Santa Cruz de La Palma
Santa Cruz de La Palma
The capital of the island of La Palma, founded on 3 May 1493 under the name Villa de Apurón, is located on a beach within a bay that once served as a natural harbour. Within its municipal boundaries stands the Royal Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows (Real Santuario de Nuestra Señora la Virgen de las Nieves), the patron saint of La Palma, whose festivities are celebrated with great splendour every five years. During the Benahoarite period, the area was known as the “Canton of Tedote.”
Situated on the eastern side of the island, between the Risco de la Concepción on the edge of La Caldereta (an ancient volcanic caldera) and Barranco Seco, the municipality covers an area of 43.38 square kilometres and has 4.03 kilometres of coastline.
The climate is mild throughout most of the year. However, it is common for the sky to be covered by clouds—known locally as the panza de burro (“donkey’s belly”)—due to the influence of the trade winds arriving from the Atlantic Ocean.
Natural Heritage and Outdoor Attractions
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Los Molinos Trail
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LP 2.2 Hiking Trail
Heritage Interpretation Centres
Naval Museum – Barco de la Virgen
A maritime museum housed within a full-scale replica of the famous Barco de la Virgen.
Island Museum of La Palma
A museum dedicated to the island’s history, culture, and heritage.
Restaurants
Restaurante Lucy
Specialising in fish and seafood.
Restaurante La Placeta
Canarian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Restaurante El Casino Santa Cruz de La Palma
Creative Mediterranean cuisine.
Tapas Bars
La Lonja
Traditional Canarian and fusion cuisine.
La Isla de Goya
Tapas and Spanish cuisine.
El Cuarto de Tula
Tapas and traditional Spanish and Canarian cuisine.
Local Products
Municipal Market of Santa Cruz de La Palma
A traditional market offering a wide range of local products and specialities.