Last Updated on 13 January 2026 by Vanessa
Looking for a vacation with a little extra cuteness? At Villa Colón in Los Quemados, you’ll find breathtaking views, peaceful vibes, and a family of calico cats who have made this slice of La Palma their own.
This cat family in Los Quemados, La Palma, turned a resort into their forever home
The Villa Colón apartments in Los Quemados, Fuencaliente, in La Palma, are a perfect hideaway. They are situated at the end of a steep road on the western slope of the municipality, at an altitude of almost 500 meters.
The complex is quiet and peaceful and consists of only a handful of apartments, each with a private balcony with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the beautiful vineyards, and the nearby volcanoes of San Antonio and Teneguía. They also include a living and dining area, as well as a kitchen with stovetop, refrigerator, coffee maker, and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available at the reception.
The Villa Colón apartments also feature an outdoor swimming pool, sun terraces, gardens, and – most importantly – a family of cats.
Meeting the calico cats and kittens of Villa Colón
These cats of Villa Colón visited me every day. The loveliest of them all was the red-black-white one, who, most of the time, brought her little kitten daughter with her (the tiny grey-red-white one).
By the way, did you know that multi-colored cats bring good fortune? 😸
Calico cats (as multi-colored felines are often called) are considered “lucky” because they are so rare. To be considered a “true” Calico, the cat’s coat must display the colors white, black, and orange.
Calicos are almost always female cats because the black and orange color information is linked to the X chromosome. Because female cats have two X chromosomes, they can display both the black and orange colors at once (white fur is coded by another gene). Male cats, on the other hand, typically have only one X chromosome, so they tend to be either orange OR black.
In some old religions, these three colors stand for the “cycle of life.” White stands for (re)birth, red for life, and black for death.
In earlier times, Japanese sailors traveled with multi-colored cats to protect their ships from evil and to guarantee a safe trip. To this day, they are still the official symbol of good fortune in Japan.
You have certainly heard of the Maneki Neko, the waving-cat talisman, frequently seen in Japanese shops and restaurants. Did you notice that the Maneki Neko is nearly always a Calico? Pay attention to the position of the Maneki Neko’s paw: a raised right paw bestows good luck and wealth, while a raised left paw supposedly brings in more customers. The higher the paw is raised, the luckier the owner of the Maneki Neko will get.
The multi-colored cats of Villa Colón definitely brought luck and happiness during our stay in Los Quemados.
What else can you do near Los Quemados?
With all those lovely cats around, it might be tempting to spend all your time at the Villa Colón apartments. However, you’ll probably want to consider visiting some of the must-see attractions in the vicinity of Los Quemados. Here are a few tips:
Volcanoes San Antonio and Teneguía
The Los Quemados neighborhood is located near the volcanoes of San Antonio and Teneguía. The volcanic landscapes, shaped by the eruptions of the Teneguía volcano in 1971, are impressive since you can witness the stark contrast between the black lava fields and the surrounding greenery.
These volcano tours sell out quickly, so book your tickets now before it’s too late.
Teneguía Natural Park
The Teneguía Natural Park in Fuencaliente is a protected area that showcases the island’s volcanic nature. It offers hiking trails that allow you to explore the volcanic terrain, and it provides a fascinating insight into La Palma’s geological history.
Cumbre Vieja Natural Park
Cumbre Vieja Natural Park is also worth visiting for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, panoramic vistas, and diverse hiking trails.
This scenic park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of rugged volcanic peaks, deep valleys, and lush pine forests while enjoying the abundance of flora and fauna that call this park home.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking stunning natural beauty, Cumbre Vieja Natural Park promises an unforgettable experience.
Teneguía Winery
Fuencaliente is home to the Teneguía Winery, where you can discover the rich tradition of wine production on the island. You can take guided tours of the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample delicious local wines, including the unique volcanic Malvasia.
If you love wine, this is a must in the area. You can book your Bodegas Teneguía Winery Tour With Wine Tasting here.
Salinas de Fuencaliente
The Salinas de Fuencaliente, salt flats located along the coast, are another noteworthy attraction. These salt pans have been in operation since the 19th century and offer a glimpse into the traditional salt production methods. The vibrant hues of the salt ponds against the blue ocean create a picturesque sight.
