Salinas de Janubio, fleur de sel gardens.

There is a place in Lanzarote that contrasts with the blackness of the lava. This is where the sea and the sun work every day to make fleur de sel flakes that are as pristinely white as snow. 

This place is called Salinas de Janubio. 

Full of colour, contrast and tradition, these salt flats are a must-see if you’re keen on exploring Lanzarote’s history. 

If you’d like to learn more about this distinctive area, pay attention to the following lines; you’ll find them interesting. 

How to get to Salinas de Janubio?

The salt flats are located just a few kilometres from the tourist town of Playa Blanca; they can be seen from the road. So, regardless of whether you’re coming or going, you won’t miss them. 

If your route takes you on this side of the island, you should stop at one of the viewpoints, at least, and take a look at them. Los Hervideros and Charco de los Clicos are located in this area, so we recommend that you organise a day trip so you can see all these interesting tourist sites. 

In order to ensure that you arrive at the correct location, enter these coordinates into your GPS. 

We begin our route.  

What to see and do at Salinas de Janubio?

Once you arrive at your destination, there are several options for seeing the salt flats Without a doubt, however, the most recommendable option is a guided tour. This is especially true if you’d like to learn first-hand about the traditional ways of salt farming and harvesting. 

Tours are done in groups and at different times. 

You will learn many interesting facts, such as their history and construction, the importance of salt for Lanzarote (there used to be some 30 salt flats on the island) and the traditional way the salt is collected.      

You’ll even do a salt tasting at the end of the tour.  

All of this will be accompanied by an interesting stroll through the evaporation areas and an explanation provided by a tour guide with an in-depth knowledge of the work that’s been carried out there for over a hundred years. 

These salt flats are the biggest ones in the Canary Islands and some of the few still operating in Lanzarote, although only 20% of their surface is currently in use. 

The salt flats are fed water that is filtered from the sea through a narrow stretch of land lying between the sea and the inland pond. This area with black sand was a result of a flow of eruptions that occurred in Timanfaya between 1730 and 1736. 

The enclosure of this coastal area created a natural pond that is now a home to a very wide range of fauna and biodiversity that became a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds and a Geosite of Interest (GI). 

Many species of birds nest and seek refuge here, making it a perfect spot for bird-watching, especially if you’re a fan of ornithology. 

In addition to the guided tour, there are several viewpoints scattered round the salt flats so that you can see them from different angles and get a much better understanding of the explanation provided by the guide. 

However, if you’d like to take an unforgettable photo, we recommend that you to visit at dusk, when the reddish hues of the sky are reflected over wet the salt flats as if they were mirrors. 

Another option is to take a stroll along the beach that separates the pool from the sea, which has black sand and round pebbles; you’ll see the salt mines from another angle. 

You should keep in mind that there is no lifeguard service at this beach and water currents are very dangerous, so swimming is not recommended. 

It is perfect for taking a walk and cooling your feet.

Remember, you are inside a protected area, so you should not toss any rubbish or bother the animals that live there, especially the birds. 

This is a must-see spot that is sure to impress you. 

Tickets and opening hours.

If you are interested in doing the guided tour, book through the website.

Available times are 10am, 12 noon and 14pm, Monday through Friday. 

Ticket prices:

  • Adults: €12
  • Children from 6 to 12: €6
  • Under 5 years: Admission free. 

Over a century old, these salt flats are a clear example of how important salt used to be – and still is – for the island of Lanzarote. 

What’s more, this salt is one of the purest and cleanest. It’s also microplastic-free, making Janubio salt one of the most highly appreciated in Canary Islands cuisine. 

Salinas de Janubio is one of the routes that offer a mixture of tradition, history and picturesque spots, resulting in an indispensable and surprising route option for the traveller.

 

This article has been written with all the love we feel for Lanzarote. We hope that you will enjoy your visit to Salinas de Janubio as much as we have enjoyed writing this article. 

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