Palma Island Spain. All you need to know about La Palma

1. The main attraction of the island - National The park Caldera de Taburiente Located in the center of the island. A huge erosion crater formed 400 thousand years ago as a result of a monstrous explosion and earthquake. In addition to rocks having unusual forms, the crater is covered with a dense pine forest. Crater's depth reaches 2,000 m, in circle it is 28 km (diameter 8-10 km.) And covers an area of \u200b\u200b2426 m. A stone spire is rising with a height of 800 m - Rocke de Idafe.

The caldera funnel intersects the same deep ravines, with waterfalls and with a water drop of more than 100 m ( cascadas De La Desfondada, Hoyo Verde De Colores, La Fondada and others) and streams of iron water like riachuelo Almendro Amargo.Staining stones in bright red-orange color. Almost all waters flock in a beautiful gorge Dos Aguas (DOS AGUAS) At an altitude of 520 m.

For review Calder de Taburient in all of its magnitude, there are several viewing sites: , and. To viewing sites can be reached by conveniently marked paths and roads.

Roque de los Muchachos - The highest point (2426 m) of the island, where the largest and most significant northern hemisphere is located.

Unique and impressive landscapes of the National Park every year attract thousands of tourists. On the territory of the reserve are laid

There is a visitors information center (Centro De Visitantes Del Parque Nacional La Caldera)created specifically for all wishing to familiarize yourself with the reserve. It is possible to see the exhibition in the exhibition hall, a film about the formation and characteristics of the caldera, get cards in Spanish, English or German, guidebooks and brochures.

2. One of the largest and most significant observatory of the northern hemisphere Located on this island. The palm has a unique way of geographical, topographic and meteorological conditions, extremely favorable for monitoring stars. The remoteness and airlessness of the island allows scientists to observe the starry sky practically in the absence of artificial light. Air over the mountain is actually immobile, which is promoted by the dominant winds and the unique form of the mountain. Most of the year of the clouds that hold dust and humidity are below the observatory. All these factors contribute to the perfect observation of remote stars and galaxies.

Observatory Rock de Los Mucachechos - Astronomical Observatory, founded in 1985 in the municipality of Garafia, belongs to the Canary Institute of Astrophysics, which is part of the Northern European Observatory. The largest observatory belongs ISAAC Newton Group of Telescopes. It has the largest telescope in Europe, which is the name of William Herschel. Today there are several international scientific organizations. "Telescopic time" is strictly divided between professional astronomers from all over the world. At every minute several specialists are claimed. Everything is controlled from the computer console, and operators are sitting in warm halls. Thanks to the natural conditions of palm and emergency accuracy of scientific equipment, the Observatory on Rock de Los Mucachechos is a unique window into the universe.

3. All the north of the island is covered with laurel forests growing at an altitude of 500-1500 m. Such forests covered the whole south of Europe in the tertiary period. Only here you can find trees and ferns, which can rightly be considered real living fossils. Forest Los Tilos., Located not far from Los Sauces.The UNESCO has been declared a biosphere reserve and is an excellent example of such a forest. Trails are laid for hiking.

Barranco Del Agua Gorge (Barranco Del Agua) In the north-east of the island of the municipality of Puntallian (Puntallan) and Kubo de la Galga (CUBO DE LA GALGA) and Nature Reserve Galgen (Galguén) in the municipalities of Barlovense and Garafia (Barlovento and Garafía) There are also special attention. Each lover of nature will appreciate these excursions.

4. Not far from Barlovento is a small cultural park, a lot of riddles and secrets. We are talking about the archaeological area and the ethnographic center La Zarza.where you can see the evidence of the existence of Benaoaires - the ancient inhabitants of La Palma. They left petroglyphs carved on the rocks in several places of the northern part of the island, including the fate of Faro, Don Pedro and Juan Adalid. These drawings consist mainly of spirals, circles and linear figures, the value remains unknown. It is interesting that exactly the same drawings, called petroglyphs, are present in the Irish NewGrange and belong to the era of Megalith (Irish Petroglyphs dated 3200 g BC.; They are older Stonehenge and Egyptian pyramids). The information center has a museum dedicated to the life of Aurites. Exposure is complemented by a 20-minute video.

And in the Archaeological Park Belmako (Belmaco), in the municipality Villa de Mazo., You can see the ten caves and rock paintings of Benaoaryt - the residence of the last leaders of the canton Tigalate - Hugiro and Gareagua. It is here in the XVIII century that the first rock paintings on the Canary Islands were discovered.

