La Palma Island

LA PALMA: The Beautiful Island
La Palma, also called the "green island" because of its exuberant countryside was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO.

It's major sight is the National Park Caldera de Taburiente with its huge volcanic crater, 9 kilometres wide and 770 meters deep From the view-point Mirador de la Cumbrecita this terrific natural monument can be overlooked best.

At the edge of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park there is the island's highest mountain, Roque de los Muchachos (2426m). In the municipality of Garafía, at 2396 m. above sea level, you can get to know an important astrophysical observatory with one of the most ample and modern equipments of telescopes to be found anywhere in the world. The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias organises visits for colleges and groups as part of a public campaign to make astronomy accessible to everyone.



Santa Cruz de la Palma
At the island's east-coast is located this picturesque port-town. Behind it, like a colossal amphitheater, there is the mighty volcanic crater la Caldereta.

This town, with its characteristical steeply inclined alleys, offers a really lively ambience

Among the most important sights there are the Town Hall and the church Iglesia del Salvador, both of 16th century, and the interesting Museum of Natural Science.

A few kilometers out of town is located the Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, a sanctuary of the island's patroness.






La Palma: Excursions

Following the coast from Santa Cruz direction South, you arrive to Breña Baja, with some very beautiful small bays and great beaches of sand, as Playa de Cancajos

In Mazo, close to the airport, there is the Cueva de Belmaco, a cave with prehistorical engravings. From here you also have a great view over the coast.

In Fuencaliente you can enjoy of the unusual contrast of vineyards and volcanic craters. Best known are the craters of San Antonio and Teneguia the latter having erupted for the so far last time in 1971.

Puerto de Naos is a traditional fishing-village with splendid beaches of fine sand.

Also Tazacorte surrounded by large plantations of bananas, has a picturesque port and fine beaches to offer.

Over the beautiful valley of Los Llanos de Aridane is located the view-point El Time, from which you can overlook the National Park Caldera del Taburiente

Cueva Bonita, close to Tijarafe, is a beautiful grotto really deserving a visit.

Around San Andrés and Sauces there are large and beautiful woods.