La Palma

The island has a small population of just under a hundred thousand. It has one major port ( Santa Cruz de la Palma ), a second small port ( Tazacorte ) and an international airport (SPC). The populous municipality is Los Llanos de Aridane Ethnically the population is mostly Hispanic (actually a mix of Spanish, Berber and Portuguese), with a small number of European immigrants and a very small number of African immigrants. The island exports bananas, rum, gofio and some tobacco, and hosts a major international astronomical observatory. Tourist information Visit La Palma website

La Palma can be reached by road from the provincial capital. Local buses and shared taxis provide regular service. From Panama City, the journey takes several hours by bus or car.

The area is compact enough to explore on foot. Local taxis and moto-taxis are available for longer distances.

Canary Islands#Eat for an overview of local foods. Goat - cabrito (young goat, usually fried) Cabra (older goat, usually stewed). bienmesabe - means 'tastes me good' and it does - ground almonds in honey, it is very sweet.

Los Tilos laurel forest [Site temporarly closed in September 2024 because of rockfalls] If possible get four wheel taxi up to start of walk. Then walk around the canal (what in Madeira would be called a levada) following the contours of a steep tree-lined barranco walking through 13 tunnels (stooping to avoid hitting your head). Tunnel number 12 is wet inside: one guide book described it as like a power-shower. Then down through the laurisilva forest (a tiring but stunning descent of about 1,000 m (3,300 ft)). Also don't miss the lookout, a volcanic dyke about two feet wide with sheer drops on both sides, but protected by handrails with totally stunning 360 degree views – makes Symond's Yat look a bit pathetic. Details of the walk are in Walk! La Palma and also in the Sunflower book guide though take the times given for the walk with a pinch of salt – this took us about 6 hours. But well worth the effort. See picture at right. Ruta del los Volcanos Part of the GR 131 long distance path – along the length of the Cumbre Vieja, a route with fabulous views all round, and with volcanic craters for most of the length. Again, quite a demanding walk on a hot day, and dust kicked up by walking companions gets everywhere, but a stunningly memorable walk. GR130 walking route For the fit and enthusiastic. It goes right around La Palma mainly on the historic donkey paths. It takes a minimum of seven days which would require walking around eight hours of tough walking daily. If possible, take at least a couple of days extra. Can be done on a budget by using pensions where possible. The constantly changing scenery is stunning, you will meet some interesting locals on the way and it is an experience to remember. The island also organises the Transvolcania which is a run up the Volcano route and beyond. Check out http://www.senderosdelapalma.com for info on all walking routes.

Traditional Panamanian cuisine at local fondas and restaurants. Rice, beans, plantains, and fresh seafood are staples. Meals cost US$3–8.

Espresso with sweetened condensed milk, and sometimes a shot of alcoholic liquor is a local speciality, Barraquito. The island has a lot of vineyards. Shakespeare mentioned the Malvasia (sweet Malmsey) coming from the Canary Islands. Excellent wine made on La Palma can be bought at specialist outlets and at most supermarkets. Locally made rum is also available.

There are tourist hotels and apartments in both Santa Cruz and Los Llanos, the two main 'cities' on the islands. Also in Los Cancajos and Puerto Naos (the two main beach locations), plus Barlovento in the north and Los Canarios in the south. There is a wide variety of country cottage and gites-type accommodation in most parts of the island. These are referred to as casitas and are bookable via the government run website www.islabonita.com, various agencies or privately. There are three pensions in Santa Cruz called, La Cubana, La Fuente and Los Canarios which have a range of accommodation from apartment to basic room with prices to reflect this. There is a very nice hostel in Los Llanos de Aridane, called Rosaburiente. Also pensions in Los Sauces, San Andres, Roque Faro, Puntagorda and Los Canarios. Camping is allowed on La Palma at the following designated camp sites, although a permit is required (except at La Rosa): Centro de Naturaleza La Rosa at Puntagorda which is two minutes from the main road and on the GR130 walking route. You can walk to the shops/restaurants in Puntagorda, Refugio El Pilar above El Paso which is accessible by road (no bus service) and is right on the GR131 route and at the start of the volcano route. Permit from the Casa Forestal at the side of the Visitors Centre above El Paso. La Laguna de Barlovento permit available on site and there is also a restaurant/bar here and Caldera de Taburiente only accessible on foot: a 4-hour walk or Land Rover taxi and two hour walk - and you will need to take all your own supplies. A permit is required, ask at Visitors Centre. Charges are usually small and facilities usually good/rustic. All a great experience though!

Local handicrafts and artisanal goods. Fresh produce at local markets.

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