Montaña Roja, Special Nature Reserve in Tenerife, Spain.
Montaña Roja is a nature reserve on Tenerife with a volcanic cone featuring red basalt rock formations along the southeastern coast. The cone rises about 171 meters and the area contains various geological features including coastal formations.
The volcanic cone formed around 500,000 years ago from coastal eruptions that created a natural barrier connected to the mainland through volcanic deposits. This ancient formation continues to shape the landscape as it appears today.
The site reflects how local people value protection of volcanic heritage, viewing this place as important for understanding environmental stewardship on the island. Visitors can observe how residents engage with these protected landscapes today.
The reserve is accessible via roads TF-1, TF-64, and TF-643 leading toward El Médano and Los Abrigos. Visiting early morning or late afternoon offers better lighting for observing the red rock formations and walking the area comfortably.
The area contains natural saltwater pools that refill themselves during high tides by filtering through sand, supporting specialized marine ecosystems. These pools form without human intervention and create unique habitats for coastal-adapted species.
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