Our holiday on the island of La Palma: how was it? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT La Palma Historic Sites of La Palma

As mentioned above, tourism does not rule the island, and one can only rejoice at this. Although the beaches of La Palma are good, there are few of them due to the characteristics of the coast, which is an almost continuous line of rocks. In addition to the “classic” ones, offering ordinary beach holiday, there are specialized ones: suitable for surfing Playa Nueva and nudist Las Monjas.

Popular resorts of La Palma: quiet Los Cancajos on east coast and cheerful Puerto Naos to the west. Of course, there are well-equipped beaches in the capital: one of them stretches all the way to the port.

1. Santa Cruz de la Palma. The main man-made attraction of the island is its capital. The ancient coastal streets lined with magnificent buildings, mainly in the Renaissance style, are perfectly preserved here.

1. Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Natural attraction No. 1, which is a giant basin (caldera) on the site of a once existing volcano. Now it is a blooming, fertile valley. For those who appreciate comfort, there are special areas for relaxation and snacking, even with barbecues.

1. Barranco de las Angustias. A most picturesque gorge overgrown with lush vegetation.
2. Caves formed during volcanic activity.
3. Volcanoes Tenegua and San Antonio.

Number of inhabitants of La Palma

The island's population is approximately 87,000 people.

Climate, nature and ecology of La Palma

The landscape of the south of the island decorates Mountain chain, more precisely, a ridge of volcanic cones ending in the south with the dormant Tenegua volcano. In the north is the most high mountain La Palma - Roque de Los Muchachos (2426 m), as well as the world's largest caldera, Taburiente, with a diameter of more than 10 km (a vast basin formed after an eruption on the site of the crater). At the top of the mountain there is an observatory with the largest telescope in the Northern Hemisphere. True, it is closed to the public.

More than a third of the island is occupied by pine forests and laurel groves. La Palma is the only island in the archipelago where there are, albeit small, rivers. The soils of the island are fertile, so agriculture is developed here.

La Palma is in a subtropical arid climate zone, without significant changes weather conditions during a year. Daytime temperatures in winter are +18⁰ ... +21⁰, in summer: +25⁰ ... +28⁰. The sea warms up to a comfortable +22⁰ in early June and begins to cool only in early November. The water temperature never drops below +18⁰, but not everyone enjoys a refreshing swim. The amount of precipitation is low and amounts to about 300 mm per year. Rains occur more often in late autumn and early spring.

The easiest way to get to the Beautiful Green Island is by plane: not far from the capital there is an airport that accepts even international flights. There is also ferry service with neighboring islands.

La Palma is one of the seven main inhabited islands Canary archipelago, which are washed by the waters Atlantic Ocean.

Small in area (728 sq. km.), La Palma is the fifth largest and third largest in the number of inhabitants of the Canary Islands.

The coastline is mostly rocky, which means there is little beach places. But in their magnificence they are in no way inferior to the beaches of other Canary Islands.

The most beloved beach for tourists is Cancayos Beach, located near the village of Breca Baia, which consists of several bays. The water in them is so clear that it is simply difficult to resist diving. And in the village of Puerto de Naos there is a stunningly beautiful black sand beach.

Lagging behind the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife in the development of tourism, it can easily boast of its originality, tranquility and lush nature. This is noticeable even from the coast. Rising from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 2426m, a huge mountain is all covered with greenery.

The north of the island can surprise you with its Cherry Laurel forests, densely overgrown ravines, which are often covered with fog.

For lovers of beauty and uniqueness, the island has national reserves- Parque Natural de Las Nieves and Parque Natural de Cumbre Vieja. It is here that you can walk along specially laid paths and enjoy a truly rare natural beauty. And these beautiful forests are preserved thanks to the fertility of young volcanic soils and the large abundance of water.

There is also Palmitos Park - it is the largest butterfly reserve, but you can also find exotic birds there, of which there are about 230 species.

