Museo de las Salinas del Carmen

About the museum

The Salinas del Carmen, on the coast of Antigua, are the only saltworks in Fuerteventura still in operation. Their origins go back to the end of the 18th century, when they were known as the saltworks of La Hondurilla or de la Torre. At the beginning of the 20th century they were almost abandoned and their facilities had become outdated.

In 1910 their owner, Manuel Velázquez Cabrera, undertook the extension and improvement works that gave them their present form, in order to get the maximum output from them. It was then that they were renamed Salinas del Carmen, in honour of the patron saint of sailors and of his wife. Today they cover about 26,100 m² with ten cocederos (crystallising ponds) and almost a thousand tajos (salt pans). Seawater enters through the Saltadero, where the waves lift a foam very rich in salt.

The museum, known as the Museo de la Sal, was completely renovated in May 2018 and took the name Museo de las Salinas del Carmen. The route takes visitors back to 1910 and takes place in the owner's house: in the office the history of the Canarian saltworks is explained, in the study it is shown how salt is obtained, the storeroom keeps the saltworker's tools, and the bedroom evokes the daily life of the workers with old photographs. Outdoors, guides lead walks among the salt pans and crystallising ponds.

Highlights

• Tour of the owner's house, set in 1910
• Working saltworks, the only ones in Fuerteventura
• Storeroom with the saltworker's tools and old photographs
• Closing show on the history of the saltworks
• Guided visit “salinero por un día” among the salt pans and crystallising ponds

Permanent exhibition

• Viaje a 1910: la casa de Manuel Velázquez Cabrera – Tour of the owner's house, with office, study, storeroom and bedroom, explaining the history of salt in the Canary Islands and the work of the saltworker.

Operated by

Proasur Cultural Management

Admission & discounts

Adult rate from age 11. Tickets are also on sale online.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The route combines hands-on elements with new technologies, and the guided saltworks visit lets visitors touch the salt and try the tools.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the east coast of the island, less than 2 km south of Castillo – Caleta de Fuste.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

El 36 restaurant, decorated as in the early 20th century, and the museum shop with foam salt and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Spaces for hire for celebrations, events and business meetings: large outdoor areas next to the saltworks and the restaurant. Managed by Proasur Cultural Management.

Plan your visit