Indias 44. This small private winery may not produce as much as the cooperative, but wines from this Bodega have won prizes at international trade fairs.
Opening hours: daily 11:00-19:00
Arte Cuadrado: This glazed tile factory established by a woman from Hamburg is located somewhat on the outskirts along the main road in the direction of Santa Cruz. Tiles are manufactured in this workshop according to the old tradition with Art Nouveau patterns or styles more typical to the island.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 14:00-17:00, Sat 11:00-17:00
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New lighthouse in Faro
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Faro: Turning south at the petrol station coming from the direction of the town, the visitor can then follow a curving stretch of road to the lighthouses located at the southern tip of the island. The old stonewall lighthouse is located next to the new red and white one.
Saline: Next to the lighthouse is a salt works from which the island salt is mined. It is said to be a very high quality mineral-rich salt, which is cheaply and readily available in supermarkets under the name “Teneguía”.
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