Many have heard of the Canaries as a paradise for recreation. However, the island of La Palma, which is one of the 8 main islands of the Canary Archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, can hardly be called a resort. Despite the presence of beaches, rest here may not seem comfortable to everyone. There are frequent earthquakes on the island, and sometimes even volcanic eruptions.
Origin and geology
The Canary Islands are the southernmost region of Spain. The length of their coastline is 1,115 km. Of these, only about 260 km are beaches suitable for a pleasant stay.
La Palma Island, Canary Islands, Spain
The island of La Palma is located in the northwest of the archipelago and has its own microclimate. This is due not only to its location. Geology and origin have become the main factors that have left their mark on the climatic conditions and landscape of La Palma.
La Palma (Canary Islands) is a relatively small island (only 710 square kilometers). Among the islands of the archipelago, it occupies the 5th largest, and is of volcanic origin.
The so-called volcanic islands are the peaks of volcanoes that once erupted on the ocean floor. This is how the entire Canary Archipelago appeared in the Atlantic Ocean. Each of its islands is the tip of an underwater volcano rising above the surface of the water.
The most significant point of the island of La Palma, Roque de los Muchachos, is located at an altitude of 2 km 426 m above ocean level. Its base is located 4,000 m below this level.
The entire surface of La Palma bears traces indicating its volcanic origin. It consists mainly of solidified and petrified lava.
There is a vast basin in the north of the island. This is the Taburiente caldera. It was formed more than 2 million years ago as a result of the collapse of the walls of a volcanic crater.
The size of the caldera can amaze any imagination:
- depth — from 1 km 500 m to 2 km;
- the width is from 9 km to 10 km.
It should be said that the Caldera de Taburiente is located on the territory of the national park of the same name. This status was assigned to the northern lands of the island in 1954.
The volcanic cauldron (this is how “caldera” is translated from Spanish) is surrounded by mountains of various heights. The highest is the Roque de los Muchachos
(Roque de los Muchachos). It is a rocky hill, the highest point of which is located at an altitude of 2 km 424 m.
The Cumbre Nueva mountain range begins from the Taburiente caldera, which stretches to the south of the island. Its highest point is at an altitude of 950 m above sea level.
The outer slopes of the Caldera de Taburiente are covered with numerous gorges.
In the south of La Palma, the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge rises. It consists of slag and lava. Its highest point is located at an altitude of 1 km 950 m.
Cumbre Vieja is an active volcano, the last eruption of which occurred in September 2021.
Volcanoes and eruptions
La Palma is one of the islands in the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Canary Archipelago. There are many volcanoes on a relatively small area here. Some of them erupted centuries ago. However, there are also those whose activity has been observed quite recently.
The table below shows volcanoes, the eruption of which is mentioned in ancient chronicles and in the testimonies of contemporaries:
|
№ n/a |
The name of the volcano | Date of the last eruption (g.) | Known Details |
| 1. | Montagna Quemada | 1470-1492 | The first mention of an eruption on La Palma. |
| 2. | Tajuya | 1585 | The eruption brought great destruction, which affected the island’s agriculture. |
| 3. | San Martin | 1646 | The eruption lasted almost 4 months. |
| 4. | San Antonio | 1677-1678 | The volcano was named in honor of the holiday, during the celebration of which the eruption began. |
| 5. | El Charco | 1712 | The eruption occurred at several points, which subsequently determined the landscape of the western slopes of La Palma Island. Today there is a protected natural area here. |
| 6. | San Juan | 1949 | The eruption occurred in several stages, when lava flows and ash columns were ejected from different points. |
| 7. | Teneguia | 1971 | Lava emissions occurred not only on land, but also from under water. Tourists had the opportunity to watch the eruption. 1 person died. |
| 8. | Cumbre Vieja | 2021 | The devastating eruption lasted from September to December. There are no fatalities. |
The last eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, which began in September 2021, caused significant damage to the island of La Palma. Violent streams of boiling lava destroyed many residential buildings and large areas of agricultural land. Entire neighborhoods on the western slopes of the island were buried under a layer of ash.
Local residents (more than 7,000 people) were evacuated. They were able to return home only a week after the end of the volcano’s activity (in mid-December). However, scientists believe that eruptions can happen again.
Attractions
La Palma (Canary Islands) is considered one of the greenest in the archipelago.
