Cumbre Vieja Natural Park

Cumbre Vieja is a natural park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province on La Palma, covering the central and southern parts of the island. The landscape shows red and black volcanic cones, hardened lava streams, and forests of Canary Island pines.

The government protected this area from 1987 to preserve the volcanic geology and native forests. Teneguía erupted in 1971 and was the last volcanic eruption on the island.

The name comes from the ridge of an old volcano, which hikers can follow today along marked paths. Rest areas along the trails offer views of black lava fields and green pine forests.

Many hiking trails cross the park with different difficulty levels, including the Ruta de los Volcanes that runs from north to south. Weather conditions and wind strength change quickly, so visitors should check forecasts before starting.

On clear days, visitors from higher points can see other Canary Islands lying on the horizon. Laurel trees growing here date from a time when this species still covered the entire Mediterranean.