Facts

La Palma (originally "San Miguel de La Palma") is concerning its size the fifth biggest of the Canary Islands. She is 42 km long and 28 km wide. La Palma is the highest island on earth in relationship of surface to altitude. The island rises up from 4000 meter under the sea to 2500 meters above sea-level. Geologically the island is young, just 2 million years of age, and is situated in the far north west of the Canaries. All seven islands form the 17th autonomous Spanish region. Some distances: 500 km from the south Marrocan coast, 1500 km from the Spanish peninsula and just 60 km westerly from the Canary Capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Nature / Fauna

Characteristic for La Palma is the chain of volcanoes "cumbre vieja" running from north to south, separating the island in two different climate zones. Some of the southern volcanoes like the "Tenegiua" (in Los Canarios, former Fuencaliente) are still active. The last eruption was in 1971. Teneguia is scientifically watched as he is just sleeping and not yet extincted. The "Caldera de Taburiente" is marking the northern half and was formed by erosion and eruption of the volcano dome which overlooked sea-level by 3500 meters. She is the biggest cauldron on earth, the mountain tops are still between 1400 and 2400 meters high, with Roque de Los Muchachos being 2426 m. Close by you'll find Europe's most modern observatory.

Due to its evolution La Palma offers a unique nature. The mountain laurel forests of Los Tilos were claimed Biosphere Reserve of the UNESCO in 1983. Since November 2002 the ENTIRE island is Biosphere Reserve with Los Tilos constituting the core area. Throughout the year the island is green. This wide range of vegetation is due to the trail winds pushing clouds to the island's luv side. While crossing the mountain peaks they give rain or convert into fog. Different climate and vegetation zones can be found: Lava fields, Mediterranean dry zones, pine forests in the highs. Many species are endemic here like lime-trees, laurel, heather, strawberry-trees. Together with many other plants they from a unique and beautiful mosaic of flora. Fascinating colours black (basalt), red (tuff) and green fauna are playing with the Atlantic ocean's deep blue. Barrancos, deep canyons, taking water down from the mountains to the sea are characteristic for the landscape. Just like the central mountains, cold lava, volcano craters and ash fields.

Climate

The island's "weather" is sub-tropic with very small changes during the year. Daytime average temperature of 23°C (up to 27°C between August and October and still around 21°C in wintertime (January till March)) and night-time temperatures of 17°C (middle) complete the picture. Water temperatures average around 20°C (winter 19°C / summer 24°C). There is always sunshine on the island (at least on one side or down on the beaches)....on a daily average seven hours (winter five to six, summer nine to ten hours).

Traffic

La Palma is well connected with British airports as well as there are many charter flights from Germany ( Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart....).

Once a week Transmediteranea runs a ferry from Cadiz to La Palma. The schedule experiences a lot of changes. Tickets are not cheap, furthermore this journey is time consuming.

On the island you'll find a pretty well elaborated bus schedule between Santa Cruz (east side) and Los Llanos on the west coast. But the very beautiful north is difficult or almost impossible to reach with public transport. We recommend to rent a car, at least for a few days, to really enjoy the island's beauty. In combination with a Finca / apartment car rental is around 25 Euro per day only (insurance included). Furthermore you'll find various mountain bike rentals, in case you like to discover the island on a more sportive way. Please contact us if you need any assistance. We'll be happy to help.