Do you remember the advertisement of a chocolate bar: a girl with a beautiful figure is basking near a palm tree against the backdrop of a turquoise sea and drinking coconut milk?.. Today we will tell you about a place where you can not only experience heavenly pleasure, but also test real feelings.

Palma - the "true" island

A small piece of land in the middle of the ocean, created as a result of the eruption of an underwater volcano, today is buried in green gardens of indescribable beauty. Palma has become famous for its special atmosphere, which is often noted by those who have been there. And if others Canary Islands attract tourists active species sports and relaxation on the impeccable shores, then Palma has its own magic.

Being surrounded by "living" inanimate nature, a person returns to his essence, remembers the soul. Perhaps that is why there are such conflicting reviews about Palma: it attracts some, it repels others, forever.

Have you already felt the power of attraction? Then welcome to the island of Palma! It occupies only 708 square kilometers, so we have no doubt that you will want to explore it all. And we anticipate the first question upon arrival.

Where to rent a car?

It can be rented directly at the airport, so do not rush to leave it. To do this, you need to have a driver's (international) license, a voucher and credit card. On this list required documents does not end, so we advise you to take care of the full package of documents in advance and book a car in advance. By the way, if you are under 21, the company may not give the car back. In some regions, the critical age reaches 23 years.

Rent a car to get more out of Palma!

And finally, a couple of reminders about the rules traffic, which are highly recommended on the island of Palma:

• Everyone must be allowed to pass at the pedestrian crossing. In this place, it is not customary for pedestrians to fear for the carelessness of the driver. In addition to people, goats, cats, dogs and rabbits can jump out onto the road. Be careful, especially at night!
• overtaking cars on the right is not accepted;
• want to overtake a car while in the leftmost lane? Turn on the left turn signal - they will understand you and give in;
  if you want to slow down, first put your hand to the left or turn on the left turn signal. So you warn about the stop following you. On mountain road with poor visibility before turning - horn;
• yellow markings prohibit parking a car;
• a fine for exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h will be €100;
• driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to imprisonment;
• and lastly, representatives of the traffic police do not take bribes

Housing on about. Palm

Now let's talk about housing. What do you want: villa, hacienda, cottage or apartment?

Fazenda keeps a long history within its walls. Sometimes she is two hundred years old. A cozy rural house with gardens, a swimming pool and everything you need will plunge you into complete peace and give unforgettable experience. Weekly rent will cost at least €300-400. The price may include cleaning, transfer to the airport, yacht rental and much more.

Apartments on the island Palma is promised a no less comfortable stay, but directly in the resort town, where, in addition to the pool and terrace, you can see the beach and bars-restaurants not far away. The cost is from €300.

Spacious villas will cost you €1000 per week. And for lovers of relaxation with an agricultural “tinge”, cottages are suitable: cozy small houses with a plot of land, a garden or a kitchen garden. You will have to pay €350 or more for them.

Separately, I would like to tell you about one unique hotel for adults. Have you ever wanted to spend a couple of unforgettable days in the museum? The Hacienda de Abajo hotel offers to walk past the relics and feel like an exhibit in some sense. The history of the estate begins in the 16th century, but it was opened only in 2012 after a thorough restoration. This is probably why the price tag is quite acceptable: from €92 per night. The hotel is located in a quiet historical center resort town Tazacorte, surrounded by banana plantations and with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Beaches

There, in Tazacorte, there is forever sunny Beach on which gloomy clouds do not cast shadows even in winter. And at night along the coast, dozens of fishermen in boats wait for their catch. The light of the lamps, reflected in the dark water, and the male singing are mesmerizing! The table below shows a few more notable beaches.

Puerto Naos beach on Palma island

Be sure to swim in the natural pools of Charco azul in San Andres on the island of Palma (Spain)

Despite the small area of ​​the island and our rather lyrical introduction, there is something for everyone here. But the priority, of course, are excursions. Here is just a short list of places to go and things to see...

Attractions

The main attraction of the island is its nature. And amazingly clean air. Since 2002, Palma has been recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve. About 35 percent of its area is covered with pine and laurel forests.

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Extensive forests and mountains make the island ideal for hiking.

