Naval Museum (Plaza de La Alameda-Barco de la Virgen, Santa Cruz de la Palma) — the Naval Museum is located beside the Plaza de la Alameda in town of Santa Cruz de la Palma. There`s a replica of the famous Santa Maria ship (the one that Christopher Columbus set off in 1492 to discover the […]
Museo Insular de la Palma (Plaza de San Francisco, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – located within an old 16th century monastery that was founded by the Franciscan Order, this museum exhibits romantic, realistic and modernist Spanish paintings (including those by expresionist painter Carmen Arozena). There is also the Urs Baerlocher Collection (which consists of […]
Museo del Puro Palmero (Parque de los Álamos, San Pedro, Breña Alta) – opened in 2011, this museum is dedicated to tobacco production (both done within the Canary Islands, as well as internationally). It details the history of tobacco – especially in the Americas, and its use among the indigenous populations there. Tobacco production enjoyed […]
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Calle Virgen de la Luz #13, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – located within a 17th century colonial era residence, this three-level museum (opened in 2014) exhibits works from local Canarian artists, such as Pedro González, César Manrique, and Carmen Arozena. There’s also a photo exhibit by photographer Jorge Lozano. Admission: […]
Iglesia del Salvador (Plaza de España, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – this was the first church built by the Spanish conquistadores (constructed toward the end of the 15th century). It had to be rebuilt in 1553 after falling victim to an attack by French pirate Pata de Palo. Hours: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm […]
Iglesia de San Francisco (Plaza de San Francisco #3, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – reminiscent of a similar plaza seen in Viejo San Juan (Puerto Rico), this church and its impressive exterior are from the 16th century (which also included a convent). The church’s interior – consisting of colored wooden ceilings, has among the […]
Castillo de Santa Catalina (Av. Maritima, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – this castle, built in the 16th century (after an attack by French pirates in 1553), was built to defend the port and city of Santa Cruz de la Palma. The Spanish crown used this site as a fort until 1808, when it was […]
Benahoarita Archaeology Museum (Lugar Lomo Oscuro 32, 38738 Santa Cruz de la Palma) — The Benahoarita Archaeology Museum shows the habitat, the industries, the exploitation of the environment, and the magico-religious beliefs of the benahoaritas, the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of La Palma. To this end, its installations use the latest audiovisual and museographical media presently available. […]
Belmaco Archaeological Park (Carretera del Hoyo de Mazo, km 13.1, Mazo) — In the 17th century, the first petroglyphs discovered in the Canary Islands were found at Belmaco. The importance of these rock engravings made the site a reference point and obligatory visit for researchers interested in La Palma’s past, and in that of the […]
Calle O’Daly (Santa Cruz de la Palma) – this is one of the main commercial strips in not only the town of Santa Cruz, but the entire island. Unlike the more developed Canarian islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, there is a lack of major shopping malls in Palma island (most likely due to the […]