30 Unique and Unknown Facts About La Palma

From Petroglyphs to Volcanoes: 30 Amazing Facts About La Palma

La Palma, the “Isla Bonita” of the Canary Islands, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, rich history, and cultural traditions. Beyond its famed volcanic landscapes and lush forests lies an untold story of resilience, innovation, and community. From its ancient Benahoarita roots and strategic role during the Age of Exploration to unique traditions like silk weaving and cigar-making, La Palma holds countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. Dive into these 30 fascinating and lesser-known facts about La Palma and discover the captivating essence of this island paradise.

1. La Palma Is Home to the World's Largest Eruptive Caldera

The Caldera de Taburiente, located in the heart of La Palma, is one of the most impressive natural features in the world. With a diameter of 10 kilometers and walls towering over 2,000 meters, it was formed by successive volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years. Declared a National Park in 1954, the caldera is home to diverse ecosystems, including Canary Island pine forests and unique wildlife like the Barbary falcon. It also features cascading waterfalls and the La Cumbrecita viewpoint, offering spectacular panoramic views. This geological marvel is accessible via numerous hiking trails, attracting nature lovers and geologists eager to explore its rugged beauty and uncover the secrets of La Palma’s volcanic origins.

2. The Island's Name Has Prehistoric Roots

Before Spanish colonization, La Palma was called “Benahoare” by its indigenous inhabitants, the Benahoaritas. This name, meaning “my land,” reflects their deep connection to the island. The Benahoaritas were skilled in agriculture, pottery, and astronomy, with a culture tied closely to the natural environment. They carved intricate petroglyphs into rocks, which can still be seen at archaeological sites like La Zarza. When the Spanish arrived in the 15th century, they renamed the island La Palma for its lush vegetation. However, the legacy of the Benahoaritas survives in the island’s folklore, archaeological treasures, and the enduring spirit of its people.

3. One of the World's Clearest Skies for Stargazing

La Palma’s stargazing reputation is unmatched, thanks to its pristine skies, high-altitude peaks, and strict light pollution laws. The island is home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, which houses state-of-the-art telescopes like the Gran Telescopio Canarias, one of the largest optical telescopes in the world. The observatory collaborates with international research teams to study the cosmos. Visitors can experience stargazing events and guided tours that showcase constellations, galaxies, and celestial phenomena. The island’s designation as a Starlight Reserve protects its unique atmospheric conditions, ensuring future generations can enjoy its breathtaking night skies and expanding its appeal to astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.

4. La Palma Was a Key Stop on Transatlantic Voyages

During the Age of Exploration, La Palma became an essential waypoint for Spanish ships en route to the Americas. Santa Cruz de La Palma’s port, established in the early 16th century, provided vital supplies such as fresh water, food, and repairs for vessels undertaking long ocean crossings. The port also facilitated trade, allowing goods like sugar, rum, and spices to flow between Europe and the New World. La Palma’s strategic position attracted merchants, explorers, and pirates, shaping the island’s cultural and economic development. Today, its well-preserved colonial architecture stands as a testament to its historical significance during a transformative era of global exploration.

5. The Island Has a Rich Cigar-Making Tradition

Cigar-making in La Palma has its roots in the 19th century when emigrants returned from Cuba, bringing with them knowledge of tobacco cultivation and cigar craftsmanship. The island’s volcanic soil and mild climate proved ideal for growing high-quality tobacco. Today, La Palma’s puros palmeros are celebrated for their rich flavor and artisanal production process, which involves hand-rolling cigars using traditional Cuban techniques. Workshops and cigar factories, such as El Sitio, offer visitors a chance to observe the craft and learn about its cultural significance. This centuries-old tradition continues to thrive, blending Old and New World influences into a symbol of La Palma’s heritage.

6. The Mysterious La Zarza Petroglyphs

The La Zarza petroglyphs, created by the indigenous Benahoaritas, are among the most enigmatic artifacts on La Palma. Located in the lush La Zarza Archaeological Park, these carvings depict spirals, circles, and geometric shapes, believed to hold spiritual or astronomical significance. Some theories suggest they marked ceremonial sites or served as calendars tracking celestial events. The carvings are surrounded by dense laurel forests, adding to their mystique. Visitors can explore the site via guided tours, gaining insight into the island’s pre-Hispanic culture and the deep connection between its early inhabitants and the natural world. La Zarza remains a symbol of La Palma’s rich archaeological heritage.