Another natural attraction is the volcanic ridge (La Caldera de Taburiente). Stretching from the north across the entire island, it ends in the south with the Tenegia volcano, which last erupted in 1971.

La Palma is called the most beautiful of the islands of the Canary archipelago. And the absence of industry preserves a special mood: regularity and tranquility, which is literally immediately transmitted to the people who choose this particular island for their vacation.

In addition to its rich nature and magnificent architecture, La Palma can also surprise you with its cuisine. Traditional cooking with olive oil, the quality of vegetable and animal fat, lard and the variety of products are appreciated all over the world. And that’s why Spanish cuisine is considered a tourist attraction.

Behind the current tranquility lies an island rich in history. This can be seen by the number of architectural attractions of the island's capital. In a small town with a population of 18,000 inhabitants, there are many narrow streets where many ancient buildings are located: the Church of the Savior, with a high bell tower (Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador) built in 1503; Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) in the Italian Renaissance style, which has stood since 1569; stone fountain 1776 All this can be seen in the city center in the small triangular Plaza de España.

The capital can also surprise you with its maritime museum- This is a life-size model of Columbus's ship, Santa Maria.

It is impossible not to mention the fortress Santa Catalina(Castillo de Santa Catalina), which during times of piracy protected the city from attacks.

The Spanish constitution promotes freedom of religion, but the predominant religion is Catholicism. Therefore, La Palma has its own religious attractions - this is the sanctuary of the patroness of the island, Nueatra Senora de Las Nievas (Madonna of the Snows), which is located north of the capital. Once every five years, on the feast of the Apparition of the Madonna, a big event takes place for local residents; the Madonna is brought to the church. And on May 3 you can see an unusual holiday called the Day of the Cross in Santa Cruz de La Palma, on which local residents They organize a competition of decorated crosses.

One of the most major resorts on La Palma, is Puerto de Naos with superb black sand beaches. This is a small village where the residents are focused only on meeting the needs of tourists.

Good holidays combined with exquisite cuisine and ancient architecture, all this will be an excellent addition for lovers of solitude with nature.

Discover the selection best places and attractions LA PALMA CANARY

National Park

This is amazing national park, which you can find in La Palma. It was once thought to be a huge crater due to its shape. It received the name of a national park in 1954. The site is simply breathtaking and one of the most visited places in La Palma. The view from the highest point of this place is simply incredible.

Rocky Kurgan

It is a rocky hillock and is located at the highest point on the island of La Palma. The view from the top of this place is simply breathtaking. Huge rocks here, which are more than 2400 meters above sea level. There is an observatory nearby where some of the world's largest telescopes can be found.

Reserve

This is a very special place for people who love to travel. Be sure to arrive early if you want to hike here. There are many tunnels and diversified forest. This place is a true delight for adventure lovers. Don't forget to take all the necessary accessories with you that you may need for mountaineering and hiking.

This is a conical shaped beautiful rock that was once active volcano. It is located on the island of La Palma and is a good place to visit. It gives a beautiful appearance and is covered with various rock colors such as red, pink, brown, black and grey. You will love the natural beauty of this place.

Amalgamation of natural pools

This is a combination of 3 natural pools on the island. It is very unique because of this feature. The view of the place is simply amazing. You can find restaurants and bars near this area and it is very a good place to enjoy with the whole family. You can easily move from one pool to another and have great fun.

Natural pool

This is a natural pool on the island of La Palma. You can enjoy clean water the sea is here and this place offers many services to visitors. This perfect place to enjoy with your family. Many swimming enthusiasts come to explore this amazingly beautiful place. This is one of the most beautiful places on the island.

Palm Island small green Island with an area of ​​only 728 sq. km. La Palma very beautiful, ideal for lovers have a relaxing holiday. The island's coastline is mostly rocky, so there aren't many beaches, but they're just as stunning as the others. islands of the Canary archipelago.

