Holiday La Palma

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Santa Cruz de La Palma lies in the protected bay on the east side of the island and extends picturesquely along the mountainsides.

Alonso Fernández de Lugo founded the city in 1493 and declared it the capital. At first sight the visitor might not even recognize the charm of this city, with its countless historical buildings, its cobblestone streets, its winding alleyways and cozy squares.

The island administration is situated in Santa Cruz, as well as the representative of the Canary government, the harbour and customs authorities, the island garrison, hospital, theatre and cinema.

The city has about 19 000 inhabitants and is spread over 43 km sq.

Life plays itself out here on two streets running parallel to the coast. The Avenida Marítima is the main thoroughfare to the water and has many shops and cafés.

The Calle O´Daly (also called Calle Real) is more sedate. It begins with a stroll from the Plaza de la Constitución, located right next to the bus station in front of the post office (Correo). The path through the Calle O´Daly and later the Calle Anselmo Pérez de Brito leads past impressive houses and mansions to the Plaza de la Alameda, at whose end is a replica of Columbus’ ship “Santa María”.

The pilgrims’ church Virgen de Las Nieves also belongs to the community of Santa Cruz.The largest island festival, the Bajada, is held every 5 years in its honour. At this time the statue and altar are carried through the capital in various processions, at the end of which they are of course returned. The festivities and events carry on for four weeks. The next Bajada will take place in July/August 2010.

Plaza de San Francisco

Musicians’ Square

Oficina de Turismo: - across from the post office (Correo) on the middle island in a glass house. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-19:30, Sat 9:00-15:00. Tel.: 922 412 106

Sightseeing:

Casa Salazar: Calle O´Daly 22 – Representative 17th century mansion with wonderful courtyard and fine woodwork on the balconies and balustrades

Convento de Santo Domingo (Stufen): from the Calle O`Daly, the Calle Fernández Ferraz Apurón branches off to the left. In the minster can be found more Flemish handicraft than in any other church on the island. The monastery is today a secondary school. Beautiful square with old bay trees and view over the rooftops of Santa Cruz.

Plaza de Espana: Calle O´Daly – Hub and contact point for every visitor with stately homes and the church.

Iglesia de El Salvador: on the Plaza de España – Saviour’s church with 17th century Renaissance portal and impressive coffered ceiling in Moorish style.

Ayuntamiento: on the Plaza de España – most beautiful Renaissance building from the 16th century with splendid woodwork directly at the entrance.

Casa Pinto: next to the Ayuntamiento – stately house from the 18th century. For office hours (Trasmediterránea), one can take a look in the courtyard with its wood-engraved galleries.

Mercado Municipal: Avenida del Puente – The reopening took place in 2006 following several years of restoration. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6:00-14:30

Placeta de Borrero: Calle Anselmo Pérez de Brito – idyllic little square with fountains, restaurant and café for hanging out.

Convento de San Francisco: Plaza de San Francisco – The premises of this convent today house the island museum, with collections relating to natural history, ethnology and art.Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-13:45/16:00-18:00.

Plaza de la Alameda: at the end of the Calle Anselmo Pérez de Brito – charming little square with palm and bay trees, a Moorish kiosk and a fountain. In front of the fountain stands a bronze dwarf (Enano) created by the island artist Luis Morera. The emblem of the largest island festival (Bajada), in honour of the Virgen de Las Nieves, which takes place every five years in Santa Cruz.

Museo Naval: Plaza de la Alameda – The museum can be found in this replica of the ship with whim Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. Worth mentioning is that the ship is made of concrete. The wood grain is perfectly painted on. Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30-14:00/16:00-19:00

Castillo de la Virgen: At the end of the Plaza Alameda – the visitor crosses the Barranco de Las Nieves bridge to reach the remains of a fortress built in the 16th century as a defence against pirates.

Castillo de Santa Catalina: north of the Avenida Marítima – also a fort

Balcones Tipicos: Avenida Marítima – coming from the fort the visitor heading southwards comes across the old mansions with their grand old wood balconie

Day trips in the region

Santuario de Nuestra: the pilgrims’ chapel of the island protectress Senora de La Nieves is located about 4 km northwest of Santa Cruz. The terra cotta figure of the “Virgin of the Snow” was created in the 14th century in Flanders, but arrived on the island much later. Her robe is adorned with precious jewels and she sits on an altar of embossed silver. The chapel is also worth visiting due to the impressive woodwork.

Mirador de la Concepción: about 4 km outside Santa Cruz - Direction Los Llanos/exit Las Nieves. The visitor can enjoy a wonderful view of Santa Cruz and the hinterland.

Los Cancajos: Santa Cruz does have a sandy beach, but the bathing bay of Los Cancajos is only 5 minutes away by car, where one can find the only holiday centre on the east side with a sandy beach, sunloungers, showers, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

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