Las Manchas

Overview

The small rural area of Las Manchas, which is home to only 1,600 people, belongs to the municipalities of Los Llanos and El Paso, and is located on the road connecting the two. It gets its unfortunate nickname – which translates as ‘The Stains’ - from the unique rock formations formed by significant volcano damage the area has suffered since the 16th century- most recently in 1949. As well as the unique, moonlike beauty of the region, Las Manchas has a lot of manmade wonders to offer. From the floral Plaza Mirador de la Gorieta to the more traditional Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari; the area’s architecture is varied and can be appreciated and enjoyed by all. For wine connoisseurs the local Bodega Tamanca winery is a must see, as it provides some of the best wines the Canary Islands have to offer.

 

History

Since the 16th century, there have been seven big volcanic eruptions on the island. Three of these have contributed to the moonlike atmosphere of Las Manchas. In 1585, it was hit by the volcano Jede, then in 1712, by El Charco; which was active for 56 days. The last to erupt was its own volcano, San Juan, in 1949. This caused extensive damage to local housing and farms, as well as carving the criss-crosses and psychedelic erosion that give the area its haunting and unusual beauty.

In 1837 Las Manchas became a district of Los Llanos de Aridane and El Paso. The citizens of Las Manchas have been campaigning for independence since the 19thcentury, when proposals for ‘San Nicolás de las Manchas’ were drawn up. The proposed municipality covered the areas of La Laguna, Todoque, Los Campitos, Puerto Naos, El Remo and Las Manchas. However, due to a lack of funds as well as pressure from the city of Los Llanos, the plans of segregation fell through. However, the people of Las Manchas still hope one day to gain independence.

Culture

Las Manchas has a strong agricultural history. Therefore, its inhabitants are extremely hard working and with a tiny population of 1,600, there is a real sense of togetherness in the community. Las Manchas’ large volcanic mass and its warm temperature mean the air is much denser than in other areas in La Palma. Consequently, despite their hardworking nature, the residents are also very laid back.

Religion is a big part of life in Las Manchas, and indeed throughout La Palma; with every municipality having an individual saint, that protects them and the area. The 19th century proposal to become an independent municipality named ‘San Nicolás de las Manchas’ demonstrates the spiritual side of the people of Las Manchas

Las Manchas is also home to Club de Luchas Tamanca, the local wrestling club, which has won numerous Canarian Wrestling championships. The locals are very keen on their wrestling, with many of them as happy to step into the ring as they are to watch. 

Economy

The area’s economic income is mainly from agriculture, using techniques that have been passed down over generations.

Despite the majority of its surface being volcanic, Las Manchas has a long history of wine production. A shot in the arm for the local winery; legend has it that the first drop of the grape in La Palma, came from Las Manchas.

Livestock farming is also very active here, supplementing to the incomes of many local families. Las Manchas is well known for its prize winning El Manchón’s goats cheese, considered to be the best in La Palma.

How To Get There

By Bus: Take the L41 bus from Llanos de Aridane to Manchas Bajo. Buses leave at 0700, 0900, 1100, 1300, 1415, 1600 and 1815, and take between 30 and 45 minutes.

By Car: If you’re travelling to Las Manchas by car from the airport, it is about 43 km and will take you about an hour. Heading north, take the 1st exit on the LP5. At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the LP-5. Turn right onto Calle del Fuerte and then continue to follow the LP-2/LP-3 for around 23km and 30 minutes.

If you’re travelling from the capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, it is around 37km and will take you about 50 minutes. Head northwest on the Calle de Perez Volcan, at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the Av maritime, then take a right at Calle del Fuerte, turn left onto street Vista Alegre and then follow the LP-2/LP-3 for the same amount as quoted for the airport.

Sights

Plaza Mirador de la Glorieta

This exceptional square is built on and around the body of solidified Lava that typifies the Las Manchas area, and the glaring contrast of the two makes it a delightfully different spectacle.

Designed by local artist Luis Morera and constructed between 1993 and 1996, the charmingly peculiar square features rubble crafted into play-dough-like creations, and a mosaic floor that echoes the indigenous floral display which wraps itself round the squares benches and vast pillars. The public park is a brilliant example of the bizarre beauty of Las Manchas and a welcome change from the volcanic structures that dominate the area.

Address: 100 meters from the Casa Museo Del Vino- Camino Manchas de Abajo, Los Llanos de Aridane, La Palma Island

Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari

The Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari (The church of St. Nicholás of Bari) was built in the late 17th century. The go ahead for the construction of the chapel was given after the death of one the ruling elite in La Palma, D. Nicolás Massieu Van Dalle y Rartz, on September 14th 1696. The former Captain of the Infantry and Constable of the Holy Order stated in his will, written almost 20 years prior to his death, that he has always desired a church built on the site of his property named after the saint. The property was in Las Manchas and the heirs to his property went about building what is now a small but beautiful chapel.