"Colored" waterfall in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

Together with ferns, dragon trees and other species (and there are more than twenty of them), they form a "dome" that shelters the ancient north of the island. These are the "last of the Mohicans" forests, endangered representatives that for many years covered the south of Europe. Especially for lovers of romance and solitude, trails have been laid here, along which you can walk, “wrapped up” in fog and feeling the breath of wildlife.

A couple of steps from the central part of the city of Los Llanos there is a good botanical garden. Not far from it is the Maroparque zoo with exotic birds and animals: pompous peacocks, fastidious toucans, slender herons, etc. sit in the aviaries.

Los Llanos de Aridane The largest city on the island. Here you can take some spectacular photos against the backdrop of bright facades.

Las Manchas has an original mosaic square of the Four Stones. Here, a small but beautiful fountain, numerous gazebos and benches, as well as a stage for performances are buried in greenery. It is convenient that the house-museum of wine was attached very close. Here you can taste and even buy the vaunted Canarian wines.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island. The city is notable for the facades of houses in the colonial style.

Be sure to visit the cactus garden on the way to El Paso. There are more than seven hundred exotic species there.

For museum lovers:

• in the cigar museum you will get acquainted with the stages of making high-quality cigars, which are quite comparable in quality to Cuban ones;
• in the silk museum you will see the process of production of silk products. When leaving, do not forget to buy something for yourself or as a souvenir;
• There is also the only banana museum in the world on Palma, where you will be told in detail about the impact of a banana on the society and economy of the island. The fact is that this product is the most cultivated and exported

There are a lot of viewing platforms scattered all over the island (free!), From where absolutely fantastic landscapes open up for every taste: the coast and cities, amazing sunsets and the vast ocean.

A well-known fact that we have no right not to mention is an astronomical observatory that studies the entire northern hemisphere of the planet. If you decide to visit this delightful place, be sure to register in advance and bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes. The observatory is located on the high point islands: 2400 meters above sea level.

A couple of facts that were not included in the article:

• Tenerife - for now the only island in the Canary Islands, with which there is air international communication. Therefore, you will have to get to Palma "the old fashioned way", with transfers.
• There is practically no crime in this place, life is measured and calm.
• In addition to the forests on the Palm, you can admire the extensive heather fields.
• Since scientists are monitoring our Universe around the clock, special lighting has been installed on the roads, which does not interfere with astrophysicists' work.
• There are a few geographical names, which includes the word "Palm". Do not confuse them, so as not to be instead of the Canary Island of Palma, for example, Palma de Mallorca, which is on about. Majorca.
• The average air temperature during the year is approximately 22-24 °C.
• The palm tree is able to provide itself with vegetables and fruits. And the potato crop is harvested here four times a year.
• There are not many places for tourists on the island - not a few: only seven thousand. So hurry up! ;)
• Palma is known for producing delicious honey.

Leisure

In this regard, the opportunities on the island are no less than the number of attractions. Surprised? It seems what else you can do in a place surrounded by azure warm water, under gentle sun? Here's what:

• diving or spearfishing. If you have already mastered scuba diving, it's time to get down to business smarter. True, there are many conditions for spearfishing to take place. First, not every fish can be caught. Secondly, not on every day and, thirdly, not in any place you like. In addition, prey cannot be sold, and there must be a license to fish. If these restrictions have discouraged you from hunting underwater, well, you can just go fishing. Catching a rich catch - no matter where you are: in a boat or under water - is always a pleasure. Or even easier: just go to boat trip. Good too;
• climbing or paragliding. And for this, and for another type of entertainment, there is everything you need here. By the way, the island of Palma is considered one of the most ideal places for free flights;
• organize a real marathon or explore the route on foot, visiting ancient caves. You can use a mountain bike

Pay attention to the possibility of a tour of the acropark, which is located very close to the Refugio del Pilar. Hanging bridges, cables and nets will dilute a relaxing holiday with vivid impressions.

