La Palma Attractions
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An international body has designated La Palma as one of the three most beautiful islands in the world, and it is easy to see why. The magnificent scenery and fascinating vegetation make an immediate appeal to all who explore the island, either on foot or by car. And because it lacks any large beaches it has remained largely unspoiled by mass tourism.TopographyThis heart-shaped island has a maximum length from north to south of 47km/29mi and a maximum breadth from east to west of 30km/19mi. Hills encircle the island, falling steeply down to the coast, with only a few coves with beaches of black sand to break the line of rugged cliffs. In the center of La Palma is the Caldera de Taburiente, with the island's highest peak, the Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m/7,960ft).
Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain
Santa Cruz de la Palma, the island's chief town, lies on the east coast, on the rim of a volcanic crater, La Caldereta. The life of the town is centered on its two main streets running parallel to the coast, the Avenida Maritima and Calle O'Daly (or Calle Real), which have preserved a number of old houses with finely decorated wooden balconies alongside imposing modern buildings.
Calle O'Daly
Calle O'Daly runs into the Plaza de España, in which are the Town Hall (16th century) and a number of 18th century noble mansions.
El Salvador
A broad flight of steps leads up from Calle O'Daly to the church of El Salvador (second half of 16th century), with a beautiful Mudéjar coffered ceiling and Gothic vaulting in the sacristy.
Maritime Museum
Calle O'Daly and its continuation go north to the Maritime Museum, housed in a reproduction of the ''Santa María'', in which Columbus sailed to America in 1492.
Caldera de Taburiente
The Caldera de Taburiente, in the center of the island, was declared a National Park in 1954. With a circumference of 28km/17mi and a maximum diameter of almost 9km/5.5mi, it is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. There is a magnificent view into the crater from the Cumbrecita viewpoint (1,833m/6,014ft), which can be reached by car on a narrow asphalted road.
Mirador de Las Chozas
Another good viewpoint on Caldera de Taburiente is the Mirador de Las Chozas, reached from the Cumbrecita on a forest track negotiable by cars.
Puerto Naos
Puerto Naos, on the west coast, has developed into the island's most popular tourist center thanks to its beach, the longest on the island (though still only a few hundred meters long). It has some fairly modest tourist facilities, a seafront promenade and a number of restaurants.
Volcán de Teneguia
The most recent volcanic eruption on La Palma occurred at the southern tip of the island in 1971, after a series of preliminary seismic movements, and the masses of ash and lava ejected formed the Volcán de Teneguia (439m/1,440ft). It is no longer active, but there are still emissions of vapor from fissures in the valley bottom.
Atlantic Center of Modern Art
Opened in 1989 in an 18th C. house, the Atlantic Center of Modern Art is a recent addition to Gran Canaria's museums. The majority of its works come from the Canary Islands but also some mainland artists have works here.
Mazo, Spain
The Belmaco Cave with its prehistoric markings is an important draw for tourists. An observation platform overlooking the coast is an additional draw.The airport for La Palma is found in Mazo.
Brena Baja, Spain
The crystal clear water amongst its beach coves makes Breña Baja a lovely spot for bathers.
Los Llanos de Aridane, Spain
From the observation platform, El Time, it is possible to see the entirety of the commercial and agriculture town of Los Llanos de Aridane.
San Andres y Sauces, Spain
A dense lime-tree forest is the main draw for the village of San Andres y Sauces.
Tazacorte, Spain
A harbor and lovely beaches are characteristic of this small, scenic village.
Cueva Bonita
The grotto of Bonita lies near Tijarife.