It is no coincidence that its other names are known:
- La Isla Bonita, which translates as “beautiful island”;
- La Isla Verde, which means “green island”.
It is not surprising that numerous groups of tourists flock to La Palma all year round. There are not many attractions on the island, but it will be interesting for any traveler to see them.
Capital
Everyone who comes to the island will definitely get to its capital. Santa Cruz de La Palma is a small colorful city with cozy narrow streets where national identity and modern classics peacefully coexist. At one time, it was one of the most important ports in Spain.
The most interesting sights will not go unnoticed here:
- the city square Plaza de la Constitucion and Plaza de Espana square with a beautiful fountain;
- Ayuntamiento Town Hall, the decoration of which bears the imprint of the Renaissance and Spanish colonial style;
- the picturesque city promenade of Avenida Maritima, where locals and tourists like to stroll;
- The San Francisco Church, which is a protected site of cultural significance; today it houses the La Palma Island Museum;
- Calle Real and Calle O’dali streets, which are decorated with old houses with beautiful quaint balconies;
- Mercado Municipal city market, where you can buy various national souvenirs, clothes and products;
- The House of Tobacco (Casa Del Tabaco), where the best Spanish cigars are sold.
In addition, it is worth visiting the ancient castle of Castillo de Santa Catalina (La Palma), built in the style of the Italian Renaissance.
Inside the castle you can see:
- The Governor’s house (at one time it was used as a prison);
- The armory;
- dungeons and powder depots.
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum of the island of La Palma (La Palma) Maritime Museum deserves special attention from tourists. The museum building is located inside a complete replica of Christopher Columbus’ sailing flagship Santa Maria.
On such a vessel, the famous navigator went to discover America.
The exhibits and paraphernalia of the museum are completely devoted to the marine theme. Visiting it will be interesting for both adults and children.
Salazar’s Palace
Another interesting attraction of the island is the Casa Principal de Salazar (Salazar’s Palace), located on Calle O’dali Street. The building was built in 1687 as the count’s residence of the Valle de Salazar family.
The building is a striking example of Baroque architecture, where the skills of first-class masons and cabinetmakers of that era are masterfully combined.
Royal Castle of Santa Catalina de Alejandria
Real Castillo de Santa Catalina de Alejandria is the only surviving fortress, which was built in 1554. There is a courtyard where you can see the cannons of that era. Once the building served as a fortification garrison, later as a dwelling for the local governor, and at one time it was a prison dungeon.
Nowadays, the residence is used as a museum.
In addition to the main city attractions on the island of La Palma, you can visit the observation decks, which offer magnificent views of the surrounding area.
Among them:
- Roque de Los Muchachos (from here you can clearly see the Taburiente caldera, the observatory building and several islands of the archipelago);
- Mirador El Time (from here you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes);
- Pico de la Nieve (this is a good observation deck on the edge of the caldera);
- Mirador de la Cumbrecita (from this observation deck you can get a good view of the Caldera de Taburiente);
- Mirador Llano de las Ventas (from here you can see the ocean and the capital La Palma perfectly);
- Mirador del Aeropuerto (airport observation deck);
- Mirador de Los Andenes (the observation deck is located in the north of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park at an altitude of 2,000 m);
- Mirador de Las Hoyas (from this observation deck, the Punta Lava en Tazacorte lighthouse, banana groves and the ocean coast are clearly visible).
National parks
La Palma (Canary Islands) is of volcanic origin.
This fact is directly related to the existing landscape and many island attractions.
Caldera de Taburiente
The pearl and pride of the island is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park (Caldera de Taburiente). The territory in the north of La Palma received its status in 1954.
This huge basin, formed as a result of the collapse of the walls of the volcano crater, has an impressive size. Its depth is more than 1,500 m, and its diameter is more than 9,000 m.
The slopes of the former volcanic crater are covered with vegetation of mighty pines and juniper. There are many species of birds among the inhabitants of these forests.
There are many hiking trails in the park, along which you can make an exciting journey into the mysterious world of Caldera de Taburiente.
Here, on the highest peak of the Roque de los Muchachos, there is a good observation deck with a beautiful view of the entire territory of the caldera.
It is very often possible to observe how white lush clouds rise from the Taburiente basin. This delightful sight leaves no one indifferent.
