Cumbre Vieja

Cumbre Vieja is a volcanic ridge on the southern half of La Palma in the Canary Islands and is the island’s active volcanic zone. It is the site of recurrent eruptions in historical times and is closely monitored for volcanic activity.

The ridge contains multiple volcanic vents and fissures; eruptions typically produce lava flows, ash emissions and local ground deformation. The 1971 Teneguía eruption on the southern flank and the 2021 eruption are the best-known recent events.

Cumbre Vieja has been the focus of scientific monitoring and civil protection measures because eruptive activity can directly affect communities, infrastructure and the island’s transport networks.

The ridge runs roughly north-south across southern La Palma and forms the volcanic backbone of that half of the island, with access points from nearby towns and roads.

• 2021 eruption: A major recent eruption began on 19 September 2021 and continued into December 2021, producing extensive lava flows and ash that caused widespread damage on La Palma.

What to See #

• Teneguía (1971): Teneguía is the southernmost vent on the ridge and produced a well-documented eruption in 1971; it remains a named site of historical eruptive activity.