La Palma unusually mountainous island. The most high peak Roque de los Muchachos peak 2387 m. The entire north of the island at an altitude of 500 1500 m above sea level is covered with cherry laurel forests. These are the last representatives of the forests that once covered the entire south of Europe. The ravines of Cubo de la Galga and Los Tilos, declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, are excellent examples of such forests.

Hotels in La Palma

Hotels on La Palma there are about 7000: in tourist centers on the coast, cities and countryside. There are two small tourism centers: one in the east and the other in the west of the island. Village Los Lancajos, in the east, is located a few kilometers from the airport and from the capital of the island. Puerto Naos, in the agricultural municipal district Los Llanos de Aridane, in the west, has a sunnier climate. Both centers are located on secluded volcanic sand beaches. There are also hotels in the capital, the city Santa Cruz de la Palma, and in the second largest city of the island, Los Llanos, not far from National Park Caldera de Taburiente .

It is also worth noting the growing supply of housing and hotels in rural areas. This sector is well developed in La Palma, since the island is well suited for relaxation in the lap of nature.

Attractions La Palma

Meaning La Palma Islands during the Renaissance, when its capital, Santa Cruz, became the third port of the Spanish Empire after Seville and Antwerp, reflected in its architecture. The artistic splendor characteristic of the era, manifested in beautiful secular and ecclesiastical buildings, as well as in the spread of Flemish artistic embroidery, greatly influenced the culture of the population La Palma. In the city Santa Cruz de la Palma most concentrated beautiful buildings islands in colonial style.

The city has preserved buildings from the 16th century, including the City Assembly and El Salvadors. The Museum of Natural History contains magnificent examples of local flora and fauna. On the sea promenade, modern houses and ancient buildings with wooden balconies stand side by side.

The capital of the island is Santa Cruz de La Palma — small town with many ancient buildings and narrow streets. City center small triangular Plaza de España (Plaza de Espana) with a wonderful stone fountain (1776). Here it is Church of the Savior with a high bell tower ( Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador), built in 1503. The Mudejar style ceiling is made from the heartwood of pine trees. The sacristy houses fine examples of wood carvings in the Gothic style.

On the other side of the square stands Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), built in 1569, with an arcade in the Italian Renaissance style. The second floor is decorated with coats of arms Philip II of Spain, Palm trees and the Austrian royal house.

Another attraction of Santa Cruz fortress Castillo de Santa Catalina, which perfectly protected the city from pirates.

At the end of the street Calle Real can see Columbus ship model Santa Maria real size. The model is used as a maritime museum.

North of Santa Cruz in the mountains is sanctuary of the island's patroness, Nueatra Senora de Las Nievas (Madonnas of the Snows). The church has an altar made of Mexican silver and a terracotta statue of the Madonna. Every five years the Madonna is brought to Santa Cruz for the holiday La Bajada de la Virgii(Appearance of the Madonna) a mixture of religious sadness and general joy and entertainment.

Another holiday is celebrated on May 3 day of the cross in Santa Cruz de la Palma. A competition of decorated crosses is organized.

Other interesting settlements islands: Los Llanos, the second most important city; El Paso, famous for its silks and cigars; Fuencaliente, home of great wines; And Maso, in the vicinity of which there is a pre-Hispanic Belmako cave.

La Palma especially rich in various natural attractions. Palmitos Park the biggest butterfly sanctuary. In addition to butterflies, you can see about 230 species of exotic birds here.

The cherry laurel forests that cover the entire north of the island at an altitude of 500-1500 m are genuine plant relics, the last representatives of the forests that covered the entire south of Europe in the Tertiary period. In the narrow gullies of the northern part of the island, 20 native tree species form a dense plant mass that is often shrouded in fog. Another interesting natural attraction is the volcanic ridge that stretches from north to south across the entire island. So-called "Volcano Route" runs along this ridge with cones and craters, which ends in the extreme south of the island with a volcano Tenegia. which last erupted in 1971.