5. IN La Tosca. Barlovento)and B. Buracas (Garafía) You can admire the dragon trees growing here. The trunks of the oldest dragon trees look very exotic: they are disproportionately thick, topped with a thick brushed of sharp leaves. The trunk of adult drazes is bizarre branched, forming many side shoots. Some trees produce the sheltering trunk of air roots. And sometimes in the trunk of an old dragon tree is formed a hollow - so much that can accommodate a person. Such trees residents of the Canary Islands are considered sacred, rituals are carried out near them.

The sacred is also considered a red resin, highlightable by a dragon on a cut. This resin in antiquity was used for embalming, the legend says that this is not just a resin: the real blood of the dragon is damaged under the bark. The carnivore dragons once lived in these parts and elephants were their victim. But one day a big elephant fell and crushed the dragon. Dragon Blood Ipt the Earth and climbed the trunk of the tree, which has grown in this place.

From the Dragon Tree Seeds, local residents make beautiful decorations.

6. Visit of volcanoes San Antonio and Teneguía (Fuenacaliente) No one will leave indifferent, they are an amazing contrast to the green part of the island.
The last eruption of the volcano was in 1971 and near his crater, you can still feel warmth from the fascinated volcano.

7. La Palma has excellent comfortable beaches from black volcanic sand. Water is very clean, but thanks to artificially erected upwards on some of them, and very calm. The coast has a huge amount of marine living nature, so in addition to bathing here, excellent conditions for diving. Beaches are quite comfortable: there are playgrounds, and many cafes, and along the beaches grow huge palm trees, under the shadow of which you can relax from the hot sun. You can also open almost wild for yourself, however with the love of well-kept beaches or visit the artificial marine pool.

8. Capital of Islands (Santa Cruz de la Palma) - a small town with a lot of narrow streets and ancient buildings in a neoclassical and colonial style with Portuguese or Andalusian details. It is located on a mountainside, next to the edge of the crater La Caldereta. The meaning of the island of La Palma in the Renaissance, when his capital of Santa Cruz became the third port of the Spanish Empire after Seville and Antwerp, reflected in his architecture.

City Center - Little Triangular Plaza de Espana. (Square of Spain) with a wonderful stone fountain (1776 g). It is a monument to "Liberal" and the priest El Salvador-Manuel Diaz Hernandez (1774-1863).

And here is the famous (Savior's Church) with a high bell tower, erected in 1503. The main building in the style of Renaissance and in the next centuries it was expanded. The belt is stored in beautiful wood thread samples in the Gothic style. Mudjar ceiling is made of pine core.
On the other side of the area, there is no less famous town hall of the capital - built in 1569, with arcade in the style of Italian revival. The second floor decorate the coat of arms of Philip II of Spanish, palm trees and the Austrian royal house. The town hall is also also one feature - wood trim and treatment of ceilings, called Mudjar. Inside the wall painted the picture "Pilgrimage" Palmers artist Gonzales Mainez (1843-1909) and frescoes of the artist M. Kassir (1890-1960), showing folklore La Palm.
The very first Democratic Town Hall in Spain in 1773! Here is a very old and valuable archive of historical documents up to 1553.

Another attraction of Santa Cruza - Fortress Castillo de Santa Catalina which perfectly defended the city from numerous French pirates. It was built in 1554, after the defeat of the city performed by pirates under the leadership of the legendary François Le Clercin 1553, and thanks to which the islanders were able to resist the legendary pirate Francis Drake. In 1585. She also served as the placement of the military garrison. In its territory there were residential premises, warehouses and prison.

Casa Salazar , on one of the main streets of Santa Cruz. This is an incredibly beautiful, rich building was built already in the 17th century by the governor of the island of Ventura Salazar.

At the end of the street Calle Real. You can see the ship of Our Lady, Barco de la Virgen - Sea Museum Santa Cruz de la Palma (Museo Naval de Santa Cruz de la Palma). Santa Maria. - A copy of St. Mary, on which Christopher Columbus made his journey to America, built by descendants of sailors and shipbuilders and opened in 1940 as a maritime museum.

To the north of the capital Santa Cruz, in the municipality of Velko (Velhoco), there is a sanctuary of the Patron of Island - Nueatra Senora De Las Nievas. In - The Sanctuary of Our Lady Snowy, installed an altar from Mexican silver and a terracotta statue of Madonna. Image itself Virgen de las Nieves Already from the XV century. This is the oldest image of the Virgin on the Canary Islands. The iconostasis was built in the 16th century, in the Baroque style, it is gilded and many details are made in chased silver (art of the XVII - XVIII century). In this church there is one part of the collection of Flemish sculptures and paintings on the 16th and 17th century, which is located in different churches of the island and represent a very rare and valuable historical heritage.