Gastronomy

It's delicious everywhere. A little unusual - the influence of many national cultures affects: Spanish, European, Latin American, African and not only. The basis of the dishes is still fresh seafood of excellent quality and impeccable taste. Add to this excellent home-made wine, amazing desserts and, as they say, "impossible to resist"! Prices in restaurants range from €10-15, with wine the amount increases to €50. By the way, dinner on Palma starts late and can drag on until midnight.

Green and red mojo are traditional hot and spicy Canarian sauces.

P.S.

Here it is, the island of Palma, to which today we deservedly give the palm (no pun intended) among other islands of the Canary archipelago. See you in Palma? ;)

Part 1 - Santa Cruz de La Palma - Caldera Taburiente (Cumbrecita)
Part 2 - Los Llanos - Roque de Muchachos - La Zarsa petroglyphs - Los Tilos
Part 3 - Volcanoes of San Antonio and Tenegia - Tazacorte

They say La Palma is the greenest of the Canary Islands. We decided to check it out for ourselves. Last year, Tenerife and I started traveling around neighboring islands(, Lanzarote), and we really liked this idea. A visit to the green island was planned for the January holidays.

Back in the summer, I booked a couple of hotels on La Palma: Sol La Palma And H10 Costa Salinas, deciding to make the final choice closer to the trip. But tickets for the Fred Olsen ferry appeared much later - at the end of October. I decided not to delay, and besides, take advantage of the promotional fare, and booked tickets in advance via the Internet. True, with such a booking, two small catches may await you: if you are sailing with a car, then you need its number; and second, boarding tickets for the ferry, you must either print out 48 hours in advance, or go to the port and get them at the box office.

When I chose tickets on the site, I was very upset by the proposed schedule: the ship departed from Tenerife at 19.00 and landed on Palma around 22.00. Completely uninteresting option. And only on January 6th (!!!) when nothing works in Spain, and they celebrate their favorite holiday, the morning flight was on the schedule. I did not hesitate for a long time, changed the dates of my stay at the hotel for one day, and grabbed such interesting tickets!

We sailed from the port of Los Cristianos on January 6th. We already know how to load on a ferry by car, from our trip to La Gomera last year. The ship was, surprisingly, half empty, and those who landed on Tenerife, for the most part, disembarked on Homer. From La Gomera to La Palma we were left with only two or three dozen passengers. The children completely and completely disposed of the empty playroom, and we watched the seascapes through the window.

Here is our last year's friend - La Gomera.

And on the other hand, Teide floats above the clouds, showing off its snow cap.

Almost three hours after sailing, La Palma began to loom on the horizon.

And here is the Binter Canaries in a hurry to the island. We flew on such a baby in the summer in Lanzarote

From the water, I recognized the outline of the hotel I had booked.

And we are met by the capital of the island, which bears almost the same name as the capital of Tenerife - Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Immediately from the ferry we go to our hotel H10 Costa Salinas, which is located exactly ten minutes drive from the port of Santa Cruz, in a cozy place called Los Cancajos. Surprisingly, the hotel doors were locked. They had an announcement that the reception should be looked for in the neighboring four-star hotel H10 Taburiente playa. We were given the keys to the front door of the hotel and to our room. The guests of our Costa Salinas can safely use the infrastructure of the older brother Taburiente playa, which is essentially located in the middle between them. We were given a room with a higher category than I ordered, apparently due to the off-season and the unoccupied hotel. And our cute house appears on all the photos of this hotel on Booking.com. More information about the room, its pros and cons, you can see on the page of my review.

We went out to our huge balcony and saw off Fred, who, after disembarking the passengers, sailed back to Tenerife.

We walked a bit around the hotel, which offers a wonderful view of the capital of the island.

We began to think what we can do today, provided that nothing works anywhere, because of the holiday - the Parade of the Magi.
So, before us is the island of La Palma:

We decided to start with a lookout over the capital - Mirador de la Concepcion. But in order to get back - in the direction of Santa Cruz de La Palma, each time we had to start moving in the opposite direction from it - this is how the road in Los Cancajos works. On the way, we were the first to come across another observation deck, which offers a view of our cute village.

Well, the Mirador de la Concepcion gave us simply fantastic views, both of the capital with its colorful houses, and of its neighboring areas.

An interesting monument, by which we drove all 4 days, but did not understand what the author wanted to say.

