{"id":3658,"date":"2026-05-19T14:22:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T14:22:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sansofestay.com\/blog\/malpais-de-guimar-nature-reserve\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T10:30:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T10:30:59","slug":"malpais-de-guimar-nature-reserve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sansofestay.com\/blog\/en\/malpais-de-guimar-nature-reserve\/","title":{"rendered":"Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar: A Very Special Nature Reserve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the Canary Islands, there are several landscapes that make us wonder if we’re still on our planet or if we’ve traveled through space without realizing it. The Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar fits perfectly into this category. On the island of Tenerife, a short distance from civilization, we find this protected area that transports us to other places: fields of solidified lava, caves, volcanic cones, vegetation adapted to these inhospitable conditions, and a general feeling of being very far from where we really are. <\/p>\n\n

The Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar is a place of contrasts: dark tones that form a cinematic volcanic landscape, in contrast with other areas of the island: green forests with lush vegetation, beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, charming towns. Discover the magical space that is the Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar Special Nature Reserve, of great geological value and unique ecosystem. If you like different routes, this article is for you. <\/p>\n\n

What is the Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar Special Nature Reserve?<\/h2>\n\n

The Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar Special Nature Reserve is located in G\u00fc\u00edmar, on the Canary Island of Tenerife. It has been a protected area for several years due to its great ecological and geological value. In this region of Spain, “malpa\u00eds” is a term used to refer to irregular and rough volcanic terrain, precisely what you can expect from this place: a volcanic landscape full of ups and downs that descends to the sea. <\/p>\n\n

Its state of conservation is excellent and the existing trails are perfectly marked, which helps prevent damage and protect the volcanic structures. This also applies to many other trails on the island<\/a>. If you like photography, here you’ll have the opportunity to find unique compositions, with plays of color and shadow, that create perfect snapshots for Instagram or to make your friends envious after the trip. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n

The Geomorphological Heritage and Volcanoes of the Area<\/h2>\n\n

If you visit the Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar, you won’t be able to remain indifferent to the sight of Monta\u00f1a Grande, a volcanic cone over 275 meters high that dominates this landscape, formed by the accumulation of volcanic materials expelled in several episodes over the years. This cone has a crater 300 meters in diameter and 50 meters deep and, curiously, served as agricultural land in the past. <\/p>\n\n

Also look for the volcanic tubes and underground caves of the Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar, formed by the cooling of the exterior of the lava flows, which doesn’t prevent the passage of lava through their interior. When it’s all over, spectacular caves remain. The main and most important one is Cueva Honda, or Cueva de los Burros, over 100 meters long and of great geological importance. This place is full of natural history; that’s why it deserves a visit during your stay in Tenerife, just like the best viewpoints in the northern area<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

Main Trails and Routes Through the Volcanic Environment<\/h2>\n\n

Many visitors explore the Malpa\u00eds de G\u00fc\u00edmar to enjoy its fantastic trails, almost all of low difficulty, which allow you to appreciate the landscape without physical or technical effort. This also means it’s a suitable plan for the whole family. As a suggestion, try the circular route that starts at Puertito de G\u00fc\u00edmar and crosses several areas of lava flows, among other landscapes. It’s ideal for your first visit to this magical place. <\/p>\n\n