Puerto Naos

Puerto Naos is one of two resorts on the west coast of the Island and set amongst some incredible landscape. This traditional fishing village (built beneath volcanic cliffs), was formerly a landing place for banana boats. Accommodation complexes are plentiful, and there is an extensive variety of shops, bars and restaurants. Puerto Naos sits on the sunniest part of the island, and boasts a mild climate all through the year. The only large hotel here is located in the midst of a banana plantation and offers a wide range of facilities.

The main attraction of Puerto Naos is the volcanic beach, is the longest beach on the island, the black sand stretches for 500m along the coast. Attractive trees as a backdrop offer much needed shade on this beach. This area of the coast is well-known for its superb sandy beaches, with Playa de Charco Verde close by. The only naturist beach on the La Palma- Playa de las Monjas is located just south of the resort.

The Taburiente Caldera National Park (Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente) is located around 10km from Puerto Naos and is one of the main attractions on the Island. It is the site of a colossal volcanic rock wall that stretches for 10km, and the Roque de los Muchachos which is the highest point on the island at 2,426m above sea level. The steep landscape is crossed by a number of streams and waterfalls and has a wonderful collection of plants and flowers.

The Town of Puerto Naos is at the back of the beach comprises of only a few streets, and a boulevard that is lined with shops, bars and restaurants. The hotel and bars make up the nightlife in Puerto Naos, which is quite busy for La Palma; however, it is still modest compared to the other Canary Islands.

Puerto de Tazacorte

Puerto de Tazacorte is located on the west coast of the Island and is where Alonzo Fernandez started his occupation of La Palma in 1492. The town itself is very serene and is located at the bottom of Valle de Aridane and is surrounded by large plantations of bananas. The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcangel dominates the town, it was built in the 16^th Century and in 1992, it was renovated and extended, it now has a magnificent, abstract stained glass window. Farmlands take over the landscape to the west and the central parts. The eastern part consists largely of forests, grasslands, and mountains.

A gorgeous pergola that is lined with ceramic tiles and adorned with bougainvillea is sited next to the Church and is where the locals get together.

Tazacorte is renowned for growing the best bananas in all of the Canary Islands. The surrounding area is totally well-preserved and has some dazzling natural landscape.

Puerto de Tazacorte has an urban beach, 50m long and only 10m wide. It has fine black sand with a calm ocean surge and an active fishing harbour.

Los Llanos de Aridane

Los Llanos de Aridane is the second largest town on La Palma and is located around 8km from Puerto Naos. This is a delightful town that houses some well conserved buildings with traditional wooden carved balconies. The Plaza de Espagna is a wonderful square with a very pleasant atmosphere. The Town hall is sited on one side of the square and the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios stands opposite it, built in traditional Canary Colonial style. Its baroque main altar features a 16^th Century Dutch statue of its Patron Saint.

The little Town of El Paso is located around 3km of Los Llanos in the upper part of the Aridane valley, at 650m above sea-level. It is renowned for its handmade cigars, and you can visit the factories and see the cigar making process and if you’re inclined you can sample one of them. The major feature of this small town is the old town quarter with its traditional Canarian style buildings which surround the large Chapel - Ermita de la Virgin de la Conception de la Bonanza. In contrast to the Chapel, there’s a contemporary Church with Neo-Gothic furnishings.

The most important event is the fiesta of Nuestra Señora del Pino which is held every two years during the last week of August, when the Patron is bought to the village in a popular pilgrimage.

The Mirador de La Cumbrecita offers a remarkable view into the Caldera de Taburiente. The visitor’s centre of La Caldera National Park is also located in El Paso near the turnoff of The Mirador de La Cumbrecita.

The Parque Paraiso de las Aves is located not far from El Paso, this magnificent park is home to various exotic birds from all over the World. There's also a zoo here and some stunning botanical gardens.

Fuencaliente de la Palma

Fuencaliente de la Palma is located on the southern tip of La Palma; its name translates as “hot spring” in Spanish. It is the major wine-making area in the Island. Wine tasting is possible at several bodegas, the largest of which is Llanovid, which produces the very popular Teneguía wine. The town of Fuencaliente has some traditional streets and houses with some attractive squares. It is also home to a full working traditional red and white striped lighthouse on the beach.

The area is rich in volcanic activity and Fuencaliente is the spot of seven volcanoes, the most recent of which Teneguía, which erupted in 1971. The area was once occupied by the Guanches known as Ahenguareme. Fuencaliente's history is seen throughout the town, in particular, the Parish Church of San Antonio Abad which dates back to 1730.

Fuencaliente is surrounded by some awesome scenery with views of the San Antonio volcano. Beautiful views of El Hierro to the south and La Gomera to the south-east can also be seen.

A series of small coves and beaches line the coastline of Fuencaliente, all of which have the distinctive black volcanic sand. La Zamora is a quiet and somewhat remote beach with black sand and pebbles, around 150m in length with a moderate sea surge. It is one of the best beaches and offers exceptional scuba diving and snorkelling conditions. Other beaches in the area include Punta Largo, Playa Nueva and El Faro.

The incredible craters of both Teneguía and San Antonia and the Cumbre Vieja National Park merit a visit. Fuencaliente is a favourite destination for bird-watchers and hikers. 

 

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