Hotels in Villa de Mazo

Villa de Mazo

Villa de Mazo is a municipality in the south-east of La Palma that stretches over the eastern slope of the Cumbre Vieja, from the volcanic ridge down to the Atlantic. Its main village, El Pueblo, lies at about 500 metres, some twelve kilometres south of Santa Cruz de La Palma, and the municipality has around 5,100 inhabitants. The island's airport lies within its boundaries, so Mazo is one of the first places travellers reach after landing. Before the conquest this was the canton of Tigalate, whose people were the first to resist the conquerors, and the Cueva de Belmaco keeps petroglyphs and remains of the Benahoarita inhabitants. The chapel of San Blas dates back to around 1495, and the Corpus Christi procession, held since 1605, fills the streets with arches and carpets made of natural materials and is a festival of national tourist interest. The Museo Casa Roja is devoted to embroidery and to this tradition, and the weekend market sells local produce and crafts from embroidery to basketry and ceramics. Vineyards on the slopes produce sweet Malvasía and red wines, especially around Hoyo de Mazo. The coast has small beaches of basaltic sand such as Arenas Blancas, Playa del Azufre and La Barqueta, near the natural monument of Montaña del Azufre. The eruptions of 1646 and 1949 shaped the landscape, and quiet rural roads lead between fincas, pine woods and volcanic cones. Mazo suits travellers who want a rural stay close to the airport, with wine, crafts, traditions and sea views.