Palm Mar: Coast, Nature and Cultural Heritage

If you’re looking for a hotel in Palm Mar, it helps to sort out the different interests you have for your stay. Visitor attractions along Paseo Palm-Mar include Playa La Arenita, where guided kayaking and snorkeling excursions depart. Malpaís de Rasca is known for its rugged volcanic landscape, archaeological traces and a hiking route. This lets you take the coastal and nature attractions into account when choosing your destination.

Getting there and finding your way

The main access to Malpaís de Rasca is via the TF-6225, which leads to Palm-Mar. If you’re planning to visit the protected area, check road conditions and traffic regulations before setting out: they can change. The road connection provides a practical point of reference, but does not establish a specific walking or driving time.

TITSA route 468 also connects Palm-Mar with several places and stops: Parque La Reina, Guaza, El Fraile, Las Galletas, Costa del Silencio and Guargacho. If you’re planning to travel by bus, check the current timetable and stops before setting out; both can change. These connections give you specific reference points for your planning, without implying a fixed excursion route.

Volcanic landscape and cultural heritage

Malpaís de Rasca is designated a Special Nature Reserve. Volcanic lava flows have created a rugged malpaís landscape there, with Montaña Grande standing out among the volcanic cones. The landscape is therefore closely linked to its volcanic origins. Visitors interested in nature and geological history will find a different focus here from the water activities along the coast.

The area’s history is also visible: Malpaís de Rasca contains numerous archaeological remains from the time of the Indigenous people. These include the remains of huts and shell middens, lithic material, pottery fragments and other structures associated with Indigenous settlement. The area between Malpaís de Rasca and the Palm-Mar settlement is of exceptional cultural and heritage value. Nearby Faro de Rasca dates from 1898.

A hiking route through Malpaís de Rasca starts in El Fraile and runs for 3 km to the lighthouse. Check trail conditions locally before planning this route. Faro de Rasca has two distinct aspects—as a hiking destination and as a historic structure: the route ends there, and the lighthouse itself dates from the 19th century.

Beach and water activities

Palm-Mar Bay (El Bufadero), also known as Playa La Arenita, is recommended as one of the best places in southern Tenerife for snorkeling and swimming with turtles. Sightings and sea conditions vary; encounters with turtles are not guaranteed. Guided kayaking and snorkeling excursions depart from Playa La Arenita. If you’re considering one of these activities, check the latest information with the provider, as availability and operator details can change.

Diving at Faro de Rasca is a different activity: the dive site can be reached by boat from the nearby port of Las Galletas. Submarine canyons formed by lava flows lie in front of Faro de Rasca. The water activities described here are therefore quite distinct: kayaking and snorkeling excursions depart from Playa La Arenita, while the dive site by the lighthouse can be reached by boat from Las Galletas.

Beach plaza

A public plaza opened at Palm Mar beach on April 17, 2026. At the time of its opening, it had landscaped areas and places to relax. The opening expanded spaces for residents and visitors to spend time and meet, and improved the pedestrian connection to the seafront promenade. This information refers to the opening; for a specific visit, you can check locally which areas are currently available.

Discover more destinations: Chayofa, Las Galletas, Costa Del Silencio, Valle De San Lorenzo, Playa De Las Américas, La Camella.

Go to the main travel overview: Arona.