9. The collection of Flemish sculptures and paintings from the 16th and 17th century is a very rare and valuable historical heritage. All works can be found in different churches of the island.

12. Another landmark of Canary is a national kitchen - a mixture of Latin American and European cultures with the legacy of the indigenous population and elements of African cuisine. Her simplicity emphasizes the quality of local products. Canary cuisine consists of simple but calorie dishes. The islanders love to eat with pleasure and a lot, in the family and in a big cheerful company.

For some tourists, traveling to La Palm has been associated with beach rest and measured walks in the city, but for other La Palma is a hayking. The island offers countless forest and mountain routes - from one-day to multi-day with overnight stays in tents in the forest. Most of the nature reserves and viewing sites are also located under the rejected sky, so La Palma is considered an island for outdoor activities.

The best time for trekking walks is spring and autumn, when not very hot. In the mountainous area you can also go climbing, and in the cave areas of Villa de Majo (Villa de Mazo) - speleology. You can get acquainted with the beauty of the island not only on foot, but also riding a horse, like a real conquistor. One of the most exciting routes begins in Fuecallent and ends on the territory of Calder de Taberiente.

The island is washed by an excellent atalatic ocean - this is where they find out for fans of marine walks, sailing, kayaking and fishing. During excursion walks around the sea, you can meet dolphins. Lovers of a more extreme rest on La Palma can do diving, paragliding and mountinbiker.

Transport features of La Palma

Although La Palma is the island of lovers of walking walks, moving around the island is most convenient for the car, as the majority of tourist national parks and viewing sites are located outside the city. Be prepared for the fact that La Palma is a greater degree of mountainous terrain and steep serpentines. For renting a car, you will need to provide driver's license, voucher and credit card Visa, Amex, MasterCard. For driving a car and for its rental abroad, it is necessary to have international driver's license, to arrange that you can in MREO traffic police.

Another way of movement is, of course, the buses that go here clearly on schedule. At each stop there is a route map and schedule. You can buy bus tickets directly from the driver, or purchase a travel ticket (Bono Card). The fare of Los Canhahos to Santa Cruz de la Palma (7-10 minutes drive) will be approximately 1.5 euros. And from Santa Cruz de la Pama to Los Llanos or Fuencalent (hour drive) about 2.5 euros.

The Canary Islands is a very popular resort destination at the Dutch. Probably, therefore, when we decided to arrange a week of summer in November, you didn't have to think about the choice of space for escape. Collecting the suitcases, we went for 7 days to La Palma Island - and spent the day more. I heard Russian for a week only once a glimpse (perhaps even imagined)) - but in the menu of restaurants and food courts often saw Russian Salad. Everything about this is my today's report, as I spent the summer vacation.

The trip report was written in December 2014 and supplemented after the second trip to La Palm in December 2016.

Several facts about the island of La Palma

So, where did we go? Geographical Island of La Palma (not to confuse Palma de Mallorca and Las Palmas (the capital of the island of Gran Canaria)):

• located in the Atlantic Ocean
• part of the Canary Archipelago
• further from the other Canary Islands from the Continent
• refers to the territory of Spain.

La Palm often call:

• eternal Spring Island - average air temperature during the year here is + 23º
• the greatest of all Canary Islands
• "Beautiful acute" or La Isla Bonita.

The famous designer shoes Manolo Blanik was born. The dragon tree grows here (Dragon Blood Tree), from which he made his legendary tools of Stradivari. About this island pang Madonna . In my opinion, quite good "Star Achievements" for the island is only 706 km2 :)

Nevertheless, before the trip, I found very little information and reviews about La Palma Island in Russian. Therefore, I decided to make my own contribution to correcting the situation :) I hope you will be useful!

How to get to the island of La Palma

We flew to La Palm the direct flight of Transavia Airlines from Amsterdam. From Moscow, as far as I understand, you can get to Madrid, Berlin, Dusseldorf and other European cities. Minsk residents can fly from Vilnius to Tenerife, and from there to get to the ferry or flying a local flight to Santa Cruz de la Palma airport. Perhaps there are some other, more convenient flight options.