With awe and impatience, I looked at the mountain range, which tomorrow we had to overcome.

Well, and we, having finished the photo session on the Mirador, begin a long descent to the capital. So far, everything around me reminds me of the north of the island of Tenerife - the area of ​​​​Santa Cruz - Anagi.

We descended somehow for a very long time, the road spins without interruption, along beautiful bright houses, palm trees and gardens. Surprisingly, we did not meet a single oncoming car. The navigator took us to the edge of Santa Cruz and stuck us in a one-way road - the oncoming one. In fact, we could get to the parking lot much faster if we went down the same way as we went up the mirador, but that would not be interesting! Finally, we got to the embankment, found parking, and it turned out to be free today.

We went for a walk through a completely empty city: all shops and restaurants are closed, there are practically no people on the streets, and the cobbled central street is dotted with multi-colored confetti - traces of the past holiday.

The deserted Calle Anselmo led us to the Plaza de España. The silence here was broken by an interesting character: on a bench, opposite the Church of the Holy Savior, there was a peasant with a tape recorder turned on at full volume, from which groovy reggae sounded. Reggae in an empty city, on central square- makes a strong impression :)

Most of the cathedrals built during the 16th century are Moorish in style, with thick walls painted white and volcanic stonework at the corners.
Church of the Savior (Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador). The bell tower was erected at the very beginning of the 16th century.

Here, in the Plaza de España, in addition to the church, you can find a stone fountain (end of the 16th century) and the building of the City Hall.

Climbing up the empty street, we found ourselves in Saint Domingo Square with the church of the same name.

An interesting house was also found here. Judging by the inscription, Palm architects work here, who apparently were original.

Even the city roofs are a constant reminder that we are on the greenest island. And tomorrow we will be convinced of this for sure.

Having bypassed a small quarter, we again found ourselves near the Cathedral of the Savior.

Collection of door handles

Where there are elegant entrance groups in the entrances, the doors are open everywhere.

Fort Santa Cruz

We spent a little over an hour to walk around the city. With great difficulty we found a restaurant here that was ready to feed us. The food is cheap and very mediocre. But, as they say, in the absence of fish, cancer is a fish.

Second day. La Cumbrecita - Los Llanos

The most important thing planned for today is a trip to the Taburiente National Park (Caldera de Taburiente) in the Cumbrecita zone. There are many hiking trails on Kumbrechit. Due to the fact that the place for parking cars there is very limited (there are only 16 places available for booking), there are only two ways to get there by car: either take a taxi from the information office, or book a parking time in advance via the Internet on the website of the National parks of the Canary Islands. I preferred the second way. On the site, you need to select the date, arrival hours and the amount of time spent there, print this reservation (it's free) in two copies and be sure to take it with you.

On the way, we drop into the observation deck de la Cumre, from where you can see two islands at once: Tenerife and La Gomera.

Then, through a series of tunnels, along a simple serpentine, we continue our way in the direction of the town of El Paso, from where the branch of the road to Cumbrecita begins.

In the information center we grab a map of the Caldera, indicating all possible routes, distance, approximate travel time.

The nature here is amazing! A variety of trees grow: fluffy Canarian pines, different varieties of palm trees, flowering almonds and still bald.

After some time, we pass the checkpoint, show our reservation. The narrow road begins to twist and rise up.

The place was found not in the main parking lot, but in the additional one. We buried our "nose" in a mosaic of Christmas trees.

That's all (almost) parking on Cumbrecita

Look around - beauty! We unfolded the map, began to choose a route. For a long time they could not come to a decision. Where I wanted to go - it turned out to be 5-6 km, where the path was 1 km - it seems sad and uninteresting. I made a reservation for 3 hours.

As a result of much deliberation, the route to Pico Bejenado (1.854 m) was chosen. And although the map said that the way there is not close and is more than 4 km, with a rise of 560 m, we somehow ignored this information, or rather, did not take it seriously enough. Having dressed the children and ourselves in the warmest clothes (January 7, after all, and the mountains), we cheerfully began to climb. A narrow path led up the slope, very quickly the car park turned out to be somewhere far below, which gave us strength and confidence that we could cope with the ascent without any problems. We started at 11.40, timed to calculate the return point.

