Geotourism development in large-scale volcanic areas: A Case Study of Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Granadilla de Abona is located in the south of the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), occupies an area of 162 km² and extends from more than 2500 metres above sea level to the coast in the form of a ramp with medium slopes. The municipality has a great geodiversity associated with both volcanic and non-volcanic geoforms and geological belongs to the so-called Banda del Sur Formation. The main aims of this work are to inventory the geodiversity of the municipality; to identify, select, and characterize sites of geotouristic interest (SGIs) and elaborated different georoutes in natural and urban areas. The methodology used included bibliographic and cartographic review (topographical, geological, geomorphological, and historical), observation of orthophotos and aerial photographs, and field work. The main geodiversity is associated with volcanic geoforms are associated with different types of volcanism (mafic and salic) with various dynamic eruptions: magmatic, freatomagmatic, hawaiiam, strombolian or subplinian eruptions. The main eruptive geoforms are cinder or scoria cones, tuff cones, lava fields (aa, pahoehoe and blocks), lava delta, lava dome, fonolitic lavas or pumice deposits. Non-volcanic geoforms are associated with the presence of ravines, cliffs, volcanic sand beaches, dunes and others. A total of 20 SGIs have been identified, for which an on-site assessment has been conducted, along with the collection of a large amount of information regarding geological, geomorphological, protective, cultural, and historical aspects. All SGIs are representative of the geo-diversity and geoheritage of the municipality, are preserved and accessible. The enhancement of these SGIs will further strengthen the geotourism interest of the Granadilla de Abona, allowing the relevant tourism authorities to diversify their leisure offerings and promote the geoconservation and the geotourism according with the principles of sustainability, innovation, and accessibility promoted by the World Tourism Organization, for example, through the creation of georoutes in natural and urban spaces.

This project has been promoted by the Plataforma Defensabona, a citizens' initiative dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, and the Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN). The project is funded by the Granadilla de Abona Town Council.