How to Visit the Palmera Inclinada, Lanzarote
Last Updated on 4th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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If you love beautiful trees, getting outdoors, and are always on the lookout for a cool photo spot, then the Palmera Inclinada ranks up there as one of the top photo hotspots of Lanzarote. Here’s everything you need to know about the leaning palm tree of the Canary Islands, as well as what to know before visiting.
The palm tree lies at the base of the Montaña Negra in the district of the town of Masdache in the very heart of the Canary Island of Lanzarote. The tree itself grows almost horizontally, which is undoubtedl the effect of the strong winds which sweep their way through the volcanic landscape, almost unencumbered.
Nearby, the lunar landscape of the vineyards of Lanzarote spread out along both sides of the roads as far as the eye can see. If you’re a wine drinker and have a little time to spare, take the time to stop at a vineyard, sample the local tipple for yourself, and maybe even purchase a few bottles as a souvenir or to take home as gifts for friends and family.
Palm trees are abundant all over the Canary Islands, but in Lanzarote in particular, the place where they can be found in the greatest quantity is in the town of Haría. There are so many palm trees dotted around the town that is is actually dubbed the Valley of 1000 palms!
How to visit the Palmera Inclinada
Unfortunately, as of November 2022, someone destroyed the leaning palm tree by chopping it down. The palm tree was discovered and no one has yet been charged with illegally destroying this popular tourist attraction. As such, you can no longer visit and enjoy the palm tree.
The palm tree is a little off the beaten path and so you’ll have to hike around 15 minutes from the roadside in order to see it. For parking, we took the little track opposite the Finca Testeina vineyard and winery and drove as far as our car would go down the track.
As we only had a Fiat 500, this wasn’t very far and the coordinates of where we parked were: 28°59’27.7″N 13°40’24.9″W. From the spot where we parked our car (there are usually a few people parked up so it’s fairly obvious where you can park your car, i.e. in a little lay by that’s not blocking the road) we walked a further 10 minutes or so to reach the base of Montaña Negra.
When approaching the tree from the area where you’ve parked your car, you’ll follow the path to the right hand side of the volcano and the leaning palm tree will soon become apparent as it is gigantic! The exact location of the leaning palm tree is 28°59’38.1″N 13°40’30.9″W.
Another spot that’s well worth checking out while in the area is the Caldera de los Cuervos. As you can’t wander around the National Park of Timanfaya on your own, visiting this volcanic crater at your own leisure is free and a great alternative. Other great attractions on the island include the Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos des Algua.
