Mala – Cochineal, caves and coastal pools

Mala combines an agricultural character with coastal and cultural attractions. When looking for a hotel in Mala, it is worth exploring what makes this destination distinctive: cochineal farming and prickly pear cultivation, Presa de Mala with its artificial caves, and the natural seawater pools along the coast each showcase a different side of the area.

Cochineal cultivation and hands-on workshops

Mala’s economy is based mainly on growing prickly pears and breeding cochineal insects. On Lanzarote, cochineal is cultivated particularly in Mala and Guatiza. Production there is considered high quality.

Asociación Milana offers hands-on workshops on processing natural dyes from Lanzarote. They cover applying the dyes to wool, silk, leather, wood and sand. If you are planning to take part, it is best to check the date in advance.

Asociación Milana also offers a guided cochineal route through the prickly-pear-growing landscape between Guatiza and Mala. Afterwards, visitors can opt to watch demonstrations of dyeing silk or wool, watercolour painting, or dyeing wooden products, and try the process themselves. The route focuses on the landscape and cultivation; the workshops focus on dyes and their uses.

Presa de Mala and artificial caves

Presa de Mala can be seen from the road between Mala and Guatiza. When wind conditions are favourable, paragliding and hang-gliding flights take off in the area around the presa. Flights are therefore dependent on wind conditions.

A route of about two kilometres leads from Presa de Mala, with three artificial caves along the way. La Catedral is the largest of the artificial caves near the presa. If you plan to take the route, check the current trail conditions in advance.

Coastal pools near Charco del Palo

Charco del Palo on the coast of Mala features natural seawater pools and naturist coves. Two natural pools lie at opposite ends of Charco del Palo. The topography allows their water to be continuously refreshed, making swimming calmer there than in the surf outside the pools.

Swimming conditions and safety can change. Assess the conditions at the water’s edge on site.

Cultural history in Mala

Sociedad Renacimiento de Mala is a cultural centre founded in 1924. In the past, it hosted theatre performances, dances and local open-air dances known as verbenas.

Sociedad Renacimiento de Mala is next to the road from Guatiza to Arrieta. Together with the agricultural attractions, the route between Guatiza and Mala, and the coastal pools, it presents a varied picture of the places to visit and what each has to offer.

Discover more destinations: Orzola, Guinate, Tabayesco, Ye, Punta De Mujeres, Charco Del Palo, Arrieta.

Go to the main travel overview: Haria.