Mala, Lanzarote facts for kids

View towards Mala from the north

Mala is a charming village located on the beautiful island of Lanzarote. It is part of the Haría area in the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain. In 2012, about 533 people lived here.

What is Mala Like?

Mala is surrounded by interesting places. Its closest neighbors are the villages of Guatiza and Charco del Palo. Both are only about 3 kilometers (less than 2 miles) away. You can easily get to Mala by bus. Two regular bus routes connect the village to Arrecife, which is Lanzarote's capital city. These buses also travel to the northern parts of the island, like Órzola and Máguez.

How Mala Makes a Living

The people of Mala mainly earn their living from two important activities: tourism and agriculture.

Tourism in Mala

Tourism is a big part of life in Mala. Visitors come to enjoy the peaceful village and explore the unique landscapes of Lanzarote. There are often places to stay and small shops that cater to tourists.

Farming Cochineal

Agriculture in Mala is quite special. Farmers here mostly focus on raising tiny insects called cochineal beetles. These beetles live on a type of cactus called opuntia, which grows in fields around the village.

The cochineal beetles are very important because they produce a natural red dye. This dye has been used for centuries to color fabrics, foods, and cosmetics. It is a natural alternative to artificial colors.

See also

In Spanish: Mala (Lanzarote) para niños