La Palma is called the 'Pretty Isle' by Canary Islanders
for its spectacular vegetation, but the extraordinary purity of
its bright blue skies is now recognised as yet another outstanding
scenic feature.
La Palma is the north-westernmost of the Canary
Island group, known as the 'Pretty Isle' because of its exuberant
natural beauty. The green of the countryside, the abundant water
and the floral wealth make a sharp contrast with the many volcanic
cones, lava flows and dykes that are testimony to the Island's origins.
Along with the natural beauty of the Island, is
a culture full of traditions, cuisine, crafts and folklore that
has survived from the time of the aboriginal inhabitants, who left
a wide variety of natural archaeological riches.
The Caldera de Taburiente National Park
The Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysics Observatory
The peace and harmony of an island with acclaimed attractions
like the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the Roque de los Muchachos
Astrophysics Observatory, (considered the most important astrophysics
observatory in the northern hemisphere), the El Canal y Los Tiles
forests, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and archaeological
sites like Zarza or Belmaco, are just a taste of the marvels to
be discovered by exploring or walking the trails and paths of the
Island, or by enjoying the beaches of fine volcanic sand.
In this wild land, local farmers have made fertile
fields, where once there were only barren stretches of lava, by
bringing water up from the bowels of the earth and soil from afar.
The people of La Palma have earned their reputation for being expert
farmers, not just for bananas, of which La Palma is a major producer,
but also for tobacco. The 'Palmeros' love their land as attested
by their prehistoric name of 'Benahore', which means 'my land' or
'my earth'. Because the Pretty Isle is considered the perfect place
for communing with nature, rural tourism has become a major attraction
and has encouraged the decision-makers to create development programmes
that promote ecological responsibility and architectural preservation.
The climate varies enormously within each of the
two zones: the northeast, favoured by the moisture-laden trade winds,
and the southwest, far drier and sunnier. All along the coastal
strip up to an altitude of 200 metres, average temperatures are
around 20ºC. Above this altitude in winter, the temperatures drop
as you climb, even reaching freezing point in the highest parts
(over 2,000 metres). The beautiful laurel forests, El Cubo de La
Galga and El Canal, have been declared a Biosphere Reserve and are
protected by UNESCO. Canary Island pines cover much of the land
since logging has been banned for some years, allowing it to win
back its old habitat.
El Paso
The balconies on the sea front of Santa Cruz de La Palma
The island architecture is another striking feature.
The capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma is a genuine open-air museum
that has managed to adapt to the times. The XVI century facades
recall its importance when this port-city was authorised for American
trade under the monopoly of the Casa de Contratación in Seville.
Its artistic heritage can be seen in the Town Hall, the Parish Church
of El Salvador, and the balconies and carved woodwork that adorn
the streets. Every five years Las Lustrales are celebrated to commemorate
the Patron Saint of the Island, La Virgen de las Nieves. Everyone
takes part in this traditional event - the 'Baile de los Enanos'
(Dance of the Dwarfs). There are many places to stay while in the
capital. In Los Llanos de Aridane, the second largest town, there
are 23 different lodgings. However, on the rest of the Island, beds
are more limited, except in the tourist resorts of Los Cancajos,
in Breña Baja.
Special thanks to The Consejería de Turismo y Transportes del Gobierno de Canarias