7. A Biosphere Reserve With Unique Ecosystems

In 2002, UNESCO designated La Palma a Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its extraordinary biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. The island’s ecosystems range from the lush laurel forests of Los Tilos to volcanic landscapes like Llano del Jable. Each zone supports a variety of endemic species, such as the Canary laurel pigeon and the La Palma giant lizard. These habitats are critical for maintaining biodiversity and are protected by conservation efforts. The reserve also promotes sustainable tourism and agriculture, ensuring the island’s natural beauty endures. Visitors can explore trails, learn about the ecosystems, and witness La Palma’s harmonious balance between human activity and nature.

8. The Last Eruption of Cumbre Vieja

La Palma’s Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted in September 2021, marking the island’s most significant volcanic event in decades. The eruption, which lasted 85 days, spewed lava across 1,200 hectares, destroying homes, farmland, and infrastructure. Despite the devastation, it also highlighted the resilience of La Palma’s residents, who came together to support affected communities. The eruption created new landmass along the coast, altering the island’s geography. Scientists used the event to study volcanic behavior, improving future monitoring and risk assessment. Today, the lava fields serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the ever-changing landscape of this volcanic island.

9. La Palma's Unique Water Tunnels

La Palma’s galerías, or water tunnels, are a testament to the ingenuity of its people. These tunnels were hand-dug into the volcanic rock to access aquifers and provide freshwater to farms and villages. Stretching for kilometers, they collect water from underground sources and channel it through intricate systems of canals and reservoirs. Some galerías date back centuries and remain functional today, supplying essential resources to the island. Adventurous visitors can explore these tunnels, gaining an appreciation for the engineering skills and perseverance required to sustain life in La Palma’s challenging environment.

10. A Legendary Silk-Weaving Tradition

La Palma’s silk-weaving tradition is a rare craft preserved in the town of El Paso. Using techniques unchanged for centuries, artisans rear silkworms, spin threads, dye fabrics, and weave intricate designs by hand. The process is showcased at the Silk Museum, where visitors can witness every stage of this labor-intensive art form. Silk production on La Palma dates back to the 16th century, when it was a major export to Europe and the Americas. Though the industry has dwindled, the island remains one of the few places in Europe where traditional silk weaving thrives, highlighting its dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

11. La Palma's Role in the Spanish Inquisition

During the Spanish Inquisition, La Palma, despite its remote location, became a target due to its growing importance as a trade hub. The Inquisition’s influence reached the island in the 16th century, with locals accused of heretical practices, including secretly practicing Judaism or Protestantism. Some cases stemmed from misunderstandings of indigenous or folk customs, while others involved political rivalries disguised as religious accusations. Trials were held in Santa Cruz de La Palma, where inquisitors enforced strict penalties. This era deeply affected the island's population, creating an atmosphere of fear and compliance. Today, records from this period offer historians a lens into how colonial powers maintained control, even in distant territories, shaping La Palma's cultural and social evolution.

12. The Impact of the 1585 Pirate Attack

In 1585, Sir Francis Drake attempted to seize La Palma’s wealth during his infamous raids across the Spanish Empire. Santa Cruz de La Palma, a key port, became his target due to its trade connections and stored riches. However, the islanders, with limited resources, managed to repel his fleet, showcasing their resilience and ingenuity. This victory boosted local morale and highlighted the need for stronger defenses, prompting the construction of additional fortifications. The attack remains a significant historical event, reflecting the island’s strategic importance during the height of Atlantic piracy. Stories of this defense continue to inspire pride among locals, commemorating their ancestors’ courage against one of history’s most feared privateers.

13. La Palma's Connection to the Slave Trade

During the height of the transatlantic slave trade, La Palma’s strategic position made it an important waypoint for ships transporting enslaved people to the Americas. Some enslaved individuals were brought to the island, where they worked in sugar plantations or domestic roles. Records indicate that La Palma’s involvement was relatively small compared to larger trade hubs, but its participation left a lasting imprint. Cultural influences from Africa blended into La Palma’s traditions, seen in music, language, and local practices. While a dark chapter in its history, La Palma’s role in the global slave trade provides insight into the island’s connection to broader colonial systems and the complex legacy of empire.

14. The Influence of the Crown of Castile

La Palma became part of the Crown of Castile in 1493, marking a significant turning point in its history. The Spanish conquest introduced new governance systems, Catholicism, and agricultural practices, transforming the island’s society. Sugar cane cultivation became a cornerstone of the economy, attracting settlers from Spain, Africa, and Portugal. However, this period also saw the suppression of the indigenous Benahoarita culture. The Castilian influence is still evident in La Palma’s architecture, religious festivals, and legal traditions. While the conquest brought prosperity to some, it also highlighted the tensions between modernization and the loss of local identities, a narrative explored by modern historians and archaeologists.

