Country

Spain (Canary Islands)

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Visited by

• Canaries Odyssey
• Islands Odyssey and Barbados 50

Description & main attractions

In contrast to the arid volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, the most westerly island in the Canaries, La Palma, is the greenest and has been christened “La Isla Bonita”, the pretty island.

Even so it is still volcanic in nature and boasts the largest volcanic crater in the world, the Caldera de Taburiente, some 27 km in circumference. This is now extinct and its walls are covered with many shades of greenery. A chain of extinct volcanoes runs down the spine of the island to the south where there have been several eruptions within living memory. Capturing the humidity from the trade winds the rich volcanic soil is very fertile, producing a strong wine and the sought after small but very tasty bananas.

La Palma has the highest ratio of altitude to area of any island in the world, rising to over 2400 m at its highest point. Close to the top are clustered the many domes and telescopes of the International Astrophysical Observatory, a visit to which has been the highlight of previous sailing events. Clear skies, an unpolluted atmosphere due to no large industry on the island and even restrictions on the type of street lights, have made this observatory important.

La Palma has long been a favourite departure point for sailors on their Atlantic crossing, not only because of its more westerly position, but also due to the charm of its capital Santa Cruz de la Palma. Regarded as one of the most pleasant towns in the Canaries with its pretty houses, cobbled main street and bustling market, the new La Palma Marina in the centre of the town will undoubtedly add to its popularity among the cruising community.

Useful Links

• Visit www.visitlapalma.es (in English) for plenty of details on some of La Palma’s treasures such as the Caldera de Taburiente, volcano route, astro-tourism, the charming architecture of Santa Cruz and the Observatorio Astrofísico Roque de Los Muchachos.
• Official Canary Islands tourism site : La Palma Island (in English)

Host marina / Port information

Located at the western edge of the Canary Islands, the unspoilt island of La Palma is an ideal place to pick up the trade winds and set off on your transatlantic crossing.

The new marina, Marina La Palma, is located by the picturesque capital of Santa Cruz de la Palma, and next to the Real Club Nautico de Santa Cruz, the yacht club which recently celebrated its centenary.

Website: www.caleromarinas.com/marinas/la-palma/en/

Location on the map