Montaña de Guaza

Natural Monument

Guaza is one of the Island's most symbolic volcanic areas. There is no denying its geological and scenic value, but you will also be drawn in by its Pre-Hispanic wonders, including caves, huts and Guanche burial grounds. You might also come across sub-fossils (remains that are not yet fully fossilised) of extinct species arousing great scientific interest.

The mountain stands over 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level and features two concentric craters. During their eruption, viscous lava seeped out from under the ground and flowed towards the sea forming the well-known Mesas de Guaza and a small cliff.

There are populations of Canary Island spurge and euphorbia plants, as well as cardoncillos and mallow bindweed. Its extraordinary location has helped it to become a nesting area for birds such as Scopoli's shearwaters, yellow-legged gulls and trumpeter finches. This is a great place for simply watching the comings and goings of nature.

Municipality: Arona

Expanse: 725.7 hectares (1,793.2 acres)

How to get there:

The most common way to get here is on the TF-1 motorway, taking the Los Cristianos exit and carrying on down the TF-665 towards the town. Some 2.7 km (1.7 miles) on you will come to the Playa Graciosa residential estate, where you can park and access the Reserve on any of the trails.

You can also access it from the east side of the mountain. To do so, take the Guaza-Valle San Lorenzo-Las Galletas exit and drive along the TF-6222 until you get to the El Palm-mar crossroads. You will have to carry on towards El Palm-mar, park there and enter the Reserve on foot following one of its trails.