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Natural Monuments
Monumento Natural de La Montaña de Los Frailes
Description
This volcanic cone, visible from almost anywhere in the Orotava Valley, is the result of recent volcanic activity.
Recommended time to visit: All year-round.
Geology
It was created following an eruption in the 18th century that extended the nearby coastline when lava reached the sea.
Since pre-hispanic times the mountain has been used for pastureland, small, traditional plots of farmland and quarrying. It is a cultural landmark in the area, as can be seen by the presence of the Ermita de la Cruz (Hermitage of the cross), that sits atop its summit.
Flora and fauna
The mountain’s original vegetation has been severely damaged as a result of the varied ways in which locals have used the land over time.
Today it is home to a great deal of exotic, invasive flora, such as the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica), purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) and ricinus (Ricinus communis). Wherever there is space, shrubs grow that are adapted to the arid surroundings and characteristics of the soil, such as vinagrera (Rumex lunaria) and magarza (Argyranthemum frutescens).
The most notable vertebrate fauna in the area are its birds, which include canaries, Eurasian blue tits, spectacled warblers and Sardinian warblers, flitting between shrubs and feeding on the figs from the prickly pear plants (Opuntia ficus indica).
Technical information sheet
Surface area
25.7 hectares (0.1% of the island)
Species of interest
Vinagrera (Rumex lunaria), magarza (Argyranthemum frutescens), spectacled warbler, Sardinian warbler, canary, Eurasian blue tit, Gallot’s lizard.
Ecosystems
Desert and xeric shrubland.
Places of interest
Ermita de la Cruz.
Regulations
To consult permits for use and updated regulations for this Protected Natural Area, visit the official website of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Municipalities
- Los Realejos