(28) Las Galletas-Punta Salema-El Fraile Circular (Arona)

Route Summary
A fine coastal walk to the most southern point on Tenerife, with an interesting diversion to the settlement of El Fraile, and a great opportunity to appreciate the many attractions of seaside town, Las Galletas.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

 

 

Route Overview
Duration: 2.5 hours
Transport/Parking: Titas 467/470 from Los Cristianos. Parking in Las Galletas.
Length: 8.110 km / 5.07 mi
Height Gain: 88 meter
Height Loss: 88 meter
Max Height: 30 meter
Min Height: 1 meter
Surface: Rough, in places.
Child Friendly: Yes, if used to hiking.
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes.
Refreshments: Numerous options in El Fraile and, especially, Las Galletas.

Description
This is a relatively easy walk, although the main outward section follows a rough and undulating path hugging the rocky coast to Punta Salema, reputedly the southernmost point on the island. There are many little coves along the way, and wonderful coastal views unfold at every turn. The mid-section of the route crosses now barren “badlands” (although once extensively cultivated) to visit the small town of El Fraile. There are great views up to the mountains to compensate for the plainness of the open scrub terrain. Although El Fraile is a very ordinary town, and not on most people’s “to visit” list, hidden in its grid of fairly functional streets there is a pretty church, plaza, gardens, an unusual sculpture, all surrounded by a host of modern buildings for public services. In the final section of the walk we get an opportunity to appreciate the attractive, very Canarian, seaside town of Las Galletas, with its sunny beaches, harbour, marina, fish-market, promenade, restaurants, and “rambla”. So, a readily accessible walk that offers good exercise and great views, with interesting impressions of day-to-day life in the south of Tenerife.

Note: this walk can be easily extended along the coast to the Faro Rasca lighthouse. This adds about 3 km, in total. However, see also our walk to Faro Rasca from Palm Mar.

Links:
Photos from walk
Download Route Guide  (PDF with illustrated Waypoints)
Download GPX file  (GPS Exchange Format)
Access Walk on Viewranger
Access Walk on Wikiloc