Puerto la Madera: Coastal History and Nature

Puerto la Madera offers plenty to interest travellers drawn to prehistoric traces, coastal landscapes and hiking trails. The Juan Fernández-La Fuentecilla archaeological zone brings these themes together in a distinctive way: its significance ranges from early human habitats to the coastal flora and fauna. The El Pris–Mesa del Mar trail also offers a unique perspective on the landscape and its history.

Archaeological traces at Juan Fernández-La Fuentecilla

The Juan Fernández-La Fuentecilla archaeological zone in the Puerto de la Madera area is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest). It includes caves used by the island’s prehistoric population as dwellings or burial niches. The area is considered a possible seasonal prehistoric habitat and is associated with herding activities and the gathering of marine resources. This classification reveals the coastal landscape as a habitat with a variety of uses.

Another feature of cultural and historical interest is the wash area west of the Hacienda in La Fuentecilla. These ethnographically interesting structures are made of worked basalt blocks. The name Puerto de la Madera also points to the area’s history: in the 16th century, this coastal settlement served as a loading point for timber from the Agua García forest. The place name thus recalls an earlier use of the coast and the origins of the transported timber.

Coastal landscape and plant life

Juan Fernández-La Fuentecilla includes a northwest-facing stretch of coastal cliffs, with an average height stated as approximately 80 to 100 metres above sea level. The area also includes La Fuentecilla, with a narrow, steeply sloping channel and several springs that emerge at different elevations. The natural environment is characterised by relatively well-preserved, botanically rich tabaibal-cardonal vegetation.

At low tide, an extensive marine platform is exposed. It supports abundant intertidal fauna and is important for seabirds. Another coastal spot is Playa de las Arenas, a black-sand beach in Mesa del Mar. A small tunnel provides access to the beach; check local conditions before visiting.

The El Pris–Mesa del Mar trail

The El Pris–Mesa del Mar hiking trail is 900 metres long and follows a wide, easy-to-walk path. Conditions on the trail may change seasonally. In Mesa del Mar, the route passes through a tunnel to the seafront promenade at Las Arenas beach and continues to the coastal pool charco Sagrero at the mouth of the Barranco de Guayonje. Along the way, you’ll find a rich variety of native plants typical of the Canary Islands coast.

The trail also follows traces of earlier infrastructure. A water gallery along the route supplied the agricultural fields of Puerto de la Madera. Together with the archaeological evidence and historic wash areas, it offers insight into how water, the coast and human activity are connected in the area.

Views and getting there

Mirador Cruz de Juan Fernández offers panoramic views of Tenerife’s northern coast and the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can also see Mount Teide from there. For bus travel, TITSA route 023 serves Puerto de la Madera on the route between Tacoronte and Playa de El Pris. As timetables may change, check the latest times before travelling.

When planning your trip, you could start by considering which aspect of the area interests you most: its archaeological history, coastal ecology or the trail between El Pris and Mesa del Mar. This provides a useful way to explore Puerto la Madera as a destination based on specific interests before looking for a hotel for your stay.

Discover more destinations: La Guancha, La Sabinita, San Marcos, Arafo, Los Abrigos, Candelaria, Güimar, Los Carrizales.

For the full travel overview: Tenerife.