Here you can clearly see the width of the path along which you need to climb up above the caldera.

Our children, experienced travelers, went forward "like tanks", and Tired did not know at all. But for adults, the climb was harder. The flat soles of our shoes constantly slipped along the needles that covered the path, and now and then stumbled on the volcanic stones and bumps that came across on the way.

All our suffering was compensated by the beauty surrounding us and the fresh pine air.

Look down, and there is an abyss!

Warm clothes turned out to be superfluous, and after 30 minutes of getting up we were all soaked. Finally, we reached the first peak of El Rodeo, where we rested, undressed, packing all the warm clothes in my father's immense backpack.

The beaches of La Palma

Puerto Naos is a small pretty resort with 330 hours of sunshine a year. Here is the longest black sand beach on the island, many cafes, restaurants and shops.

2 km south is Charco Verde - a picturesque sand beach, ideal for family holidays.

Popular hotels in La Palma

Guides on La Palma

Entertainment and attractions of La Palma

Capital Santa Cruz - small town, whose main attractions are located within a few blocks of the Avenida Maritima promenade. It is worth seeing here: Plaza de España, Dali Street with the Salazar Palace of the 17th century, Constitution Square, the Church of the Holy Light of the 16th century, Ayantamiento (town hall) of the 16th century. It is also worth visiting the Tobacco House, where interesting excursions and you can buy very high quality cigars.

Maps of La Palma

La Caldera de Taburiente National Park

La Caldera de Taburiente is a giant crater with a diameter of 8 km and a depth of up to 2 km, formed by powerful volcanic eruptions. This fourth national park in Spain was opened in 1954. There are many hiking trails in the park (some require good health when climbing). There is a volcanic rock (10 km in diameter) and the "Gorge of Fear" (the height of the walls reaches 2000 m). The park can be reached by car or bus from Santa Cruz (8 km).

Pico de la Cruz is one of the most high peaks in the park. You can climb here in 4-5 hours. Roque de los Muchachos is a path that runs along the highest peaks, which offers stunning views of the crater walls. At the very top of Mount Muchasos, at an altitude of 2400 m, an observation deck has recently opened - the highest on the island. The new observation deck is part of excursion route Espigon del Roque de los Muchachos and is expected to soon become the most visited on the island. Lomo de las Chosas, on the other hand, is a short and easy trail.

4 things to do in La Palma

1. Learn a little more about benajoares in the museum of the city of La Sarza.
2. Buy high-quality cigars in the Tobacco House - if not for yourself, then as a gift.
3. Feel like you're on top of the world observation deck on the top of Mount Muchasos.
4. Overcome yourself during difficult times walking route in the park of La Caldera de Taburiente.

Los Tilos

The rocky walls of the Barranco del Agua gorge are the largest habitat on the island of the ancient laurel forest - laurisilva. In 1983, Los Tilos was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

In a 5 sq. km there are several hiking trails. One of them leads to the observation deck of Mirador Las Barrandas. A longer (6 km) and difficult trail with steep climbs goes northwest to Caldera de Marcos y Cordero, where you can admire the picturesque waterfalls.

Views of La Palma

La Sarza

In the archaeological area of ​​La Sarza, evidence has been found of the existence of "benajoares" - the ancient inhabitants of the island of La Palma. Evidence of their existence, which attracts tourists so much, is strange signs carved on the rocks (petroglyphs). They can be seen in the areas of Roque Faro, Don Pedro and Juan Adalid. These drawings mainly consist of spirals, circles and linear figures, and their meaning remains unknown to this day. The real “hit” of all the finds here are the images in the Aztec style: a man and an abstract figure of a woman with an insect head.

The information center of La Sarza has a museum dedicated to the life of the Benajoares, the exhibition of which includes a 20-minute film that introduces the food, medicine and funeral rituals of this people.

As mentioned above, tourism does not dominate the island, and this can only be rejoiced at. Although the beaches of La Palma are good, they are few due to the peculiarities of the coast, which is an almost continuous line of rocks. In addition to the "classic" offering the usual beach holiday, there are specialized ones: suitable for surfing Playa Nueva and nudist Las Monjas.