In the center of the island there is a huge crater La Cadera de Taburiente, which is a National Park. The crater is covered with a dense pine forest, its depth reaches 770 m and its circumference is 28 km. To view it in all its grandeur there are several observation platforms: La Cumbrecita , Las Chosas , Roque de los Muchachos — highest point(2423 m) islands where the largest astrophysical observatory in the northern hemisphere is located. A stone spire 800 m high rises from the bottom of the crater Idafe Rock. They say that there was a sacred Guanche altar where sacrifices were made.

Holidays on La Palma

La Palma provides excellent opportunities for activities aquatic species sports and for hiking . There is a yacht club on the island Puerto de la Playa. There is a sports fishing club in the capital la Gaviota.

Puerto de Naos the biggest island resort with magnificent black sand beaches. There is a village nearby San Nicolas, which erupted in 1949 volcano Nambroque, now only a lonely church rises among the frozen lava fields.

Near San Andres y Sauces there is a dense forest of lime trees with huge ferns. Fuencaliente, the most southern village islands, surrounded by vineyards, pine forests, and volcanoes, the most famous of which are San Antonio and Teneguia.

Cancajos Beach near the village Breсa Baja consists of several bays with clear water. In the village Puerto de Naos with good tourist infrastructure, the location is delightful black sand beach. Near Tijarafe beautiful natural location Cueva Bonita grotto.

Souvenirs. Palma is famous for its cigars and silk fabrics. At the Tobacos Vargas tobacco factory, which is located in Santa Cruz de la Palma, you can see how workers roll cigars by hand, and you can also buy samples. In the village of Maso you can buy excellent ceramics. The island's handicrafts rival its cuisine in richness, with some of the best mojo sauces in the Canary Islands.

The island of La Palma is very popular among nature lovers. Like others Canary Islands it is of volcanic origin, therefore, in the process of its formation, many caves and rocks were formed, which attract many tourists who want to visit amazing places, enjoy the magnificent views or go diving. Unlike the desert landscapes of Tenerife, the island of La Palma is almost entirely green and has quite a rich nature, which is why it is called “isla verde”, which translates from Spanish as “green island”. On La Palma you will find many magnificent landscapes, a wide choice walking routes, as well as getting to know historical heritage Spain.

Flights to La Palma

Hotel reservations La Palma

La Palma hotels on the map

Resorts La Palma

Santa Cruz de La Palma- a small town and the capital of the island. It is home to many local attractions and also has excellent beaches. Interesting feature beaches are that they have completely black sand volcanic origin. It is not much different from the usual light one, but it creates a certain special Canary atmosphere. The beautiful coast and the town itself will not leave you indifferent; you can go on excursions around interesting places, they are all located close to each other.

Charco Azul- the resort has a developed infrastructure and a good beach with an ocean pool.

La Fajana-Another one popular resort with excellent artificial beaches, many restaurants and shopping spots.

Santa Cruz- the resort is located near the port and has a long stretch of beach that extends all the way to the capital of the island.

Los Concajos- popular as a place for family vacation with kids.

Sights and holidays on La Palma

Historic places of La Palma

It’s worth taking a look at Piazza di Spagna, there is a beautiful Dali street and an ancient Salazar's palace, built back in XVII century. But there are sights even older, such as Church of the Holy Light, built during the Renaissance, was somewhat modified and expanded over time; there is a beautiful, high bell tower.

Ayatamiento- This is the town hall of the 16th century. We recommend that smoke lovers definitely visit House of Tobacco, where you can buy real high-quality cigars for yourself or as a gift to friends, and it’s also worth taking a look at Constitution Square.

