About this place
La Resbala is a protected landscape (paisaje protegido) on Tenerife, stretching across the slope of La Florida and covering part of the mid-elevation belt of the Orotava Valley, within the municipality of La Orotava. The protected area spans 776.6 hectares and combines both wild mountain terrain and a traditional agricultural landscape.
What can you see in La Resbala?
The protected area is clearly split into two halves. The southern half is a natural landscape preserved in an almost pristine state, covered with endemic rock-dwelling plant species of high ecological value, along with Canary Island pine forests and monteverde (evergreen laurel) forest. On the steeper slopes, rock plants adapted to harsh conditions take hold. The northern half has a completely different character — a landscape transformed by human activity, predominantly agricultural, with vineyards and potato crops that give the area its cultural and scenic value, typical of the mid-elevation slopes in this part of Tenerife.
Within the boundaries of La Resbala lies the Pinoleris Special Nature Reserve, an area of significant environmental importance. From rock formations at the source of the Barranco del Infierno ravine, panoramic views open up over the entire Orotava Valley and Mount Teide.
Why is it worth visiting?
La Resbala offers a chance to connect with nature close to the town of La Orotava, yet away from the typical tourist routes. The combination of wild nature — Canary pine forests and rock-dwelling vegetation — with a traditional, generations-old farming landscape gives a unique picture of life on the mid-elevation slopes of Tenerife. It is also a location of considerable scenic value, with vantage points overlooking both the Orotava Valley and the majestic Teide in the background.
The area mainly attracts hikers and those interested in the island's biodiversity — the endemic rock-plant species and the presence of the Pinoleris reserve make La Resbala significant for nature conservation in the Canary Islands.
Frequently asked questions
Where is La Resbala located? On the slope of La Florida, in the mid-elevation part of the Orotava Valley, within the municipality of La Orotava on Tenerife.
How large is the protected landscape? 776.6 hectares.
What can be found within the area? The Pinoleris Special Nature Reserve and the source of the Barranco del Infierno ravine, which offers views over the Orotava Valley and Teide.
What is the landscape like? The southern part is a wild, natural area with Canary pine and monteverde forest, while the northern part is agricultural, featuring vineyards and potato crops.
Who is this place for? For hikers, nature and biodiversity enthusiasts, and anyone looking for scenic viewpoints over the Orotava Valley and Mount Teide.
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