La Hoya: Saltworks, settlement history and birdlife

La Hoya can be understood through the Salinas de Janubio: the saltworks lie below the settlement and are considered the largest in the Canary Islands. Their history, the continued traditional salt production and the birdlife give this destination a clear focus. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to La Hoya, these themes help put the area into context: its working history and landscape take centre stage.

Saltworks and protected landscape

The Sitio de Interés Científico del Janubio covers 168.6 hectares in the municipality of Yaiza. It protects the halophilic habitat, the species associated with it and the traditional salt production that continues there. The Salinas de Janubio are operated using traditional methods and are the only active saltworks on Lanzarote. Up to 70 migratory bird species use them to rest and feed; the saltworks are also designated a Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves (ZEPA), or Special Protection Area for Birds. Nature conservation and continued use therefore coexist here.

History and guided tours of the saltworks

Construction of the Salinas de Janubio began in 1895 and was completed around 1945. Historically, the saltworks were connected not only with salt, but also with fishing, salting fish and the fish canning industry. These connections place salt production within the broader working history of the area.

A 90-minute guided tour explains the sea salt production process. It takes you from the boiling pans to the artisanal, manual harvesting of salt and also covers the hydraulic layout, the mills and the architecture of the saltworks. The tour also includes a tasting of “Flor de Sal Marina con Sabores de Janubio”. Check booking and access requirements before you travel.

La Hoya and nearby routes

The Caserío de La Hoya was built in the 19th century by workers at the Salinas de Janubio. La Hoya developed as a settlement for saltworks workers who had to live close to their workplace. The history of the settlement and that of the saltworks are therefore directly connected: the settlement grew out of the daily work involved in salt production.

The Ruta Volcanes runs along the LZ-703 to La Hoya and the turn-off for the saltworks. Check road conditions and access separately before setting out. The Camino Natural de Órzola a Playa Blanca passes very close to the Salinas de Janubio. If you are planning a hike or bike ride, check route conditions in advance. The guided tour offers a clearly defined insight into salt production; the nearby Camino Natural is another way to include the surrounding area in your travel plans.

There is a viewpoint near La Hoya, on the road to Yaiza. If you plan to visit, check conditions on site, as facilities may change.

Discover more destinations: Montaña Blanca, Tías, Yaiza, Arrecife, Las Laderas, Las Caletas, Teguise, Lanzarote.

Return to the main travel overview: Lanzarote.