Recent Posts

News

Stay up to date with the latest exclusive news from our destinations, the perfect place to find fresh and exciting content.

Recent Posts

  • Boat Trips in Fuerteventura

    Boat Trips in Fuerteventura

      Fuerteventura’s crystal-clear waters and dramatic volcanic coastline are just as breathtaking from the sea as they are from land. Taking to the water is a magical way to explore hidden coves, spot wild dolphins, and visit unique destinations like Lobos Island. Below, you’ll find a selection of the best …Read full article
  • Hotel Day Pass in Gran Canaria: Discover the Princess experience

    Hotel Day Pass in Gran Canaria: Discover the Princess experience

      Fancy a day out with a difference in Gran Canaria? Look no further! Our Canary Islands Princess Day Pass gives you the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy our facilities with our all-inclusive services. Our hotels are full to the brim with comfort, care and disconnection. So, how …Read full article
  • Platinum Club: an exclusive experience for those seeking luxury

    Platinum Club: an exclusive experience for those seeking luxury

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250627122516/EN-PLATINUM-CARIBE-PRINCESS.mp3 Experience the Caribbean at its finest: discover the Platinum experience To travel is to discover new landscapes, disconnect from the everyday routine, and indulge oneself in the pure pleasure of enjoyment. At Princess Hotels, however, we believe it can also be synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and meticulous attention to …Read full article
  • Where to play golf in Punta Cana: a green-lovers’ guide

    Where to play golf in Punta Cana: a green-lovers’ guide

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250625113537/EN-GOLF-PUNTA-CANA.mp3 Punta Cana is not only famous for its dreamy beaches and crystal-clear waters; it is also one of the Caribbean’s top destinations for golf enthusiasts, offering an unbeatable experience for beginners and professionals alike. The area is home to a number of courses designed by sporting legends the likes …Read full article
  • Explore Teide National Park

    Explore Teide National Park

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250606084232/Parque_Nacional_El_Teide_EN.mp3 Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Spain’s most iconic natural landmarks and the highest point in the country. Situated on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, it boasts a unique volcanic landscape, walking routes for all abilities, and breathtaking panoramic views. This …Read full article
  • Travel to Mexico and cross these 7 items off your bucket list

    Travel to Mexico and cross these 7 items off your bucket list

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250617071625/EN-MEXICO-7-ITEMS-BUCKET-LIST.mp3 Imagine a place where the Caribbean Sea meets white-sand beaches, where history blends with the jungle, and every day is an adventure? That place is Mexico, and more specifically the Riviera Maya, one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. Here, the magic of ancient culture meets idyllic …Read full article
  • 3 Ideal Honeymoon Destinations

    3 Ideal Honeymoon Destinations

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250613103206/EN-HONEYMOON-CARIBE-PRINCESS.mp3 A honeymoon is much more than a trip; it’s the first chapter in a new life together, an intimate celebration of newfound love. The honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy the company of your loved one, and create unforgettable …Read full article
  • Beaches, terraces and city vibes: the perfect guide to summer in Barcelona

    Beaches, terraces and city vibes: the perfect guide to summer in Barcelona

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250616074746/audio-EN-BLOG-16.06.25.mp3 Barcelona possesses that magnetism that only major seaside cities can offer. In summer the sun shines brighter, the beaches are bustling with life, and every street corner invites you to explore, savour and enjoy. If you’re planning an urban getaway with a Mediterranean soul, Princess Hotels are the best …Read full article
  • Discover the Most Beautiful Villages of La Palma

    Discover the Most Beautiful Villages of La Palma

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250606100320/Pueblos_La_Palma_EN.mp3 La Palma, known as the ‘Isla Bonita’, offers far more than dramatic volcanic landscapes and natural beauty. Its towns and villages are true hidden gems, rich in history, local traditions, and charming Canarian architecture. If you’re keen to experience the real heart of the island, these picturesque spots, full …Read full article

Get inspired

Discover ideas and stories that will inspire you to take the trip of your dreams.

Recent Posts

Tips

Find the best tips and recommendations to make your trip unforgettable.

Recent Posts

Top Destinations

Discover our fascinating destinations, each with its own magic. Choose your next experience and get ready for an adventure like no other.

