In the centre of the island lies an enormous extinct volcano, it is 1500 metres deep, 10 kilometres in diametre and 20km in circumference, in 1954 this area was declared a National Park the CALDERA DE TABURIENTE. There are two visitor centres from where half day and full day walks are organised.

SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA is the capital of the island and has a population of 18,000. It is a charming and interesting town to walk around, plenty of churches and typical Canary buildings with their wooden balconies and dark stone, some dating back to the 16th century. Not far away to the south is PLAYA DE LOS CANCAJOS the main tourist area on the east side of the island.

This comparatively small resort has a grey sandy beach and a selection of shops bars and restaurants. Further south is the largely rural area BRENA BAJA. To the north of the capital is the village of BARLOVENTO an area of vigorous farming with acres of working terraced farmland, an area for walkers and nature lovers. On the west coast the main resort is PUERTO NAOS with a good mix of restaurants and bars and the rural area of Llanos.

La Palma is an island for those who enjoy the warm climate of the Canaries but do not want the crowds and nightlife of the larger islands. There are many fine local restaurants both in the towns and country.