La Palma, Biosphere Reserve
Forest, sea, sky, lava ?and our people
An island of contrasts and a universe of sensations
La Palma is known as"The Green Island" and "The Beautiful Island" for a thousand reasons. With a percentage of more than 50% of its territory protected, it hides in its 708km² a representation of landscapes, traditions and diverse gastronomy; but, above all, an island full of contrasts, as if it were a miniature continent.
La Palma is friendly and authentic, with a mild and moderate climate, clear skies and pure air, full of stories to tell: an aboriginal past, pirate invasions, a melting pot of cultures, returning migrants, myths and legends, and a people eager to celebrate their popular traditions.
Don't miss its local products, its handicrafts, its historic corners and the calm and peaceful character of its people throughout its 14 municipalities.
- Landscapes: Land of volcanoes, a wild coast of capricious shapes, full of natural ponds formed by lava and small black sand beaches; forests of the tertiary era, dizzying cliffs and deep ravines, with green as the predominant color of the canvas.
- Marine strip: The scarce marine platform with abrupt bottoms allows not far from the coast to observe marine life as in few places, with a richness and exuberance that stands out for its high biodiversity.
- Astrotourism: With a sky law that protects its quality for night observation and ensures low light pollution. On a clear night, you can see the stars from anywhere on the island.
- Character: A friendly and authentic island, with a mild and moderate climate, clear skies and pure air, full of stories to tell: an aboriginal past, pirate invasions, melting pot of cultures, returning migrants, miracles, myths and legends, and a people eager to celebrate their popular traditions.
- Crafts: Discover the crafts of La Palma, a journey through time that connects us with centuries of history of an island forged by cultural diversity: ceramics, embroidery, cigar making, handmade silk spinning, weaving on looms, basketry of various materials ....
- Products and Gastronomy: Do not miss its traditional confectionery (almendrados, rapaduras, bienmesabe...), the popular gastronomy (roasted meats, scalded gofio, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, stews, garbanzas, broths and fresh fish) and the new proposals that reinterpret the cuisine betting on local and seasonal products (mojos, honeys, liquors, wines, fresh smoked cheeses and matured cheeses).
- Protected areas: throughout the territory there are different environmental protection figures to preserve and conserve in the best possible way all the resources at its disposal.
Natura 2000 Network, including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPA).
Canary Islands Network of Protected Natural Spaces, including: Parks: natural and rural; Natural Reserves: integral and special; Natural Monuments; Protected Landscapes; Sites of Scientific Interest.
Marine Reserve and integral marine reserve.
National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente. It belongs to the Canary Islands Network of Protected Natural Spaces, but it deserves a separate chapter due to its size, status and management, and the mark left by its position in the "heart of the Island".
Salinas de Fuencaliente is also part of the Canary Islands network as a "Site of Scientific Interest". It is a "must" on your visit. In this place converge economic activity, local products, tourist resources, bird watching and a scandalous sunset and a gastronomic space integrated with the environment.
Bosque de los Tilos: it was the origin of the Biosphere Reserve in La Palma more than 40 years ago. A virgin space that cannot be missed.