La Palma is one of the most privileged locations on the planet for astronomical observation thanks to its exceptional clear and dark night skies, which have been protected by a specific “Sky Law” in order to minimize light pollution. So, the island has become the world’s first Starlight Reserve. At its highest point, at 2,420 meters, is located one of the most important and complete scientific arrays in the world, the Astrophysical Observatory of Roque de Los Muchachos (ORM). But Roque de Los Muchachos is more than that. You can take a short walk to one of the best and highest viewpoints of the island, and enjoy stunning views of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Also the sunrises and the sunsets are really spectacular and, depending on the weather conditions, it is possible to see the other three islands of the province (Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro).

Los Tilos is an ecosystem based on a spectacular laurel forest inherited from the Tertiary and declared as the core of the World Biosphere Reserve of La Palma by UNESCO (1983). There are several viewpoints, waterfalls and one of the most frequented routes of the island, Marcos y Cordero, a wonderful hike of high difficulty of 14 kilometers and 6 hours, through 13 water tunnels and beautiful landscapes. It is one of the main natural attractions of the island due to the extension and good condition of the forest, the endemic flora and fauna. To access the Casa del Monte, the beginning of the route of the springs of Marcos y Cordero, it is necessary to take a 4×4 taxi available every day from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is recommended to reserve a place (telephone 616 41 88 47). There is also a Research and Interpretation Center with five exhibition rooms and an audiovisual projection room, as an excellent starting point.

Buracas is one of the most visited places of La Palma because it houses the best areas of dragon trees in the Canary Islands, and also for the great beauty of its landscapes and the archaeological sites of the area. In the tourist information center of Las Tricias, we start a circular walk of low difficulty, 4.8 km and 3 hours, which leads us through a traditional area, well preserved, with beautiful examples of rural architecture, and culminates in the aboriginal settlement of the Cuevas de Buracas. It is well worth making a small detour to visit the old gofio factory (cereal mill), which remains intact and houses the Gofio Museum, a tribute to this traditional food that plays such an important role in the island’s gastronomy.

Santa Cruz, the capital of La Palma, is a historic colonial city full of beautiful corners, narrow streets and squares to stroll through. The traditional architecture with surprising patios and balconies, the elegant cobbled streets, the rich gastronomy and the remarkable artistic-cultural tradition, show a special charm. The 16th century was its greatest splendor when it became the third port in Europe after Antwerp and Seville. As the seat of the first Court of the Indies (Latinamerica), Santa Cruz de La Palma saw spend many of the riches that the Spaniards brought from their colonies in America.

In the Las Hilanderas silk museum and workshop, the tradition is kept alive, from the breeding of silkworms to spinning and embroidery. Located in a charming historic building in the heart of El Paso, visitors can see first hand how the artisans follow a traditional process that has practically disappeared in the rest of Europe. Foulards, bags, handkerchiefs, ties, bow ties, embroidery, souvenirs, etc. are some of the pieces manufactured in this workshop and that have a high recognition both in La Palma and internationally.

In the Benahoarita Archaeological Museum you can discover everything about the aborigines of La Palma, the Benahoaritas, from their habits to their magical-religious beliefs. It has projections, information panels, archaeological samples and recreations and an auditorium-conference room.