Punta Cana

SEE ARTICLES

Riviera Maya

SEE ARTICLES

Jamaica

SEE ARTICLES

Fuerteventura

SEE ARTICLES

Gran Canaria

SEE ARTICLES

Tenerife

SEE ARTICLES

La Palma

SEE ARTICLES

BARCELONA

SEE ARTICLES

Canary Islands

Discover the charm of the Canary Islands, the perfect place for a holiday thanks to its surprising variety of natural environments.

La Palma

Immerse yourself in the magic of La Palma, a natural paradise where you can enjoy the purity of nature, practise sports or explore its many hidden treasures.

Sports & Wellness

Choose from a wide range of sports activities, spa treatments and fitness programmes.

Dive deep in La Palma and discover the Crosses of Malpique

By | 12 July, 2024 | 0 comments

Image of the depths of the Crosses of Malpique

Find out the fascinating history of one of the most sacred places in the Canary Island sea: a sunken cemetery buried in the depths of the La Palma sea

The Cruces de Malpique are located close to the southern tip of the island. This unique place, with 40 stone crosses built upon sand and rock, has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

You’ll find the undersea cemetery between Punta de Malpique and Punta de Fuencaliente, near the so-called Boca Fornalla – or Cueva de las Palomas as it’s known among fishermen.

When you arrive in Fuencaliente, take the LP-207 road directly to Fuencaliente Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Punta de Fuencaliente. The lighthouse is an important reference point.

Find access to the sea: Just before you get to the lighthouse, you’ll see a path taking you to the rocky coastline, which is where you’ll find the Crosses of Malpique. You may need to walk a short distance from the car park near the lighthouse to the scuba diving area.

A pirate tale

Fuencaliente Lighthouse
It’s said that on 15 July 1570 the French pirate Jacques Soli, in charge of the Le Prince warship, intercepted the Santiago galleon. Fray Ignacio de Acevedo was travelling on the vessel along with 39 Jesuits destined for a Brazilian Jesuit mission. The pirates cruelly murdered the Spanish and Portuguese Jesuits, tossing the bodies of the clerics overboard until they saw them sink into the depths of the sea.

After slaying the Tazacorte Martyrs off the Fuencaliente coast, the pirates – together with 28 hostages – headed to San Sebastián de la Gomera, where Don Diego de Ayala y Rojas (then Count of La Gomera) asked the French pirate to free and deliver the surviving hostages to him.

In 1742, Pope Benedict XIV declared the murdered victims martyrs, and on 11 May 1854 Pope Pius IX announced their beatification.

In 1999, 40 impressive stone crosses were sunk 20 metres deep into the sea as a monument in memory of the Tazacorte Martyrs. The underwater cemetery is commonly known as the Cruces de Malpique (Crosses of Malpique).

The martyrs were honoured once again in October 2014 with a large stone cross in the Fuencaliente lighthouse displaying all the names of the victims.

Enjoy a wealth of marine fauna

Person Scuba Diving

Thanks to the cemetery’s proximity to the La Palma Marine Reserve, you can see a wide variety of sea creatures.

Take a good look through your mask and you might see spotted eagle rays, moray eels, octopuses, Atlantic trumpetfish, all sizes of crabs, crabs of different sizes, parrotfish, seahorses and even angelsharks… Endless marine species!

This dive is recommended for expert divers who have their own equipment, or those accompanied by specialist professionals. It’s no easy dive! The water near the Malpique Crosses may be mild (and the visibility is great) but there are strong currents in this part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Here’s an incredible interactive video that tells you all about the Crosses of Malpique:

Set off on an unforgettable journey and dive into the deepest, darkest depths of La Palma.

Categories: Canaries, Sports & Wellness, Sports Canarian, La Palma

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*

*

[instagram-feed]

Find out the latest news about Sports and Adventures in the CanariesRecent Posts

  • Explore Teide National Park

    Explore Teide National Park

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250606084232/Parque_Nacional_El_Teide_EN.mp3 Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Spain’s most iconic natural landmarks and the highest …Read Full Article
  • The Best Water Activities in Tenerife for Adventurers

    The Best Water Activities in Tenerife for Adventurers

    https://static-resources.mirai.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1738/20250430135853/Las_mejores_actividades_acu%C3%A1ticas_en_Tenerife_para_aventureros_EN1.mp3  Are you someone who can’t imagine a holiday without a good dose of adrenaline? Then Tenerife is the place …Read Full Article

Recent Posts