15. La Palma's Emigration Waves to the Americas

Between the 19th and early 20th centuries, economic hardships and limited opportunities led thousands of La Palma’s residents to emigrate to the Americas, particularly Cuba and Venezuela. These emigrants, known as Indianos, sought better prospects abroad, often returning years later with wealth and cultural influences that reshaped their hometowns. They introduced Cuban-inspired music, architecture, and customs, leaving a lasting imprint on the island. The Los Indianos festival celebrates this legacy, featuring participants dressed in white and reenacting colonial-era traditions. This wave of emigration reflects La Palma’s adaptability and resilience, showcasing its deep ties to the transatlantic world and the transformative power of migration.

16. The Forgotten Silk Boom

In the 16th century, La Palma was a major producer of silk, exporting its fine fabrics to Europe and the Americas. The island’s fertile volcanic soil supported the growth of mulberry trees, which fed the silkworms essential to production. Entire communities were involved in the process, from cultivating the trees to spinning and weaving the silk. However, the industry declined in the 18th century due to competition from cheaper materials and shifting trade routes. Although silk production is no longer a dominant industry, the tradition survives in the town of El Paso, where artisans preserve this craft, keeping the memory of La Palma’s golden age of silk alive.

17. La Palma's Unique Tax Exemptions

In the early days of Spanish colonization, La Palma was granted tax exemptions by the Crown of Castile to encourage settlement and economic growth. These privileges allowed the island to thrive as a trade hub, particularly in sugar and wine exports. The exemptions also fostered a sense of loyalty to the Spanish monarchy, helping maintain stability in this remote territory. Over time, these tax benefits contributed to La Palma’s prosperity and the development of its impressive colonial architecture. While the exemptions were eventually phased out, their impact is still felt in the island’s historical wealth and its role as a vital link in Spain’s Atlantic empire.

18. The Role of Women in La Palma's Economy

Throughout La Palma’s history, women have played an essential role in sustaining the island’s economy. During the silk boom, women were key in rearing silkworms and weaving fabric, skills passed down through generations. In agriculture, they worked alongside men to cultivate crops like bananas and tobacco, while in domestic industries, women dominated trades such as cigar-making and baking. During the 19th-century emigration waves, many women managed households and small businesses while men sought fortunes abroad. Their resilience and adaptability have shaped La Palma’s cultural and economic identity, highlighting their indispensable contribution to the island’s survival and progress.

19. The Battle Against Smuggling

La Palma’s remote coastline made it a hotspot for smuggling during the 18th and 19th centuries. Goods such as tobacco, rum, and sugar were secretly traded to evade colonial taxes, with smugglers using hidden coves and caves as bases. Authorities responded with increased patrols and harsh penalties, but the trade persisted, reflecting the ingenuity of local smugglers in navigating challenging economic conditions. Smuggling became a way of life for some islanders, blending into folklore and family histories. Today, stories of these clandestine activities serve as a reminder of La Palma’s resilience during periods of economic hardship.

20. La Palma's Contribution to Canary Island Politics

La Palma has long been a center of intellectual and political activity within the Canary Islands. In the 19th century, it was a hub for liberal movements advocating for greater autonomy from Spanish colonial rule. Influential figures from La Palma contributed to regional debates on governance, economic reform, and cultural preservation. The island also hosted some of the earliest printing presses in the Canaries, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas through newspapers and literature. This tradition of civic engagement continues today, with La Palma playing a key role in shaping the Canary Islands’ policies and maintaining its cultural legacy within Spain’s autonomous community.

21. The Faro de Fuencaliente: A Dual Lighthouse Legacy

At the southern tip of La Palma, the Faro de Fuencaliente is a remarkable site featuring two lighthouses. The older structure, built in 1903, was damaged by volcanic activity, and its newer counterpart was constructed in 1985. These lighthouses played a crucial role in guiding ships navigating the treacherous waters around the Canary Islands. The site is now home to a small marine museum, showcasing the importance of La Palma’s maritime heritage. Surrounded by rugged volcanic terrain and salt flats, the Faro de Fuencaliente is a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity in the face of nature’s challenges.

