Beautiful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, colorful houses with flower-filled windows and balconies, narrow streets…
Yes, Santa Cruz de la Palma definitely brings to mind the most romantic places that we can usually only see in movies. However, it is not only the charm of the city, but also everything it has to offer that makes the capital of the island of La Palma (the full name of the island: San Miguel de la Palma) considered, also by the Spaniards themselves, the most beautiful in the entire archipelago of the Canary Islands.
What is worth seeing in Santa Cruz de la Palma?
The architecture of the city is a mixture of three styles: Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Particularly noteworthy is the Plaza de España, around which we find a number of buildings made in the old style, as well as the charming Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador and the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). Don’t forget to visit the Marítima avenue, where you will find the traditional wooden balconies that are so characteristic of the whole city.
Museo Insular
History buffs will certainly be pleased to know that Santa Cruz de La Palma is home to the 16th-century Island Museum (Museo Insular). It also includes several other museums: the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes), the Ethnographic Museum (El Museo de Etnografía), the Museum of Natural History (El Museo de Historia Natural) and the island’s Library. And if your hunger for art is still not satisfied, go to one of the two theaters in the city: Teatro Circo de Marte and Teatro Chico.
Real Santuario Insular de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves
This sanctuary houses the sacred image of the patron saint of the island of La Palma (Nuestra Señora de las Nieves). In addition to its religious value, this building is also of historical significance. Its construction dates back to 1646, the era of the first colonizers.
Mirador de la Concepción viewpoint
To climb to the very top of the Risco de la Concepción volcano, you can have various motivations. I will use pure aesthetics, as it is one of the best places from which there is a panoramic view of the entire city. There is also good news for those who do not like hiking. You can also reach the Mirador de la Concepción viewpoint by one of several city buses.
City squares
- Plaza de la Constitución – this place should be of particular interest to you, because in addition to the busy roundabout, there is also a Tourist Information Office here. The locals colloquially call it Casa de Cristal (Eng. Glass House), because indeed this small building is almost entirely made of glass.
- Plaza de la Alameda – on this square there is a monument erected on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the city’s existence, as well as a model of the ship Santa María, which belonged to Christopher Columbus.
- Plaza de España – around this square we will see a number of buildings made in the old style, as well as the charming Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador and the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).
Caldera de Taburiente National Park
By car, you are only half an hour away from the biggest natural attraction in La Palma. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park was created in the crater of a huge volcano, which is 8 km in diameter. It is worth visiting this place to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment, get to know the Canary Islands nature better and float in the clouds for a while. On the spot, the Mirador de la Cumbrecita viewpoint is recommended, from where there is a beautiful view of the park area.
Popular fiestas – Practical information
Boredom is something that the inhabitants of Santa Cruz de La Palma know only in theory. Although it would seem that in such a small area (about 43 m2 of area, which is more than 7 times less than Krakow), not much can happen, this hasty conclusion would be very unfair in the case of this city.
One of the most celebrated events is, of course, the carnival and the accompanying fiesta Los Indianos. Similar to the cities in the continental part of Spain, there is no shortage of Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations here as well.
On May 3, the inhabitants of Santa Cruz de La Palma celebrate Las Fiestas de la Cruz. This event commemorates the founding of the city and is particularly characteristic because of … crosses (Spanish “santa cruz” means “holy cross” in Polish). We will find them in various parts of the city – on the streets, squares, buildings – but on May 3, all of them are decorated with flowers and other ornaments, among which you can often find even jewelry!
And although it might seem that Las Fiestas de la Cruz is the peak of the possibilities of this small town, nothing could be more wrong! Even more loudly celebrated are the Las Fiestas Lustrales de la Bajada de la Virgen de las Niebes (in short: Fiestas Lustrales) held every 5 years. This is a celebration of the patron saint of the island, which unites all people born on the island. The word “born” is so important that it is not only about those who currently live in La Palma, but also about those who emigrated to other parts of Spain or the world, and on this day – they return to emphasize their island identity. During this holiday (or rather a series of holidays), art, spectacles and various types of fiestas flood the streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma, turning the city into a huge festival square.
