La Palma

Caldera de Taburiente National Park

Located in the centre of the volcanic island, the Caldera de Taburiente National park is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the natural landmarks of the island.

This National Park is home to the crater formation of Caldera de Taburiente and the 2,426 metres high Roque de los Muchachos, where the Observatory Roque de los Muchachos was built, which features one of the largest telescopes in the world.

La Palma is one of the best places in the world to stargaze. Due to its geographic location and the singular climate of the island, the clouds that are formed between 100 and 200 metres high act like a mirror and they prevent light pollution in the coastlines towns from hindering stargazing.

Continuation of “Caldera de Taburiente National Park”

It was the first place in the world to be declared UNESCO Starlight Reserve in 2012. But back in 1988 a unique law in the world had already been approved to protect La Palma’s sky from any kind of light pollution.

The entire National Park has also been declared a special area for the protection of birds by the European Union.

You will also marvel at the beauty of the water. Several springs flow from the earth making streams and falls, some of them really stand out because they are really colourful. The most striking one is Cascada de Colores, it has a yellowish red colour due to the iron sediments that it sweeps along.

Caldera National Park also offers a stunning mountainous landscape and gobsmacking views.

Los Tilos

One of the must-see spots in La Palma is the laurel forest Los Tilos, one of the biggest ones in the Canarian archipelago. This ecosystem comes for the tertiary era.

There are only a handful of similar tropical laurel forests left in the world, namely in El Hierro, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Madeira and the Azores.

The evergreen trees can reach up to 30 metres high. Their branches and leaves make up a natural roof where the sun barely comes in, creating a surreal and magical light in the forest. Besides, the trade winds provide humidity constantly and this contributes to the creation of mist.

The game of light and fog makes Los Tilos look like a haunted forest, in fact, it is also known as the “bosque de niebla” (foggy forest).

The extraordinary weather conditions are perfect for the flora. There are laurels, limes, maytenus canariensis, evergreen shrubs, arbutus, beeches, heathers, small-leaved hollis, persea indicas, barbuzanos, and huge imposing ferns. Azores laurel, lime, Canary Islands juniper, tree heath, wax myrtle trees and tree ferns.

Ruta de los Volcanes (The Volcano Trail)

The Volcano Trail is the most popular trail in La Palma and it is definitely worth walking by passionate hikers. The classical trail has an official number: GR 131 and it starts off at the El Pilar rest area and leads down to Los Canarios village. Hiking experience and a good fitness level are required for this 18 km long trail, which will take approximately six hours and a half.

But the trail is definitely worth the effort; Along the way you get to see hundreds of volcanoes and get gobsmacking views out over the neighbouring islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and Tenerife.

Transvulcania

Transvulcania, a long-distance marathon, is a very important event for extreme sports lovers.

This is considered to be the most challenging marathon of the Canarian Islands and one of the most important races of Spain. From 2009 La Palma Island hosts sportspeople from all over the world.

Athletes must cover 73,7 kilometres and beat slopes of 8525 metres in total. The starting point is situated in Faro Fuencaliente, in the extreme south of the island and from there you can discover the fascinating mountainous landscape of La Palma up to the Llanos de Aridane.

In 2012 the race was included in the World Circuit of ISF (International Skyrunning Federation), for that reason, the participation in the ultra-run of La Palma counts toward the Mountain Races of World Championship.

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Fernández Lugo founded Santa Cruz de La Palma in 1493.

In the XVI century, Santa Cruz de La Palma obtained the privilege, together with Sevilla and Amberes, of managing the trade with American colonies as port and customs. Shortly after that, the port became the most important one in Corona de Castilla. The wealth and well-being that the trade generated in the capital is still reflected in the lavishness of many public buildings, renaissance houses or even churches and monasteries.

This wealth also caught the eye of pirates and looters. It should be pointed out that among them there was a French pirate called Le Clerc, who accompanied by his troops, looted and burnt down the whole city. In 1553 the city was rebuilt again, and Santa Cruz de La Palma rose like a Phoenix from the ashes, even more radiant and safer, as they built several fortresses all along the coastline. Thanks to them, it was possible to impede the legendary pirate Francis Drake’s attack.

The tranquil, islander capital is definitely worth visiting. You will marvel at the beautiful colonial style houses as you go down the cobbled streets, which are ideal for going for a stroll, shopping, or eating at traditional tapas restaurant.

