La Palma Ranking fifth largest of the Canaries, La Palma is the most northwesterly island in the archipelago – bearing the nickname “Isla Bonita,” or “Beautiful Island.” While it has its share of remarkable volcanic landscapes, unlike some of the other islands in the chain La Palma is particularly green and forested – hence its second nickname, “The Green Island.” Among its several highlights is the Calderone de Taburiente National Park known for its pine forests, dramatic waterfalls and enormous, crater-shaped formation. Overall, the park offers awe-inspiring landscapes with a variety of hiking trails – from challenging to modest – all set within the massive crater that dominates the northern part of the island. A trip to La Palma would not be complete without visiting the island capital of Santa Cruz. This colourful relaxed city is dotted with 15th-century buildings reflecting the colonial era, as well as cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, relaxed eateries and the archipelago’s ever-present street markets. A former convent houses the island’s museum containing an impressive fine art collection and natural history exhibits. In addition, the Naval Museum features a replica of Christopher Columbus’s 15th-century Santa Maria sailing ship. Beyond the capital and across the island, star gazing isn’t likely the first tourist attraction that comes to mind, yet La Palma is famous for it. The island has been certified as a Starlight Reserve, an accreditation deeming it to be one of the best places in the world to observe the heavens. Scientists from around the globe come to the island to study the solar system and beyond, thanks to the powerful telescopes at the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory. There are guided, daytime tours of the observatory (where there are 13 gigantic telescopes, including the largest in the world) but, when night falls over La Palma, star gazing is a simple matter of looking up and enjoying the display. 20 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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