La Atalaya combines a ceramic tradition that continues to this day with a long history of settlement. Traditional ceramics are made here by hand, without a potter’s wheel; visitors can watch the potters at work and buy pottery. At the same time, the village is located by the Barranco de Las Goteras, while its old town lies within the Tafira Protected Landscape. This gives a visit a distinct cultural focus: craftsmanship, archaeological heritage and the village’s geographical setting come together.
Ceramics in La Atalaya
Making ceramics by hand, without a potter’s wheel, is the defining feature of La Atalaya’s traditional pottery. Those interested in the craft can watch the potters at work; pottery is also available to buy. This offers two different ways to experience ceramics: seeing how it is made and encountering a finished piece. If you plan to watch the process or make a purchase, check in advance what is currently possible, as visitor arrangements and sales availability may change.
Activities, workshops and guided tours at the Centro Locero are available to groups only by prior appointment. If you plan to take part in one of these activities, arrange your appointment in advance and confirm the arrangements before your visit.
Settlement history and caves
La Atalaya is an ancient Indigenous settlement. The Centro Alfarero de la Atalaya de Santa Brígida complex is designated as an archaeological site. The Cueva Alfar de María Guerra offers a specific connection to clay processing: María Guerra made pottery in this cave. The craft still practised today, the historical production in the cave and the complex’s archaeological designation are distinct links to the subject of ceramics, each from a different period and cultural context. Some caves in La Atalaya are still inhabited. This use adds a present-day form of housing to the historical perspective and shows that the caves in the village are not connected exclusively with its past.
Geographical setting
The geographical setting is also clearly defined. La Atalaya is located by the Barranco de Las Goteras; the old town lies within the Tafira Protected Landscape. These are two distinct statements about the area: the barranco describes the village’s location, while the protected landscape specifically encompasses the old town. This gives visitors a more precise picture of the destination than its ceramic tradition alone: La Atalaya has both an archaeological and cultural profile and a landscape profile.
Getting there and planning your visit
For directions when travelling there, you can use Monte Lentiscal as your starting point: La Atalaya is about a five-minute drive from there, in the direction of Santa Brígida. A turn-off to the left from the main road leads to the village. Check the current route before setting off, as road information may change.
Discover more destinations: La Palmita, San José, Monte Lentiscal.
For the broader travel overview: Santa Brígida.