Continuation of “Santa Cruz de La Palma”

The pastel-coloured houses situated in the maritime avenue are also really pretty. They are adorned with beautiful carved wood balconies which are true works of art.

Other highlights of the capital are the XVI century Hall, Plaza España with the church Matriz de El Salvador, whose Mudejar armature is really surprising, the Santa Catalina Castle, Plaza de la Alameda, used as a meeting point for the inhabitants of the capital, or Casa Pinto which belongs to XVII merchants, with halls and galleries roofed with manually carved torch wood, a sample of Canarian design.

Visiting the Army Museum or Insular Museum is of paramount importance in order to learn more about La Palma’s fascinating history. It is situated in the Franciscanos Convent and is home to an interesting history and art exhibition.

Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves (Descent of the Virgin of the Snow)

The Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves (“Descent of the Virgin of the Snow”) is La Palma’s major religious event. It is celebrated every five years in the months of June and August.

The city dresses for a ball for over a month and the streets are filled with magic, colours and devotion.

The highlight of the festivities is the Danza de los Enanos (Dance of the Dwarves), the Minué Dance, but it also offers concerts, theatre plays, fun and religious ceremonies.

It was first celebrated in 1680 paying homage to the Virgin of the Snows patron, as a consequence of the miraculous intervention of the virgin in a drought in the Winter of 1676. In that year the inhabitants of the small mountain town Las Nieves were worried they would have a bad harvest, so they carried the virgin to Santa Cruz with them. Seeing the religious fervour and the devotion for the virgin, the bishop of the Canary Islands decided that the procession would be repeated every five years.

Continuation of “Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves (Descent of the Virgin of the Snow)”

One of the highlights of the festivities is the Danza de los Enanos (Dance of the Dwarves), performed in costumes that are even older than the Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves. They are thought to date to 1558 when the bishop Diego de Deza y Tello decided that a play should be performed at the portal of the church Matriz de El Salvador on Corpus Christi day.

Since the 17th century islanders have been dressing up as midgets with giant cardboard heads, satirically portraying important people of the era.

The famous and mysterious Dance of the Dwarves dates back to 1925. In the first part, dancers dance at the rhythm of a changing melody representing different characters and all of a sudden, in the second part of the dance, they turn into dwarves and start dancing at the vertiginous rhythm of a polka dance.

Cueva Bonita

The famous artist César Manrique once described the grotto on the coast of Tijarafe as “the Sistine Chapel of modern art”. A sunset visit to the cave is a truly unforgettable experience.

Boat tours to the Cueva Bonita leave from the port of Tazacorte.

Cueva de Todoque (The Volcanic tube of Todoque)

It has been declared a place of natural interest by UNESCO. This volcanic tube of 600 metres is the most visited cave of La Palma. It was formed as a result of the volcanic eruption of San Juan.

Parque Arqueológico de Belmaco (Belmaco Archaeological Park)

This Archaeological Park centres around the Belmaco cave where the native people once lived. A heritage trail and an exhibition room with artefacts inform you about the life of the Benahoare, the indigenous inhabitants of La Palma.

Salinas de Fuencaliente (Salt pans of Fuencaliente)

The salt pans of Fuencaliente not only produce the famous Teneguía salt, but they are also an attraction of the island. These salt pans were declared a Natural Space of Scientific Interest. The salt owes its name to the last volcanic eruption of Palma, since the salt pans and the lighthouse were saved by a miracle from being guzzled by the lava of Teneguía volcano. The landscape is surprising because of the melting-pot of colours, where the white, pink, black and ocre, and the deepest blue sea shades prevail.

La Zarza

This archaeological site in the municipality of Garafía was declared of Cultural Interest and in 1999 was declared the first Archaeological Park of Canarias. La Zarza is formed by two rupestrian stations, La Zarza and la Zarcita, which are home to a large number of engravings. You will marvel at these engravings because they emanate complexity and beauty. The site was discovered in 1941 and it features an interpretation centre where the visitor can get all types of information about the engravings.

Another undeniable highlight of La Zarza is the gorgeous place where it is situated: a wonderful laurisilva forest with unique vegetation and a fountain that emanates from its insides.

The archaeological site is a must in La Palma because it makes you travel in time to a world full of magic and legends.

