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Tazacorte
With a surface area of 12 km sq., Tazacorte is geographically the smallest community, but the village and in particular the harbour played an important role in the history of La Palmas. It was here that Guillén de Peraza first landed in 1442 in a failed attempt to conquer La Palma. It wasn’t until 1492 that Alonso de Lugo and his army succeeded in conquest.
Tazacorte, like Argual and the Caldera de Taburiente, are among the most fertile parts of the island, and sugar cane was originally cultivated here. The well-maintained and restored mansions here hark back to the sugar dynasties of Monteverde, Massieu und Van Dale. The cultivation of bananas did not begin here until the mid-19th century, and today the most bountiful plantations, which extend to the town centre, are located in Tazacorte.
The community has a population of about 7000 inhabitants and the most exquisitely colourful town hall on the island.
The small town is picturesque and extends upside of the Avenida de la Constitución. From the promenade the visitor can look beyond the banana plantations to the sea.
The harbor of Tazacorte
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Puerto de Tazacorte
Sightseeing:
Iglesia de San Miguel: This chapel was first erected in the 15th century following conquest by Spain, but was altered many times over the years.
The plaza with the access balcony in front of the church is particularly beautiful. Bougainvillea-entwined stone benches of colourful tile invite the visitor to linger.
Casa Van Dale: Elaborately restored country estate below the town centre, today used for rotating exhibits. The mansion Casa Monteverde is located across from it.
Puerto de Tazacorte: The road from the town centre to the harbour takes about 30 minutes. Boating excursions to the Cueva Bonita depart several times daily from here.
Further along the beach promenade is the brightly painted town with a wealth of restaurants right along the water from which the sunset can be viewed.
Iglesia Nuestra Senora: Wonderful small chapel in the heart of the banana plantations along the way to Tijarafe with an elaborately adorned Baroque altar and a 16th century statuary portraying the archangel Michael.
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