Popular resorts of La Palma: quiet Los Cancajos on east coast and cheerful Puerto Naos on the west. Of course, there are well-equipped beaches in the capital: one of them stretches all the way to the port.

1. Santa Cruz de la Palma. The main man-made attraction of the island is its capital. Here, the ancient coastal streets, built up with magnificent buildings, mainly in the Renaissance style, are perfectly preserved.

1. Caldera de Taburiente national park. Natural attraction No. 1, which is a giant basin (caldera) on the site of a once-existing volcano. Now it is a flourishing fertile valley. For connoisseurs of comfort, special areas for rest and snacks are organized, even with barbecue facilities.

1. Barranco de las Angustias. The most picturesque gorge, overgrown with lush vegetation.
2. Caves formed during volcanic activity.
3. Volcanoes Tenegua and San Antonio.

Number of inhabitants of La Palma

The population of the island is approximately 87,000 people.

Climate, nature and ecology of La Palma

The landscape of the south of the island decorates Mountain chain, more precisely, a ridge of volcanic cones ending in the south with the dormant volcano Tenegua. In the north is the most high mountain La Palma - Roque de Los Muchachos (2426 m), as well as the world's largest caldera Taburiente with a diameter of more than 10 km (a vast basin formed after an eruption in place of the crater). At the top of the mountain there is an observatory with the largest telescope in the Northern Hemisphere. True, it is closed to the public.

More than a third of the island is pine forests and laurel groves. La Palma is the only island in the archipelago where there are, albeit small, rivers. The soils of the island are fertile, so agriculture is developed here.

La Palma is located in a subtropical arid climate zone, with no significant changes in weather conditions throughout the year. Daytime temperatures in winter are +18⁰ ... +21⁰, in summer: +25⁰ ... +28⁰. The sea warms up to a comfortable +22⁰ in early June and begins to cool down only in early November. The water temperature never drops below +18⁰, but not everyone likes a refreshing swim. The amount of precipitation is low and is about 300 mm per year. Rains are more common in late autumn and early spring.

The easiest way to get to the Beautiful Green Island is by plane: not far from the capital there is an airport that accepts even international flights. There is also a ferry service to neighboring islands.

Discover the choice the best places and sights of LA PALMA CANARY

national park

It's amazing national park, which you can find in La Palma. It was once believed to be a huge crater because of its shape. He got the name national park in 1954 the site is simply breathtaking and one of the most visited places in La Palma. The view from the highest point of this place is simply incredible.

General road Padron, 47, 38750 El Paso, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Rocky Mound

It is a rocky hillock and is located at the highest point on the island of La Palma. The view from the top of this place is simply breathtaking. Huge rocks are here, which is over 2400 meters above sea level. There is an observatory nearby where some of the largest telescopes in the world can be found.

LP-4 Municipality of Villa de Garafia, 38788, La Palma, Spain

Reserve

This is a very special place for people who love to travel. Be sure to come early if you want to hike here. There are many tunnels and a diversified forest. This place is a true delight for the adventurous. Be sure to take all the necessary accessories with you that you may need for mountaineering and hiking.

San Andres y Sauces, La Palma, Spain

This is a beautiful conical rock that was once active volcano. It is located on the island of La Palma and is a good place to visit. It gives a beautiful appearance and is covered in different colors of rocks such as red, pink, brown, black and grey. You will love the natural beauty of this place.

Fuencaliente, La Palma, Spain

Amalgamation of natural pools

This is an association of 3 natural pools on the island. It's very unique because of this feature. The view of the place is just amazing. You can find restaurants and bars near this area and it is very a good place to enjoy with the whole family. You can easily move from one pool to another and have great fun.

Calle la Fajana, 25, 38726 Barlovento, Spain

natural pool

This is a natural pool on the island of La Palma. You can enjoy the clear water of the sea here and this place offers many services for the visitors. This is a great place to enjoy with the family. Many swimmers come to explore this amazingly beautiful place. This is one of the most beautiful places on the island.

Melonar Road, San Andres y Sauces, La Palma, Spain