About hotels on La Palme

On La Palme, we stayed at the hotel on Los Canhahos beach on the east coast of the island (if you are interested in three-four-star hotels, you need to go either here or to the West Bank in Puerto Naos). These are small apart-complexes here at every turn.

In the photo: Aparthotel La Caleta

Both of our hotel were generally quite good with one small "but": after all, such complexes have a shade of Egyptian-Turkish "settlements" for Vacation "All Inclusive". And this largely eats a local flavor. So next time - only a villa or apartments! Update: In December 2016, we will go to La Palm again, and booked a bungalow in Los Liann de Aridan.

Santa Cruz de la Palma (Santa Cruz de la Palma)

The capital of the island is a very small town, where the two main streets are elongated along the coast. Here it is already begins to feel the flavor! Multicolored houses, local market, grandfathers playing on the street in Domino, bright Spanish (on a blocking on 10-centimeter heels - Mmm, our people! :)) - Beauty!

And this is an exact copy of the ship "Santa Maria" Christopher Columbus and the patron saint of La Palma, Dwarf Enano.

Los Llanos de Aridane

The largest city island, it seemed to me even more real, saturated emotions and paints than the capital. If I arrived at La Palm on a month, then, most likely. Update.: Yes, and we have already booked housing here for the next trip! Update 2.: As for the month, I take my words back :) The city is good, but in a week you have time to explore it along and across, and it becomes boring.

Los Canarios (Los Canarios)

In Los Canaryos, the city in the south of the island, we came to look at volcanoes, but the entrance for tourists was closed due to a strong wind. In general, it was a feeling that, having driving only a couple of tens of kilometers from her habitat, we got into autumn. But not coming back immediately! We decided to walk along the tracks for Hayking:

In this part of the island, winemaking flourishes, and what yellowes is at thenime - it is like the vineyards.

In Los Canaryos, it was possible to go to some wine tours and tastings. But the city was enveloped by disgusting and fog that in a couple of hours we preferred to jump into the closest bus to the capital - and return to our November summer.

Puerto Naos.

The city in the southwest of La Palm, whose beaches with black volcanic sand Many are considered the best on the island. We, in general, also liked. The beach is good, the sea is warm (even at the end of December it was possible to swim), the city is a significant (in any case, in winter). The only thing is to stop here. It makes sense only if you have a rolled car. Otherwise, it is unlikely that it will be especially possible to ride around the island.

Tasacharte (Tazacorte)

Coastal city in the western part of the island. In essence, it is divided into two parts - Puerto de Tasachart. Here is the port (water excursions and ships for fishermen are sent out of it) and a small beach (it is considered one of the warmest on the island).

And Tasacchart Pueblo, the more urban part of the city is 1 km from the beach.

About restaurants

For 8 days on the island we visited about one and a half dozen restaurants. Returned ( or returned :)) We are most likely only three of them. Boldly and recommend them!

La Muralla in Tijarafe

We found this restaurant in the mountains completely by chance. Look at coffee, liked the terrace overlooking the ocean from a bird's eye view. Book a table for the evening ... And it was the best dinner for the whole trip! The food was not just a meal, but by some miracle of molecular chemistry. Service is friendly, fast and high. View from the window is stunning. The price tag for all at the same time - about 12 - 15 euros for the main dish. The same amount is also a bottle of excellent wine.

I have everything for now. All questions will be happy to answer in the comments or tell in the following posts!

Stay in touch! :)

The first part here
La Palma. Or, as it is also called Spaniards, La Isla Bonita. (Beautiful island), extremely not frequently visited by Russian-speaking tourists. The main contingent: the British and the Germans. Russian speech for almost a week we did not hear never. Although, of course, there are also reviews of Russian tourists and the stories of Russians living constantly on the island on the Internet.
La Palm, I looked after another four years ago, when I was going for the first time on Canara. Then he did not go and according to the result we visited Lanzarote, I don't regret anything about anything. But to see the green island of Canar, of course I wanted.

