Isla de La Palma Things to Do

The main reason to visit the Canary Islands and especially Isla La Palma, were these mysterious prehistoric rock carvings.
Earlier in that year we red about these inscriptions in one of the books written about the mysteries of Atlantis. So after we found out that the most inscriptions could be seen at La Palma, we booked our ticket.
The original inhabitants of the Canary Islands are the Guanches, but it is not known if they engraved these geometric forms. There are still different explanations about these inscriptions.
The carvings can be grouped in four categories: spirals,circular, meandering and linear figures, but there are also combinations and variations in each category.

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Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island, situated on the east coast, and is well worth a visit. Lots to see among its archicture and lovely boutique shopping. Calle Real is the main shopping street , narrow and cobbled and full of interest. The Avienda Marritima lines the coast road and has many outdoor cafes as well as the renowned row of balconied houses - a popular photo opportunity. Plaza España is the hub of the town with the town Hall and Cathedral being located here. We visited twice, one walking in from our base and again by bus, and saw many different things, following a self guided walking tour to see the main attractions and viewpoints. The tourist information has lots of information and maps. It is a port town and you'll see many cruises ships visiting for a day....but to just ssee Santa Cruz would be doing the island a disservice - there is so much more to see.

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The Saltpans on the southernmost point of La Palma are a small commercial operation extracting salt from the sea water. It wa a bit of a trek down here in the car, thought we never get there and it was really windy. Really interesting to see though and the lighthouse has small exhibition insideon conservation.

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Its a long twisty turny road up to Roque los Muchachos but its well worth a trip, a must in fact. The air is so pure up here that scientists from all over the world study the heavens.
Surrounded by unique setting of truly breathtaking beauty at an altitude of over 2,420 metres above sea level, you can see one of the world's most important astrophysical observatories - indeed there are several up here, each with its own helipad. Brian May (of Queen fame) has an interest up here too and regularly visits.

The Observatory is not open to visitors. However, people are allowed to visit the observatory on specific days in summer, the "Jornadas de Puertas Abiertas" (normally, one or two days in July and one or two days in August. Previous on-line registration is necessary).

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The Caldera de Taburiente, just a bit further on from the observatories, is a mammoth ring of summits stretching 8km in diameter, and dropping from 2000m at Roque de los Muchachos (2426m) down to Dos Aguas at the National Park's exit in Las Angustias Ravine. It is not volcanic crator but is actually the result of landslide, also known as seamount. When Volcanic islands like La Palma form and emerge from the ocean they begin to sink again under their own weight - the Caldera de Taburiente is mass subsidence. Here an amazing view caan be seen down into the Caldera - often you will drive through and up above the clouds into the clear air. When clear the view around is amazing - we had a vista of clouds hovering around the crater and across we could see Tenerife. There are trails around the rim and a bit further down in the Caldera - but remeber you have to climb back up and the air is thin!

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La Zarza is renowned for rock inscriptions at an atlitude where the fayal brezal (heather) forest merges into the pine wood. They are located at an altitude of 1000m above the sea level, between La Mata and Llano Negro. A short trail loops around the area to view the caves and carvings. There is also an information centre with exhibits.

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Along the island there are a lot of 'senderos' (hiking paths) well signalized. Hire a guide or buy a 'senderos' book. I recommend:
- Roque de los muchacos (highest spot at 2400mts)
- Reserva de la Biosfera in Los Sauces (nascientes de marcos e cordero)
- Barranco de las Angustias
- Tijarafe e Tazacorte
- The southern vulcanos (including Teneguia that was last active in 1972)

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This hike in the south of La Palma is well marked and takes you along several volcanoes.

The hike starts at the recreational area El Pilar, southeast from El Paso, located next to the LP-203 road. From here you can follow the well marked GR 131 Ruta de los Volcanes trail all the way to Fuencaliente, or you can take an an alternative route and go back to El Pilar when you have seen enough volcanoes.

Use a guide that describes the walk, walking guides are available in most book stores on the island or even supermarkets. Or go well prepared and buy one at home...