22. The Enchanting Cubo de la Galga Forest

Cubo de la Galga is one of La Palma’s most enchanting laurel forests, offering visitors a magical experience akin to stepping into a prehistoric world. These ancient woodlands are part of the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and feature towering laurel trees, lush ferns, and moss-covered rocks. The area is crisscrossed by hiking trails, including a popular route that leads to breathtaking viewpoints over the island’s eastern coastline. This unique forest, a remnant of the Tertiary period, is a living museum of biodiversity and a symbol of La Palma’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures.

23. The Legend of the Virgin’s Spring

The Fuente Santa, or Holy Spring, is a legendary natural hot spring believed to have healing properties. It was buried during the 1677 eruption of the San Antonio volcano but rediscovered in the early 21st century. Archaeological efforts have since restored access to the spring, which is now a symbol of hope and renewal for locals. The Fuente Santa remains an important cultural and historical site, reflecting the islanders’ deep connection to their volcanic landscape and their resourcefulness in reclaiming lost natural wonders.

24. The Unique Cantaderas Singing Tradition

La Palma is home to the Cantaderas, a traditional form of singing performed by women during religious festivals and processions. These hauntingly beautiful songs are characterized by intricate melodies and harmonies passed down through generations. The tradition has its roots in both indigenous and Spanish influences, blending pre-Hispanic chants with Catholic rituals. Cantaderas songs are more than just music—they are a spiritual expression of the island’s history and identity, ensuring that La Palma’s cultural legacy continues to thrive.

25. The Hidden Lava Tubes of Todoque

The Todoque lava tube, located in the southwest of La Palma, is one of the island’s most fascinating geological wonders. Formed by flowing lava during past eruptions, this natural tunnel extends for over 3 kilometers underground. It offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of volcanic processes, with stalactite-like formations created by molten rock. Though partially affected by the 2021 eruption, the site remains an important resource for scientific study and a reminder of La Palma’s dynamic volcanic history.

26. The Spectacular Barranco de las Angustias

The Barranco de las Angustias, or Ravine of Sorrows, is a dramatic canyon that serves as the natural gateway to the Caldera de Taburiente. Carved by millions of years of erosion, the ravine features steep cliffs, lush vegetation, and a network of streams. It is also steeped in local folklore, with legends claiming it was once a sacred site for the island’s indigenous people. Today, it’s a popular destination for hikers who marvel at its geological grandeur and biodiversity, including rare bird species like the Barbary falcon.

27. The Traditional Almazaras of La Palma

La Palma is renowned for its traditional almazaras, or olive mills, where locals produce high-quality olive oil using time-honored techniques. These small-scale mills are often family-run and rely on local olive varieties adapted to the island’s volcanic soil and climate. The olive oil produced here is prized for its rich flavor and nutritional value. Visiting an almazara offers a unique glimpse into La Palma’s agricultural traditions and the sustainable practices that have defined island life for centuries.

28. The Intricate Art of Palm Weaving

Palm weaving is a cherished craft on La Palma, with artisans creating intricate baskets, hats, and decorative items from dried palm leaves. This traditional skill has been passed down through generations and reflects the islanders’ resourcefulness in using natural materials. The craft is particularly important in the region of Villa de Mazo, where workshops and festivals celebrate the art of palm weaving. It’s a beautiful example of how La Palma’s culture remains deeply connected to its natural surroundings.

29. The Volcanic Landscapes of Llano del Jable

Llano del Jable, located in the central part of La Palma, is a striking volcanic plateau known for its black sand dunes and sparse vegetation. This unique landscape is the result of ancient eruptions, with fine volcanic ash creating a surreal, otherworldly environment. The area is a favorite among hikers and photographers, offering panoramic views of the island’s peaks and valleys. Llano del Jable also serves as a natural laboratory for studying how ecosystems recover in volcanic terrains, showcasing the resilience of life in even the harshest conditions.

30. The Vibrant Los Indianos Festival

Los Indianos, held annually in Santa Cruz de La Palma during Carnival, is one of the island’s most unique and lively celebrations. The festival pays homage to La Palma’s emigrants who returned from the Americas, particularly Cuba, bringing wealth and cultural influences. Participants dress in all white and throw talcum powder at each other in a playful reenactment of colonial-era customs. The event is accompanied by music, dancing, and traditional foods, reflecting the island’s vibrant spirit and its historical ties to transatlantic migration.

La Palma’s history, culture, and natural beauty combine to create an island unlike any other. From its volcanic origins and stargazing marvels to its rich traditions and resilient communities, La Palma offers a deeper understanding of the connection between people and place. Whether exploring its ancient petroglyphs or celebrating its vibrant festivals, La Palma invites you to uncover its hidden gems and embrace its enduring spirit.