When preparing for a trip to some official website, this guidebook with the map of the island and the main cities http://www.koser.hut2.ru/la%20palma%20map.pdf.
Island as it were to be divided by a mountain range in half. Previously, in order to get from the eastern side of the island (where the port, the capital and the airport) had to go round through the south of the island. Now the system of tunnels is made in the middle, including a long as much as a half kilometer. A controversial question how faster to go, the navigator claimed that in time anyway. We traveled through the center of the island, but neither one nor another path from serpentine roads saves. Resting probably better on the western side. There are more beaches, although we have been eager for them. The population of the island is only 80 thousand people, compare with millions of Tenerife and Grand Canaria. With hotels on the island in principle tens. The large hotel is only one, proudly snacks on the beach of Puerto Naos, the reviews on it are far from the best. The rest almost only private hotels actually representing rustic home or part of them. We sat this option for the residence, especially since they still took the car, without it, you can not go to the island - meaningless. As a result, I booked this hotel http://www.otzyv.ru/read.php?id\u003d161254
After arrival, again, it was looking for him for a long time, the navigator circled us on the private sector of the town of Los Llanos (Los Llanos) (just like this, with two "l"). As the hotel found is a whole story that has been told in the revocation on it. Severated, late evening, near near any stores, I want to eat, something remained with you from Tenerife, but not enough. We left the son in finding stores, it's good that they immediately stopped the local on some vant. He told us that nowhere in principle works at this time, no store at all. Returned to the hotel, there was a neighbor and German with a daughter. Told, they were surprised that we were from Russia, it is rarely here apparently brings our tourists. We arrived for a month. Go to the mountains, hayking. Having learned that we were hungryly dragged to us with a simple snitch and even beer. Thank you so much, very soulful people.
We woke up early and long with surprise looked at the sky. Here it is necessary to separately say about the weather on the island. I do not know about the east coast, but on the North wake up before 10 am (this means the hour of the day in our) there is no point. Everything is tightened with clouds, fog hangs over the ocean, not cold, but not hot, somewhere plus 20. So it was all the days that we lived there.
Immediately share the general impressions from the island. In general, the village. One such great village, but with just fantastic nature. A completely different climate, not to compare neither by Tenerife, nor much more with Lanzarote and Fuertovture. Wet, very green. And at the same time, excellent beaches, although we allocated them just one day, but the impressions are very positive, as from the island as a whole. Once again I will emphasize: do not even think without a car. Not behind the wheel - strike out La Palm.
In the morning, rushed for the products (still cloudy), went to Los Losnos (four kilometers from the hotel) the first and last time. Crazy town. Half an hour spit to park. We went to the local market in the center - a half stall selling some kind of garbage. Near the VIP MARKET supermarket (or Viper, I do not remember exactly). Excellent shop. Everything is in the widest assortment. In the future, they were slaughtered in the same supermarket in the town El Paso.This is a little further, but we still pass through it every day.
First day Decided to kill seals on the beach. We went first by Playa Nueva.. We arrived, laughed and left. Enchanting pile of cobblestones. Good near Puerto Naos.. Five kilometers from the hotel. The tiny coastal resort town, the population is less than a thousand people, pure and tidy. The most famous beach. Black sand, an excellent entrance to the ocean, is equipped with free toilets. shower. The embankment is the truth in repair, but we don't care. Here it is, the most populated island beach


Second day. They began to finally look at what they came. Mountains, views! The most famous place Mirador del Roque de Los Muchahos. Immediately famous astrophysical laboratory. Ride long, hour and a half. Three quarters of the road - serpentines, the farther, the fun. Especially when highland pine forests begin. From Miradora, you can take a slightly walk, there is a trail and a great observation deck. It must be said that in the very center of the island - a huge crater volcano, more than 20 km in diameter. Apparently the remaining after the explosion of it. Accordingly, from the edges of the edge of the crater, the most rational species. Duck Here Mirador Del Roque de Los Muchahos is the northern edge of the crater.
Road along the way. We are already above the clouds


Arrived


You need to go here strictly before. Even after Tadeid volcano and all magnificent types of Madeira. Views are excellent! The domes of the observatory fit here. Just an alien some landscape.

