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Malpaís de Rasca

Tenerife  >  Spain

On the southern-most point of Tenerife stand the remains of an old volcano whose petrified tongues of lava disappear into the ocean.

Added* by Team Birdingplaces
Most recent update 29 август 2023

Description

The Malpaís de Rasca nature reserve with its volcanic cones that dominate the area create a striking and unique coastal landscape. The other-worldly landscape is created by tongues of lava known as malpaís (meaning "bad country" because of its rough ground). The area is home to inland and coastal species of Canary Island spurges and euphorbia, as well as a number of native plant species.

Various species of sea birds and herons can be seen on the coastline and above sea. Especially during migration periods this is a nice area for birding and making the beautiful coastal walk to the lighthouse of Faro de Rasca. Among the birds you can see on the coastline during migration are сиво блатарче, камењарче, среден пескар, шарен српоклун свиркач, речна тринга, зеленонога тринга and мала бела чапја. Birds out on see include mainly Голем завој, жолтоног галеб and sometimes other seabirds. Inland birds include Barbary Partridge, големо страче, наочаресто грмушарче and Berthelot's Pipit. Outside the migration period, the birding is far less interesting, although the walk to the lighthouse remains a great scenic hike.

Details

Access

To reach Malpaís de Rasca, take the TF-1 motorway and turn off at Guaza. Head towards the village of El Palm-mar and park there on the edge of town at the beginning of the coastal path. Click on the P in the map for directions. In the nature reserve of Malpaís de Rasca, only access on the coastal path is allowed. The coastal path from El Palm-mar to the lighthouse is indicated on the map and is 3 km one way, and 6 km there and back.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea , Canyon/cliff

Conditions

No shadow , Open landscape , Rocky

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

For watching the seabirds out on sea a spotting scope is necessary. In order not to carry the telescope all the way to the lighthouse, you can also use the viewpoint at the beginning of the walk for seabird watching.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

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