Once in ancient times, La Palma was inhabited by the Benajoares people. This is confirmed by numerous archaeological finds and rock paintings. You can find all this in La Zarsa Museum to better know how this interesting people lived. The drawings themselves are mostly petroglyphs that look like spirals, circles and many other signs; to this day no one can decipher them. It is also surprising that drawings were found very reminiscent of images of the Aztecs, and this is quite strange for these places. In general, this place is simply dotted with secrets, which attracts tourists with a variety of interests.

You can also visit the museum ship, this is accurate replica of the ship Santa Maria, on which Christopher Columbus discovered America.

Having visited Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, this iconostasis was created back in the 15th century. But it is very well preserved to this day. The altar is made of Mexican silver, in the Baroque style, and you can also see other ancient icons, including in other churches of the island.

Mountains and volcanoes

Giant Crater of La Caldera de Taburiente formed as a result of powerful volcanic eruptions, it is 8 kilometers in diameter. Climbing to it is probably not suitable for all tourists, since in some places there are quite steep and sharp ascents and descents, but if you have good health and endurance, then unforgettable experience you will definitely get it. La Caldera de Taburiente- this is a national park, you can get to it from Santa Cruz by bus, it’s not far.

Thrills can provide Pico de la Cruz- this is the highest peak of the park; it will take about 5 hours to get to it, but it’s worth it. Having overcome this long journey, you will be able to feel like you are on top of the world; there is a special observation deck equipped with a stunning view. There are 2 excursion routes, one is the Roca de los Muchachos trail, the highest altitude trail, and the second trail is called Lomo de las Chosas, which is easier to overcome.

The next attraction is called Barranco del Agua. This rocky gorge with a beautiful, picturesque forest, this is an example of the pristine nature of the island, which was here many centuries and even millennia ago, is considered a biosphere reserve and is protected by UNESCO. There are 5 different trails in the gorge, some are more difficult and suitable for trained and prepared tourists, and there are those that are suitable for a pleasant, relaxing holiday. One of the routes will lead to observation deck, the other route is more difficult, but it will take you to beautiful waterfalls.

What else is remarkable about the island is its extraordinary beauty sunsets which are considered one of the most beautiful in the world. But it is best to observe them from the western part of the island, since on the other side the sun quickly disappears behind the mountains.

Caves of La Palma

What else is definitely worth seeing on La Palme are the caverns. There are quite a lot of them here and perhaps they need to be given special attention.

Cave called El Salto De Tigalat consists of two pipes that connect, it is one of the hundred longest volcanic caves in the world, it will be very interesting to walk through it. Here you can find entire halls and passages. Previously, these pipes were single, but over time, erosion took its toll.

Cueva De Todoca is one of the most visited caves by tourists. It was formed as a result of the underground lava flow of the San Juan volcano. The length of this cave is one and a half kilometers, but for most tourists only a third of this distance is accessible. You should be careful as you can get hurt on sharp frozen pieces of lava. There is a limit on visiting; they are allowed in groups of 15 people. It is better to visit it with a guide to learn better about the cave. In addition to solidified lava, you will see stalactites and stalagmites, and walls covered with lichen; the view here is simply stunning.

Another volcanic cave Cueva De Benishajare It is also interesting to visit, but it is better not to travel through it on your own, since it is a labyrinth in which it is quite easy to get lost. Walking along it you can see ancient mushroom-shaped caves, they are in good condition.

Cueva de Belmaco cave located in the archeology park, the island's residents believe that at one time it was the residence of the last rulers of the canton. It was here that rock paintings were first discovered 300 years ago.

To the cave Cueva De Candelaria It cannot be reached from the shore, but only from the sea; it is located near the mouth of the El Jurado ravine. In the 17th century, it served as a shelter for fishermen from attacks by pirates and Muslims. The view here is simply stunning, the walls polished over time and the reflections of the water, especially in the evening, can cause admiration, and many exotic fish swim in the water. You can get here with a guide on excursion boats.

Cueva Del Perdido has several entrances, however, the cave is dangerous, as it crumbles, and also has labyrinths; it is not recommended to go here without a guide and special equipment.