Generally speaking, through the crater volcano on the diagonal passes a hell of all sorts of hiking routes. All roads are covered by pointers. But there are no short. Minimum from 12 kilometers and up to 50-70 km! Those. This is clearly one route for a few days. So, who is fond of - need to go for a month. This is a real relaxation and a connection with nature. The whole island is covered with pine forests, the smell of resin is such that I want to fall on the layer of fallen pine needles and lie so forever.
Day Three. We are now going to the southern tip of the crater, it is next to us, literally outside the town of El Paso, Mirador La Cumbrecita.. We are going in the morning, since I expect an ambush, which is inevitably happening. The fact is that all this most crater volcano and the closest neighborhood - the territory of the National Park Caldera de Taburiente. And to enter some of its plots it is necessary permission that is issued by the management of this flesh, or rather in its branches Centros de Informacion de Turismo (CIT). There is nothing terrible here, permission is free and it is issued to everyone. But in this way, the authorities are trying to control the number of machines simultaneously visiting certain points. I will say right away that it turns out that they have figs, but these are their problems. For tourists, this happens as follows: you come to the desired point (the same Mirador La Cumbrecita) and in the CIT separation, which is located on the entry take this most resolution, but! We arrived at 10 in the morning (it was this office that works from 10 to 18, on Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 14), and we could give permission only from 11:30, motivating that many cars have already drove. As an alternative, they were offered to walk. Yeah, something in the area of \u200b\u200b7 kilometers in the heat, in the forest and to the mountain. Well, thank you. It was not smiling to wait for an hour and a half, so we took PermT at 13:00 and decided to go to the south of the island. The permission is a piece of paper with your last name (you must have at least right), the date and window of staying on the territory of the park (in our case from 13 to 16 hours). Immediately, the ruin of the suffering: without Perm, do not drive, barrier and aunt.
Meanwhile, we went to the south of the island, while the plans were to watch the Lighthouse (Faro) and the salt manufacturing factory (Salinas). It seems to be not far: some thirty with a small kilometers, but the road passes along the loop mountain serpentine, which also walked active repairs. Often, physically more than 30 km / h is simply impossible. Types on the way are good, but dragged more than an hour. Need to go to the most south of the island, focusing on the town Fuencaliente.. Lighthouse in stock Already two: old and very old. Nothing particularly represents neither the other, so, for the sake of common development. Naturally, there is no passage in the lighthouses, they are simply closed.

There is a small desert beach with a depressed fishing village.


Near the typical factory for the production of salt, we saw exactly the same on Lanzarote, but at that time it was impossible to go inside and walk near the courtyards. Here is such an opportunity, although there is an active repair of half tracks for tourists. In general, it is quite informative if there is a window half a day, it is quite possible to take a look. If desired, you can even buy both food and bath salt, although in the near supermarket it will be twice as cheaper. In fact, it makes sense to go for a whole day for a walking route on a volcano Teneguia.. Judging by the signs, the route is only around 6 kilometers in one direction, besides the volcano is not high, so it is not expensive. We did not possess, unfortunately, we walked among the salt courtyards and went back. I still managed to walk to lose the key from the car (!) And we spent half an hour on his search.


In the factory do not bend manual labor at all


Workshop for grinding and salt packaging. Left is visible improvised counter with products.


Finally, an hour was entered in two afternoon into the territory of the National Park and at the extreme narrow road rose by car to the parking lot La Cumbrecita. Directly from here there are no special types, but there is a simple way to a couple of kilometers, which I recommend to go through, and it is for a long option. No skills and skills here do not need enough ordinary sneakers and desires.

Left visible trail

In this way, scale landslides occur

Day four. The time of staying on the island has rapidly ended. Little I highlighted days on La Palm. It was decided to go to the tobacco factory, and then to waterfalls in Los Tilos. In the north-east of the island.
If someone does not know, tobacco grow on La Palma and make cigars, in quality not inferior to the famous Cuban. This is exactly the case, personally identified as, and he had the opportunity to compare it with Cuban cigars, which brought a familiar Cuban from his historic homeland at the same time. The factory of the manufacture of cigars has been preserved only two, one small in BRANA ALTO. (with him actually tobacco Museum) and serious production is quite BRENA BAJA. Information on the Internet in Russian is extremely difficult to find, and it is not thick in Spanish. It is good that there were two brochures about these factories in the room. As followed from the brochure on Saturday, only the tobacco museum in BRENA ALTO worked, so there was no choice.
How to find it. The occupation is not easy, so I give a scan brochure

I picked up for a long time and realized that he would not help me in search of me.
Therefore, I just lay out the map with the exact coordinates of the museum 28.667324, -17.787193


The entrance to the museum costs 3 euros. We were the only visitors that I was surprised in general. The exposition tells about the history of the emergence of the tobacco industry in Kanrach, briefly affected by other export industries: bananas, Kosinel (natural dye for fabrics). The museum is small, but in every hall there are monitors, where in English you can scroll through the videos that are quite interesting even with the superficial knowledge of the language. Immediately there is a small courtyard where the tobacco is growing, in the presence of an elderly senor who goes through tobacco leaves hangs them on drying.

The auntka, which serves as a cashier and, as much as the guide, also twists the cigar from the finished tobacco on a special typewriter, if desired, it can even be done.