D. Nicolás Massieu Van Dalle y Rartz ordered that the building must be well made. This requirement was definitely met; the magnificent carvings on the chapel were sculpted by Hita Del Castillo, who also is responsible for the astounding architecture of other churches in La Palma – the San José and the Nuestra Señora de Bonanza.

The importance of the Church to the citizens of Las Manchas was demonstrated in 1949, when the Volcano of San Juan erupted. The locals built barrier around the church, and while other parts of the area ended up being buried in magma, the church was unharmed.

Address: Camino Manchas de Abajo, 38759 El Paso, La Palma island.

Entrance: Free

Activities and Things to Do

Hiking

Las Manchas’ rocky terrain means it’s great for hiking year round and its varying formations can be explored by the serious climber and the curious rambler alike.

Volcano of San Juan

This volcano was responsible for one of the deadliest and fiercest eruptions known to the island of La Palma, burying large parts of Las Manchas when it erupted in 1949. The Volcano of San Juan has a mammoth crack from its last eruption, but seismologists have calculated that any eruptions in the near future are highly unlikely.

Despite its destructive past, tourists can forgive it, as the solidified lava has carved unique craters and strange eroding correlation with the many formed lines acting like a visual record of the volcanoes history.

Cost: Free 

Museums

Casa Museo del Vino Las Manchas

This translates into ‘The Wine Museum in Las Manchas’ and is renowned as the best in the region. Whereas most of La Palma is known for its banana plantations as a source of income, Las Manchas, since the 16th century, has always leaned more towards wine production, with a long tradition of wine making in the area.

This small wine museum is surrounded by areas of agricultural splendour and stands on the former site of rural housing for teachers. It allows visitors to sample the island’s local wines and learn about the cultivation areas and climate history and even purchase a bottle or two of Las Manchas to take home.

Address: Camino El Callejón, number 98, Las Manchas de Abajo
Opening times: Winter= Monday-Friday- 9:30-15:00, Saturday- 9:30-14:00. Summer= Monday-Friday- 9:30-13:30/16:00-18:30, Saturday- 9:30-14:00
Telephone: (+34) 922 494 320
Cost: £3 (includes 2 free tastings, groups contact beforehand) Bottles of wine= up to £10.

Beaches

Puerto Naos Resort

The district of Las Manchas does not have a beach itself. However, Los Llanos de Aridane, the municipality that owns the area, boasts one of the most popular beaches on the island in the shape of Puerto Naos resort.

Puerto Naos is located about 10km southwest of the centre of Los Llanos de Aridane. This stunning scenery along with its location in one of the island’s warmest areas, make it a popular beach resort all year long. Despite being touristy, it remains a peaceful beach with its calm blue seas, surrounding banana plantations and charming volcanoes as backdrop. This 600m black sand beach is very popular and has all the amenities necessary to cater for the amount of people who go there.

How to get there:  Puerto Naos is approximately a 15 minute drive and 7.5 Km away from Las Manchas. You get there by taking the LP-124 and the LP-213.

Considering the small size of Las Manchas, restaurants are few and far between. However, the ones there do not disappoint. The popularity of livestock farming in Las Manchas and the town’s close proximity to the coast mean local restaurants are able to use the freshest ingredients in preparing the wonderful Canarian cuisine. Grilled fish dishes, local stews and, of course, the famous Las Manchas goat cheese can be washed down with a selection of local wine coming from the local, family run Bodega Tamanca winery nearby.

Restaurants

Bodega Tamanca

Named after, and adjacent to the local winery, Bodega Tamanca offers traditional cuisine in an extraordinary location, ensuring an eating experience you will never forget. The restaurant is built into the lava-based indigenous rock, the magnificently crafted formations surround you, and the outside of the restaurant is shaped like an oversized wine barrel making it a very odd but truly striking setting.

Address: Calle Las Manchas S/N, 38760, Llanos de Aridane
Telephone: +34 922 494 017

Nightlife and Shopping

The area of Las Manchas is not abundant in shopping culture; it has a few shops that sell groceries but hasn’t much  in the way of shopping centres or markets. However, other municipalities in La Palma have farmers markets where you purchase fresh produce.

Due to the rural setting and small size of Las Manchas, it doesn’t provide much in the way of nightlife. There are a few local bars and restaurants which will offer beer and local wine at a reasonable price, but the area is fairly quiet on the whole. If you’re looking for a more lively evening, with more than a few drinks, the Puerto Naos is a better bet, although not as lively as other places in the Canary Islands.