Salinas de Fuencaliente, protected area in Spain
Salinas de Fuencaliente is a salt evaporation pond in southern La Palma where seawater evaporates in shallow basins to form salt crystals. The site features white salt pools set against dark volcanic ground and stretches along the coast near the Fuencaliente lighthouse.
Salt production at this site extends back several centuries and is rooted in the maritime and food preservation traditions of the Canary Islands. In 1967, production was modernized, but the hand-harvesting method of salt making has remained central to operations ever since.
The salt flats are deeply rooted in the local identity of La Palma and represent how traditional craftsmanship has passed through families over generations. The daily work of salt harvesters shapes the appearance and rhythm of the site, embodying a centuries-old relationship between people and nature.
The site is accessible on foot via marked trails and has nearby parking. Visitors should stay on designated paths, remove trash, and respect the surroundings to protect this fragile natural environment.
The salt pools shift in color depending on the time of day and light, sometimes appearing pink, green, or golden. This color play results from different algae and microorganisms that thrive only in highly saline environments, giving the site a constantly changing visual character.
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