Paisaje Protegido de las Siete Lomas

Paisaje Protegido de las Siete Lomas is a protected natural landscape on Tenerife, stretching as a narrow strip across the municipalities of Arafo, Güímar and Candelaria, at altitudes between roughly 480 and 1,400 meters above sea level. It covers more than a thousand hectares in the upper part of the Güímar Valley and the lower section of the Pedro Gil ridge, forming a landscape of seven hills separated by ravines that run down from the summits toward the coast.

How did this landscape form?

The distinctive terrain of Siete Lomas is the result of millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. The area sits on one of three ridges that, in the island's geological history, once connected the ancient massifs of Anaga, Teno and Adeje. Parts of the surface still preserve lava flows from the 1705 eruption of the Arafo volcano, one of the historical volcanic events on Tenerife whose traces remain visible in the shape of the land today.

What makes this area distinctive?

Siete Lomas is not just a geological formation but also a cultural landscape shaped by centuries of human presence. Self-sufficient, largely non-mechanized farming is the dominant land use, coexisting with the area's natural vegetation. It is precisely this relationship between agricultural activity and the surrounding environment that gives the landscape its particular character, setting it apart from fully wild protected areas.

What plant and animal life can be found here?

The area is home to notable biodiversity. Vegetation combines savin (juniper) stands, strawberry trees (madroño) and pine groves, while scrubland has colonized parts of the terrain that have been degraded over time. This mosaic of habitats — from forest formations to scrub and cultivated plots — supports a variety of species typical of Tenerife's mid- and high-altitude landscapes.

Can you explore Siete Lomas on foot?

Yes, the area is accessible to hikers and is popular among those looking for trails that combine natural scenery with views over the Güímar Valley and the coastline below. Paths cross terrain at varying elevations, allowing visitors to take in a changing landscape — from the lower, coast-facing sections to the higher ground toward Corona Forestal. Each year, the area is also associated with a local feast day held on August 15, tied to the Fiesta de la Patrona de Canarias — an event of local significance that links religious tradition with the life of the communities surrounding the protected landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Paisaje Protegido de las Siete Lomas located? It lies on Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, covering land within the municipalities of Arafo, Güímar and Candelaria, between the coast and the Pedro Gil ridge.

How large is the protected area? Siete Lomas covers more than a thousand hectares, forming a narrow strip roughly one kilometer wide.

What does the name "Siete Lomas" mean? The name refers to the terrain's defining feature — seven hills ("lomas") separated by ravines that descend from the summits toward the sea.

What is the main economic activity in the area? Mostly traditional, self-sufficient, largely non-mechanized farming, which coexists alongside the area's natural vegetation.

Are there visible traces of Tenerife's volcanic past in Siete Lomas? Yes, parts of the area preserve lava flows from the 1705 eruption of the Arafo volcano, evidence of the region's volcanic history.