Playa de Tazacorte

Puerto de Tazacorte boasts colourful houses and a wide choice of bars and restaurants. Its beach is one of the largest on the island. Close to the Puerto de Tazacorte harbour (where boat trips are offered) there is a special area for nudists. You can access the port through the wide maritime avenue, where maritime tours for all the family leave. Tazacorte beach is prepared for people with reduced mobility. In addition, swimmers can access showers and restrooms.

Playa Nueva

Not far from Playa de El Faro lies the natural Playa Nueva beach, also known as Playa de los Guirres. Due to its favourable wind and wave conditions, this beach also attracts surfers. What is more, a special section of the Playa Nueva is dog-friendly. A coastal path leads to the Faro de Fuencaliente lighthouse.

Playa de El Faro

This small bay hides beneath Fuencaliente Lighthouse. The black sand beach is part of the Cumbre Vieja nature park.

Playa de Puerto Naos

Puerto Naos beach is probably La Palma’s most popular beach. What makes it so special is the contrast between black lava sand, green palm fronds and the blue of the Atlantic. Puerto Naos beach recently got a “blue flag” certificate: an international acknowledged certificate of quality. Water sports enthusiasts have a dive centre and canoe rental spot.

Playa de La Zamora y Playa Chica (Fuencaliente)

These two natural beaches are accessed by a stone staircase, these off the beaten track beaches give you a sense of privacy.

Playa de Charco Verde

The Charco Verde (Green Pool) natural beach, situated 2 km away from Puerto Naos, is very popular with the locals. The beach also received a Blue Flag eco-label.

NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS

Charco Azul

The “blue pool”: The Charco Azul seawater pool is located between Villa de San Andrés y Sauces and Puerto Espíndola in the north of La Palma. Next to the natural pool there is a small kid’s pool. In 2013 and 2014 the Charco Azul was awarded an “eco-Playa” flag.

Piscinas de la Fajana (La Fajana Pools)

In the small town La Fajana in the northeast of La Palma there are three natural pools. In the past they were used as tan linen on natural pond. Swimmers can make use of the showers and changing rooms.

Hiking

La Palma is a paradise for hikers thanks to a well-developed trail network of amazing landscapes and mild temperatures all-year round.

With a total of 1,000 km of trails, hikers are spoilt for choice: winding trails lead through stunning gorges and valleys, up high mountains, along the rugged coast, through pine forests and past waterfalls, touching the stars… discovering La Palma on foot is a real challenge but it definitely pays off.

Horse-riding

Horse riding is a very practised sport in the beautiful island. Discovering La Palma on a horse allows you to go down landscapes full of flora and visit small villages.

La Palma is home to several horseback riding schools and stables which offer tours around the unbeatable beauty of the islander nature.

Mountain biking

Unspoilt nature, exciting trails and diverse landscapes make La Palma the perfect MTB location. Many of the former Royal Paths that were historic official roads are used as trails.

La Palma offers more than 400 kilometres of highway, routes on forest trails covered with woods, rural paths, and sand, lava fields. Besides representing a challenge, these cycling routes will make you discover many unknown places of this beautiful volcanic island.

Paragliding

La Palma is one of the top-paragliding destinations in the world, offering perfect wind and visibility conditions. It offers ideal visibility and favourable wind almost all year round.

Due to the perseverance of the trade winds and the great visibility that they offer, La Palma is practically the only paragliding site in Europe during winter. You can uninterruptedly overfly up to 30 km.

Diving

La Palma is not only fascinating ashore because of its wonderful nature, but also under water. The volcanic activity has formed a world of caves, arches, cliffs, grottos, and volcanic tubes. The volcanic formation makes up an interesting habitat for a large number of species.

Due to the marine currents, the water is fresh and extremely deep and rich in species. Underwater, visibility of up to 50 metres and water temperatures around 18 degrees in winter and a maximum of 25 degrees in summer are perfect for diving or snorkelling all year round.

The bottom of the sea in La Palma is home to a great wealth of marine fauna. The adventurers who are willing to discover it might bump into the following species: sea turtles, groupers, mackerels, perches, red sea scorpion fishes, gold line, barracudas, monk fish, manta rays, perches, parrot fishes, white seabream, sperm whales, flying fish, European eel, octopus, moray eels, sea-horses, whales, dolphins, some species of sharks or cuttlefish.

There are many diving schools in La Palma who offer equipment or organize guided immersions. We can also organise marine tours of whale watching.