Hidden in the interior of the island of Fuerteventura, known by locals in the Canary Islands as the majorera island, there is a beautiful field of lava plains known as Malpaís Grande. Would you like to discover it?
The beauty of Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura is a faithful example of how the passage of time shapes the geomorphological remains so typical of areas where volcanoes once existed.
From the Lopesan Group Blog, we want you to enjoy new experiences by discovering unforgettable places such as Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura, which is one of the most important protected areas on the island.
Dare to explore it!
What is the natural landscape of Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura like?
As one of the most representative geological formations of the majorera island, Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura is a relief formation created by the volcanic emissions of Caldera de Liria, Caldera de La Laguna, Calderita and Caldera de Arrabales, which flowed down the Barranco de El Pozo Negro towards the coast.
In this way, Malpaís Grande is known as one of the most important volcanic plains, not only on the island of Fuerteventura, but in the whole archipelago. Three eruptive formations can be distinguished here: volcanic cones, scoriaceous conelets and hornitos.
The morpho-eruptive area, better known as the lava field of Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura, is approximately 26,000 years old, according to geological data.
The protected area of Malpaís Grande covers around 3,245.3 hectares, and the localities of Tequital and Casas de Tenis Coque are found here. The first has barely 51 inhabitants and the second only 4. This is due to the arid conditions of the area and the fact that it is a protected space.
Malpaís Grande stands out as a natural setting of singular beauty, where you can observe the intense shades of the lava field, with a mixture of yellow, white, ochre and black tones.
Where is Malpaís Grande located in Fuerteventura?
The Protected Volcanic Area of Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura is located between the municipalities of Antigua and Tuineje, in the centre of the majorera island. Its boundaries border the well-known route of Los Cuchillos de Vigán to the south, and Caldera de Gairía and Malpaís Chico to the north. Would you like to know how to get there?
If you are determined to discover the natural area of Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura and you are staying in the south, you should travel northeast along the FV-2 road, which is located a few metres from the Caldera de los Arrabales, where you can also go hiking.
However, another well-known way to reach the lava field is by leaving from the milling village of Tiscamanita, in Tuineje, and following the route to the renowned Caldera de la Laguna.
You should also bear in mind that one of its boundaries is the well-known area of Los Cuchillos de Vigán. Therefore, if you go hiking along this circular route, you will be able to see Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura from above. Would you dare to explore it?
Protection of the Malpaís Grande natural area
On the island of Fuerteventura there are more than 13 natural monuments, rural parks, scientific research sites and protected natural landscapes. Some of these emblematic places are the following; you may already know them, and if not, we invite you to discover the magic of these natural settings:
- Pozo Negro
- Tindaya Mountain
- Dunes of Corralejo
- Caldera de Gairía
- Cardón Mountain
- Betancuria Park
Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura forms part of the volcanic lava flow plains of Caldera de Liria, Caldera de La Laguna, Calderita and Caldera de Arrabales, whose lava flowed through the Barranco del Pozo Negro. On 19 June 1987, it became part of the Declaration of Natural Spaces of the Canary Islands, like the Jandía Natural Park or the spectacular Pozo Negro, under Law 12/1987.
Over time, this law was ratified on 19 December 1994, and Malpaís Grande was recognised as a protected landscape of high ecological sensitivity within the Natural Spaces of the Canary Islands.
Under that same Law 12/1994, Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura was declared a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA), as established by Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds in Spain.
Fauna and vegetation in Malpaís Grande
You are probably wondering: what species of wild birds can be found in this area? There is a significant presence of birds of prey, such as the common buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum) and the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
Due to its volcanic origin, there is not abundant vegetation within the lava field of Malpaís Grande. However, as always, nature surprises us, and these plains are home to unique specimens typical of the arid areas of the Canary Islands, such as thermo-Mediterranean pre-steppe scrubland, Coronilla viminalis and Asphaltum bituminosum, also known as tedera.
If you are interested in discovering the attractions and curiosities offered by Canarian nature, the lava fields of Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura are a great alternative for connecting with a different natural environment.
Without a doubt, the majorera island offers a wide variety of landscapes that you should not miss. Malpaís Grande in Fuerteventura is one of them.
If you are thinking of travelling to the island and looking for your hotel in Fuerteventura to enjoy a few days of rest, at Lopesan Hotel Group you will find hotels and villas in the south of the island, in the Jandía area, one of the most appreciated for its beaches, climate and tranquillity throughout the year.
We want to be part of your adventures!