Also, of course, there is a store with its own products. The price of cigars is low, but actually almost the same way as in other stores of the island and in Duty Fries in Tenerife: from 1 to 4 euros per cigar. There are packs of 5 or 10 cigars, boxes for 20-30 pieces and individual cigars in individual gift wrapping. I scored different types of 2 with something euro per piece. The aunty in English is full of zero, I could not answer any questions that I could not answer, but quickly called some kind of girlfriend, which quite decently spoke English.
Assortment of products on a poster


And bought by us


Very satisfied with the visit of the museum, we went to the north of the island in Los Tilos. Found with the navigator quickly quickly. We drove along the mountain road to the end, until you left the tourist information office, then there is a small museum. There they were told that the path for the waterfalls is closed due to the apparently the rains. I now think that this is still reinsurance and it was necessary to go to his own risk. But the trouble is that we did not know at exactly what side and how much to go. In Turofis, we were told that the route was opened to Miradora Espigon ATRAVESADO. (Something like crossed peaks), just a couple of kilometers. The route begins just below the tourist office, the road goes sharply to the mountain. Gave the brochure. Scan route here.

I'll say right away: do not go! Lost time, hollow over a wide forest road,

to at the end to see this:

although with such a look


So the conclusion can be done like this: or waterfalls, or well, it nafig this Los Tilos.
Fifth day. Hours at 12 slowly evaporates from the hotel and went to the capital of the island Santa Cruz de la Palma. It was Sunday, the car threw somewhere close to the center. On the square not far from the port of the weekend market. Local sells their products and other garbage. Published by homemade lips in a nice elderly couple there, previously turned these liqueurs to good such noise in the head, talked to sellers. It turns out that they were somehow a cruise tour in St. Petersburg, delighted with our city. Happens.
Then the town itself was examined, quiet, provincial, colonial, in no way similar to the capital. The center has a loud called Spanish Square (Plaza de Espana). Piglet ten tent meters.

Reached to local attractions: Santa Catalina fortress. Of course closed. Well, right: why work on Sunday. After lunch, it is generally totally closed, including the Sunday Bazaar instantly curled.

They snapped "What God sent" and moved towards the airport, passed the car and flew away from the island to Fuertovture with a change in Tenerife. Who knew that on this day to the end point of the route, we were not destined to go and ahead of us there are many speared nerve cells.
To be continued...

South road

Moving to West from Santa Cruz, make the first stop in Las Nieves. This town is built on the slope of the mountain. First you will see a roadside bar, and behind him the royal monastery of Nourera Señora de Las Nyevez, where the terracotta statue of Our Lady of the snow, which, according to the legend, appeared in Rome during the snowfall in August. The statue refers to the XIV century. The holiday of the Mother of God. Snoves celebrate on August 5th. A special holiday is arranged every five years (2015, 2020, etc.). On this day, the statue is carried in Santa Cruz. Procession is called La Bahada de la Virgen (the alignment of Our Lady).

Then enter the tunnel under the mountain range of La Cumbre Nueva. This ridge passes through the very center of the island. The Tunnel is the tourist center of the Caldera de Taburient National Park. Next, the main road goes to the west to El Paso - the charming town, where mighty prickly cactys come out around traditional houses. Over the city is Paraiseo de Las Aznes Park (open: daily 10.00 - 17.00, the entrance is paid). The park contains rare exotic birds. Excursions and educational programs are organized here. Interest also represents the estate of Los Llanos de Aridane, located in the very center of the fertile valley. Here you can get acquainted with the traditional architecture surrounded by lush green gardens.

Before the southern part of the route, you can deviate aside, to Miradora El-Tim. On this observation site above the picturesque valley there is a restaurant with stunning views. From here you can go down to Tasachanta - a beautiful seaside town with many excellent fish restaurants. It was in this port in 1492 that the Spanish conqueror Fernandez de Lugo landed on La Palmu.

On the main road, move on south to Fuencaliente. This town is famous for wonderful wines. Serpentine is in between the hills that are covered with bright colors in the spring, and leads to the Lighthouse of El Faro de Fuecaliente, located on the southernmost point of the island. The first stop - the wine cellar of Bodegas Karbalo (open: daily 11.00-20.00, tel.: 922-444-140), where you can taste surprisingly strong local wines and acquire what you have to taste.

In 1677, an eruption of San Antonio volcano occurred. Once fertile lands were covered with a thick layer of ash - the depth of the layer reached 2 m. At the end of the century, local peasants developed a special way of doing agriculture. They dug deep trenches to get to the fertile layer of the Earth, planted a grape vine, and then fell asleep with her volcanic ash. Thanks to this, the grapes calmly kept the bad weather and even resisted before the Filloxer, which at the end of the XIX century. destroyed the vineyards of Europe.

