What is it?

Barranco de Fasnia y Güímar Natural Monument is a long, sheer-sided ravine that begins close to Izaña and continues on to the sea, eventually ending at Topuerque beach.  The ravine has a typically southern geomorphological structure and is a remarkable landscape feature. It is home to a wide variety of habitats and is well-populated with different species of plants that grow on rocks in the almost total absence of soil. It is also home to different groups of vegetation, from spurge (Euphorbia balsamifera and E. canariensis) in the lower areas, through remnant communities of plants in the laurel family (such as the strawberry tree and Visnea mocanera) and groves of wild olive trees, junipers and mastic shrubs in transitional areas, to pine forests and cedars in the upper reaches.   Many fine examples of rock-growing plants can also be found on escarpments throughout the length of the ravine, including endemic and endangered species such as the Sonchus gummifer thistle, alongside other species that are protected by regional law..

Getting there

Barranco de Fasnia y Güímar Natural Monument can be accessed from both Fasnia and Güímar.  From the centre of Güímar take the TF-28 to kilometre 47+600, which is where the road crosses the ravine.   From Fasnia take the TF-28 towards Güímar: the road crosses the ravine approximately one kilometre outside the town.

Total area

152,1 Has.

Municipality

Güimar y Fasnia.

Governing legislation

Barranco de Fasnia y Güímar was declared a Natural Monument by Autonomous Region Act 12/94, which was later integrated into the Organisation of the Canary Islands Territory Act via Legislative Decree 1/2000.