The coastal walk from Los Cristianos to Punta de Rasca passes through the Malpais de Rasca, a protected volcanic area on the southern tip of the island. After climbing the cliffs from the seafront the early part of the walk follows the Guaza plateau before dropping steeply down to the beach at the resort of Palm-mar. From here, the path through the malpais is followed to the lighthouse at Punta de Rasca, which is a good spot for a break. From here, the path carries on along the coast to the coastal town of Las Galletas but on this occasion I was heading inland to the volcanic cone of Montaña Rasca. The path continues through the malpais passing numerous spurges and prickly pear plants before climbing steeply to the summit marker. From here there is a superb panorama of the coast as well as excellent views inland of the summit of Roque del Conde and Teide itself, the summit of which is just visible peeping over the caldera wall. From Montaña Rasca, a trail is followed back down passing vineyards to the road and the Palm-mar arch. After a short walk along the road, the route strikes off again on a path onto the Guaza plateau for the second time. After crossing the plateau, a path descends back down into Los Cristianos.
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| Los Cristianos as seen on the climb to the Guaza plateau |