Faro de Fuencaliente
The Faro de Fuencaliente, a lighthouse perched on the rugged coastline, is a popular landmark in the area. It offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding volcanic landscapes. The lighthouse itself is an architectural gem and provides an excellent vantage point for capturing memorable photos.
Natural pools and beaches
Fuencaliente has many natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rock formations, such as the Charco Azul and La Fajana.
These pools offer a unique bathing experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters amidst stunning natural surroundings. Of all the nearby beaches, Zamora Beach is the most famous.
Practical information
Booking information
Ready to experience Villa Colón for yourself?
Check out the latest prices, room availability, and all the amenities this apartment complex has to offer. Click here to book your stay or to learn more!
Address
Villa Colón, Camino el nicho la cruz, Los Quemados, 38740 Fuencaliente, La Palma, Spain
Getting to Villa Colón and Los Quemados
From La Palma Airport, you can easily rent a car or take a taxi to Villa Colón. The drive from the airport to Los Quemados takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic or road conditions.
To get to Villa Colón by car, you can follow these directions:
- Upon exiting the airport, head south on the LP-138 road towards the LP-5.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit to continue on the LP-138 road.
- Continue on the LP-138 for approximately 10 kilometers until you reach a junction with the LP-2 road.
- At the junction, take a slight left onto the LP-2 road.
- Continue on the LP-2 for approximately 4 kilometers until you reach a roundabout.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on the LP-2 road.
- Follow the LP-2 road for approximately 12 kilometers until you reach Los Canarios, the main town in Fuencaliente.
- In Los Canarios, you will see signs directing you to various tourist attractions, including the “Volcán San Antonio” and “Teneguía Volcano.”
- Follow the signs for the “Volcán San Antonio” and continue on the road that leads to the volcano.
- As you approach the volcano, you will come across a junction where you need to take a left turn. This junction will be marked with signs indicating “Camino El Nicho La Cruz.”
- Take the left turn onto Camino El Nicho La Cruz.
- Continue on this road, following the signs for Camino El Nicho La Cruz until you reach your destination in Los Quemados, Fuencaliente.
If you prefer to go by bus, the closest bus stops are Los Canarios or Fuencaliente.
Final thoughts
Have you ever been to Los Quemados or explored the beautiful island of La Palma? Maybe you’ve had the chance to meet some of these friendly feline residents yourself!
I’d love to hear about your experience—whether it’s a story about a particular cat you met, a favorite spot in the area, or just what made your visit memorable. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
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About the blogger
Claudia Mannes is a German TV writer, travel blogger, and photographer. Kleinplanet311 is her personal playground. With a sharp eye, she uncovers stories that sometimes jump out and other times hide in small details. From sweeping landscapes to quiet moments, her photography captures the heart of each scene, and through her work, these stories come alive.
Her love for travel began in 2013 during a sabbatical in Spain, which inspired her to start her blog Kleinplanet311 in September 2014. Since then, Claudia’s journey as an artist and storyteller has grown, fueled by her passion for blending photography with writing.
Other guest posts by Claudia Mannes
- Checking in: Monte da Vilarinha in Carrapateira, Portugal
- Meet the cats that live at the Fushimi Inari-Taisha temple in Kyoto, Japan
- Meeting the friendly cats of Deià, Mallorca
- Meet the cats that live at the Santuari de Sant Salvador in Felanitx, Mallorca
- On Playa de la Caleta in Hermigua, La Gomera, cats are king!
- Caturday in Porto, Portugal
- Meet the cat that guards the Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Lisbon, Portugal
Read about even more cats in Next to Her
In other news, my short story Next to Her will be filmed on August 8th and 9th. My cat Avalon has a HUGE part in it. The film will premiere in October at the Flanders International Film Festival Ghent.
The narrative of Next to Her revolves around Maurice, an octogenarian who devotes all his attention to his ailing wife, Yvonne, whose condition is terminal. The demanding responsibility of providing round-the-clock care blurs the distinction between nurturing and causing distress. Can this elderly couple rediscover the profound tenderness that exists within their bond?
If you can’t wait for the film (and if you want to know how Avalon’s part plays out), you can read the script here. If you are a Kindle Unlimited member, it’s free.
