Guaza can be explored through three themes: volcanic formations, birdlife and archaeological traces. Montaña de Guaza rises more than 400 metres above sea level and has two concentric craters. Lava from the eruption formed the Mesas de Guaza and a small coastal cliff. Travellers who put landscape and history at the heart of their trip will find different perspectives here on the same natural monument.

The Landscape and Birdlife of Montaña de Guaza

The area around Montaña de Guaza is designated as the ZEPA ES0000345 “Rasca y Guaza” Special Protection Area for Birds. The designation was made by a government resolution dated 17 October 2006. Remnants of Cardonal-Tabaibal vegetation remain in the Mesas de Guaza, including Cardoncillo Ceropegia fusca and other typical lowland species. The desert-like vegetation provides refuge for steppe birds such as the Eurasian Stone-curlew, Southern Grey Shrike and Trumpeter Finch.

The mountain also serves as a nesting site for Cory’s shearwaters, Yellow-legged Gulls and Trumpeter Finches. The landscape thus brings together several aspects of birdlife: refuge in the vegetation and nesting sites for the species named above. Sightings may vary seasonally, so the presence of these different species should not be taken as a guarantee of seeing them. For travellers interested in nature, the focus here is on the diversity of habitats and bird species, not a promise of individual sightings.

Archaeological Traces and the History of Stone

Montaña de Guaza contains pre-Hispanic caves, huts and Guanche burial areas. It is also part of the La Rasca archaeological zone. This zone comprises three clearly defined areas containing most of the indigenous, or pre-Hispanic, remains: Malpaís, La Laguneta, and Las Mesas and Montaña de Guaza. The mountain is also home to subfossils of extinct species of great scientific interest. Access to individual remains may be restricted; exposed remains should be left undisturbed.

The Mesas de Guaza also tell the story of how the stone was used. The quarries there date back at least to the end of the 17th century. Loza chasnera stone was extracted from them and used for churches and manor houses on Tenerife and La Gomera. Here, geological formations meet a long history of quarrying.

Another cultural point of interest at the municipal level is Arona ArqueoViva. The programme invites visitors to spend a day in a real-life setting, transforming themselves into archaeologists. Events held in honour of Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Jerónimo from 25 to 27 October 2024 offer a dated glimpse of the fiestas in Guaza: they included religious and popular events, and a procession took place on 26 October.

Getting There and Routes Around the Natural Monument

The paved TF-665 connects Guaza and Los Cristianos and is one of the main paved roads approaching Montaña de Guaza. Near Guaza del Medio, an unpaved access road suitable for vehicles branches off the TF-665 and leads to the natural monument. Check local conditions before setting out by car.

For a hike, a trail starts on the northern slope of Montaña de Guaza at the TF-6223 and leads to the summit at an elevation of 430 metres. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Golf Lessons as Another Activity

Golf Los Palos is located in Arona on the Guaza–Las Galletas road at kilometre 7. The facility has a golf school with PGA-qualified instructors. Individual and group lessons are offered in several languages. Alongside nature, geology and archaeology, this provides a clearly defined activity with instruction. If you are planning specific lesson dates, check the current offering in advance.

Discover more destinations: El Sauzal, El Rio, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, La Guancha, San Marcos, El Rosario, Arico, Acojeja.

For the wider travel overview: Tenerife.