The picturesque port town of Santa Cruz de la Palma is located at the La Palma Island’s east coast. It is the capital of the island, and just behind it the mighty volcanic crater la Caldereta stands like a colossal amphitheater. The beautiful city with a colonial air retains in its historic quarter, majestic palaces, cobbled streets, colonial buildings and houses built with wooden balconies in the traditional Canary style.
Santa Cruz de la Palma is also famous for its wonderful churches and the Sanctuary of the Virgen de las Nieves. The characteristically steep inclined alleys of this town offer a lively ambiance to it.
It is a natural paradise with hiking opportunities among volcanoes and Laurisilva woodland.
A Little Bit of History
The Colorful Houses of Santa Cruz de la Palma
The history of Santa Cruz de la Palma begins with the conquest of the island, in the fifteenth century by Alonso Fernandez de Lugo.
With this the island was taken under the Crown of Castile and it began to grow economically.
It became an important port in the trade routes to Europe, especially to America. The first Court of the Indies was installed in its port in 1558.
The flourishing export of the city attracted many merchants and bankers.
Along with this, the intense naval activity of its shipyards made Santa Cruz de la Palma the third maritime port in the Spanish Empire after Seville and Amberes.
The City of Santa Cruz de la Palma
The Descent of the Virgen de las Nieves takes place once every five years and its main attraction is the Dance of the Dwarves.
On Carnival Monday the streets of Santa Cruz de la Palma are filled with white-clad revelers and huge clouds of talcum powder in an eccentric celebration known as the Day of the Indians.
The famous shoemaker Manolo Blahnik is from Santa Cruz de la Palma.
Where is Santa Cruz de la Palma?
- 16.7 miles/ 27 km from El Paso, Canary Islands, Spain
- 19.2 miles/ 31 km from Los Llanos, Canary Islands, Spain
- 128.6 miles/ 207 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- 133.5 miles/ 215 km from San Andres, Canary Islands, Spain
- 4.3 miles/ 7 km from Santa Cruz de la La Palma Airport, Canary Island, Spain
- 91.9 miles/ 148 km from Tenerife South Airport, Canary Island, Spain
- 130.4 miles/ 210 km from Tenerife North Airport, Canary Island, Spain
- 190.7 miles/ 370 km from Gran Canaria Airport, Canary Island, Spain
Things to See
- Town Hall
- Iglesia del Salvador Church
- Calle ODaly
- Plaza Espana
- Virgen de las Nieves Santuario
- Casa de Salazar
- Caldera de Taburiente National Park
- Santa Catalina Castle
- Old Houses
Beaches
- Martin Luis
- Pelota Bayana
- El Remo
- Puerto Trigo
- Las Monjas and Pelota Bayana
Excursions
- El Paso
- Los Llanos
- San Andres
Santa Cruz de la Palma is a historical center, but also an ideal location for sun-filled family holidays.
It is a compact city strung out along the shore and flanked by fertile green hills. The old town is a treasure that waits to be explored.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
