La Palma

Guide to La Palma, one of the Spanish Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands - La Palma

La Palma Spain - Fifth largest of the Spanish Canary Islands, La Palma is often called "La Isla Bonita" (The Beautiful Island") and also "La Isla Verde" (The Green Island"), it is certainly the greenest and lushest of this group of volcanic islands and this is due mostly to the extra rainfall which it receives - some 63 days per year.

It is also claimed to be one of the most mountainous islands in the world and its 706km2 is dotted with some immense volcanic peaks including Roque de los Muchachos (7,957ft).

The last volcanic eruption to take place on La Palma was in 1971 when Tenaguia erupted in the south of the island, previous significant eruptions occurred in 1949, 1712, 1677, 1646, 1585 and 1470-1492.

La Palma is a popular tourist destination but has not been spoiled by the mass tourism which has effected some of the other Canary islands, it is particularly popular with walking enthusiasts and it is certainly a fine location for this pursuit, with some challenging walks on offer.

The residents of La Palma are still mostly engaged in agriculture and this is the mainstay of the islands income, bananas are a major crop, others include grapes, avocados, tobacco and honey.

The other major industry is fishing, which is, as it has been for centuries, of considerable importance.

La Palma airport is located about 8 kilometres south of the capital Santa Cruz de la Palma.

La Palma Links: La Palma Map - La Palma Weather

Related: Fuerteventura - Tenerife - Gran Canaria - Lanzarote - El Hierro - La Gomera - Spain - Builders

HOME