Los Tilos
No less interesting is the Los Tilos Biosphere Reserve. Relict laurel forests have been preserved here.
Once upon a time there were many such broad-leaved forests on the planet Earth. Today, only a small part of them has remained untouched by human civilization. You can see the laurel thickets on the island of La Palma. That is why Los Tilos has received the status of a biosphere reserve.
In addition to the green spaces, this park is famous for the beautiful freshwater waterfalls of Nacientes de Marco and Nacientes de Cordero. You can get to them by specially paved hiking trails. You can also walk along them to Barranco Aqua (gorge of water).
There are 13 tunnels on the territory of the protected park. They have different lengths and are accessible for walking. There are signs and markers on all routes that make it easy to navigate along the way.
The Los Tilos Nature Reserve has a tourist information center, which houses a cafeteria and a cinema room for watching themed films.
La Sarsa
La Zarza Park is an interesting place that is worth visiting during a trip to the island of La Palma. During archaeological surveys, traces of the ancient Benahoares people were found on its territory.
Here, in caves, under the thickness of petrified lava, unique rock carvings (petroglyphs) in the form of closed and open lines were found. They could not be deciphered.
There is a museum and an information center on the territory of the park. Here you can watch a thematic film about the ancient people who once lived on the Canary Islands and their way of life.
Beaches
La Palma and the Canary Islands are attractive for lovers of exotic and relaxing by the sea. La Palma Island has resort and beach areas. There are not many of them, and they are strikingly different from the usual beaches.
El Faro
At the southern tip of La Palma Island, there is a quiet, secluded El Faro beach. Its surface is covered with a mixture of fine volcanic pebbles and sand, which gives it a dark graphite hue. The water and the ocean floor are clean here, so they are well suited for divers and swimming.
The beach has everything you need for a carefree and relaxing holiday.
Los Canjacos
Los Canhacos Beach is located on the east coast of La Palma in a small quiet bay. Low rocky formations hide the beach area from other islands of the archipelago and the ocean breeze.
There is warm black sand, clear water and quiet waves. This allows you to conduct diving classes here, and relax with children.
The beach area is equipped with all necessary infrastructure and equipment, which provides vacationers with a calm, measured rest.
Several hotels of different service levels are located near the beach area.
Bahamar
Bahamar Beach is located in the east of the island near the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma. Its length is just under 1,000 m. This is a favorite vacation spot for the residents of La Palma. Cafes, restaurants and shops are located nearby.
The beach is covered with a mixture of sand and volcanic crumbs, which gives it a black hue. It has all the necessary infrastructure for organizing a full-fledged beach holiday and comfort. The city’s Avenida Maritima promenade runs along the beach strip, where locals and tourists like to stroll.
Puerto de Tasacorte
The western territory of the island of La Palma is also equipped with beaches. One of them is Puerto de Tasacorte. It is located away from the noise of the city, next to a small gorge. Here you can enjoy not only the oceanic landscapes, but also an interesting natural landscape. The gentle descent to the water and the long shallow waters allow even the smallest tourists to swim here.
The beach has all the necessary infrastructure, as well as a cafe, restaurant and souvenir shops.
Charco Verde
In a small bay on the southwestern coast of La Palma, you can visit Charco Verde beach. It is protected from the winds and prying eyes by small rocks and a banana grove. Families with children like to relax here.
Next to the beach area there are several restaurants and cafes with outdoor terraces, from where you can observe beautiful seascapes.
Charco Verde has all the necessary beach equipment with showers and sun umbrellas.
Puerto Naos
The largest beach on La Palma – Puerto Naos is located in the southwest of the island. It is located on the coastline of the resort area of the same name.
The beach has the prestigious international award of the Foundation for Environmental Education “Blue Flag”. It is located 2,000 m from Charco Verde Beach.
There are hotels, restaurants, shops and parking lots nearby the beach area. This does not prevent it from remaining clean and suitable for a relaxing, full-fledged rest. To do this, there is all the necessary infrastructure.
In addition to the equipped and well-maintained beaches on La Palma, there are secluded “wild” beach areas where locals and knowledgeable tourists like to relax.
When going on vacation to the Canary Islands, it is better to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of each of the islands of the archipelago in advance. Perhaps La Palma is exactly the place you want to visit.
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