WALKING ÓRZOLA

Walk 9 – Walking Haría.

Features

Preferred

  • Total time: 1 h 30 min
  • Start: Órzola Social and Culture Centre
  • Finish: Iglesia
  • Difficulty: Very easy

Introduction

  1. Upon arriving in Órzola, you will surely notice the power of the ocean. The port arose in response to the need for connections to the smaller islands and the fishing, salt flats and lime kilns that were worked by the local population in this remote corner of the island.

  2. It is also home to a series of fine white sandy pools formed by the lava outflows providing a natural barrier against the power of the ocean in this area, making this place a favourite bathing spot for locals and visitors.

  3. A type of fishing arose along this coast that spread across the island and the origins of which date back a long way. To harness the local terrain, the natural pools were enclosed with stone walls to trap the fish at low tide. They could then be caught or dazed using tabaiba milk. Milk from the bitter tabaiba plant on the surface of the water prevented the fish from breathing. After drowning, they would simply float to the surface. This activity - known as ‘fish stupefaction’ - enabled people to collect fish from the water by hand.

  4. Órzola also hides one of the most beautiful and wildest beaches on the island, commonly known as the Playa de Atrás. The town has maintained its fishing tradition, albeit to a lesser extent, by combining it with new activities today stemming from touris.

  5. Head out from the social and cultural centre towards the town centre. After a short distance, turn right towards the ocean to follow a short promenade that passes by the port’s boat ramp. After walking around the port, follow a road at the end of the pier providing access to a natural coastal area that will lead you to the Playa de Atrás beach via a maze of paths that snake between volcanic rock and salt-resistant vegetation.

  6. Walk to about half-way along the beach to find a path leading to the old quarry. Head back towards the wide Órzola valley along a dirt track that will lead you to the road to Ye.

  7. Follow the road towards Ye to reach the church. Head behind the church to find an old lime kiln.

Route

R

Social and Cultural Centre

R

Arrieta pier

R

Playa de Atrás beach. Playa de la Cantería beach

R

Órzola quarry

R

Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima

R

Lime kiln

MAP 9

DOSSIER GUIDE PDF

WALKING

Map in Google Earth

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