Right behind the road, you can see the San Antonio volcano (the tourist center is open daily 9.00-18.00) and go to the viewing platform, which is above the crater. Today, the crater, blossomed by all winds, looks quite peaceful. I can not even believe that there was no time he could cause such considerable damage. A little south you will see other signs of volcanic activity. The eruption of the volcano of the Independent occurred in 1971. Fortunately, human victims managed to avoid. As a result of eruptions in the valley, lava flows were rushed - petrified black lava on the slopes of the mountains can be seen today, and the road broke right in it. Surprisingly, Bananas such conditions seem to like, and they grow here everywhere. (To get acquainted with the history of the cultivation of bananas on the Canary Islands, visit the small museum of bananas: Camino San Antonio; El Charco, Tazacorte; Open: in summer Mon-nm 10.00-13.00, 16.00-19.00, in winter Mon-Fri 10.00-13.30, 15.00-19.00 .)

Driving up to the sea, you fall on a small black beach of Playa de Samora. On both sides, the beach is surrounded by surreal lava fields. A little apart, between two lighthouses there is a small fishing bay with a pebble beach. Take a look at the coastal restaurant, where you serve delicious fresh fish.

Returning to Santa Cruz, stop in the Belmako Archaeological Park (open: Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00, in from 10.00-15.00, the entrance is paid). The first archaeological finds on the Canary Islands belong to the XVIII century. Then ten cave settlements were discovered in which Benorites lived - the ancient inhabitants of Benaoare (such an ancient residents called this palm).

A little further is the town of Maso, where you can buy copies of articles of ancient people, as well as local cigars. On the feast of the body of Christ (May / June) Maso Streets are covered with real carpets of flowers, leaves and sand.

Northern road

Picturesque serpentine goes along the eastern coast of La Palm. Stop on Miradore San Bartolome to admire the beautiful view of the coast. Drive up to the seaside town of San Andrei, where you can swim in the Natural Pool El Charco Azul. A little further from the shore, behind San Andres, the thick forest of Los Tiles from the original Canary Lavra begins, which in recent years has been found more and less. Today, this forest is a biosphere reserve and is protected by UNESCO. In the tourist center (open: Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00) you can take cards and get information about hiking.

In the northern part of the island, it is worth a trip to at least in order to visit the Caldera de Taburient National Park. Tourist Center (open: daily 9.00-14.00, 16.00-18.30) is outside the park, on the road to El Paso. Here you can get acquainted with the geology and geomorphology of the region, Flora and Fauna, to learn about the possibility of camping and get a color scheme of tourist trail. Caldera de Taburient is a gigantic crater with a depth of 1500 m, a diameter of 10 km. Crater arose 400 thousand years ago. Today, he is a green fertile valley.

From the tourist center on the road walking on a wooded gorge, which is surrounded by shrouded fogs of peaks, you need to drive 7 km to Miradore La Cumbresit. From the observation deck, beautiful species open when the weather allows (and this happens always). From here you can see Rock de Los Mucachechos and the monolithic rock of Rock Idafe - it is believed that she was a sacred altar Guankhe. By caldera, you can drive by car, but in order to feel all the beauty of this place, it is better to make a hiking campaign.

Going to Calder from the north, you need to roll over Santa Cruise to serpentine, which passes by Pico-de-Las Nieves to Rock de Los Mucachechos - the highest point of the island (2426 m above sea level). You can get here in different ways, but you can never forget about the weather. If the weather is good on the coast, it does not mean that at the height it will remain the same. The weather varies very sharply and quickly. Going to the mountains, stock rates, jackets and durable shoes. In addition to beautiful species, on the mountain you can see a futuristic astrophysical observatory (closed to visit, except for special days in summer; information can be obtained at www.iac.es). This is the most significant observatory of the northern hemisphere. Here is one of the largest telescopes of the world - 400-cm telescope. William Herschel.

From the observatory, the road goes to the north-west to an isolated village of Santo Domingo de Garafia. Powerful ocean surf waves are divided into coastal rocks. In such places, as anywhere you understand all the weakness of a person in the face of the Forces of Nature.

Explosive Island

La Palma is the most active in the volcanic relationship of the archipelago. The last eruption of the volcano of the Independent occurred in 1971 and until now the temperature of the soil in the crater is very high.