Santa Cruz de La Palma, the colonial capital of the Atlantic

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of La Palma and one of the most charming cities in Canary Islands. Its old town, declared Historical Ensemble, retains colonial architecture that mixes wooden balconies, colorful houses, and Renaissance squares. In addition, the city has an urban beach at the foot of the center, an active port, and an intense cultural atmosphere that includes the famous Indianos of the Carnival.

Thanks to the CanariasLife Webcams , you can watch live the historic center and the urban beach, to check the atmosphere and conditions of the day.

Historic District

Strolling through downtown Santa Cruz de La Palma is to traverse five centuries of colonial history. The city was one of the richest in the Atlantic in the 16th century, thanks to sugar trade and traffic with America. That wealth is still evident in its buildings.

The Plaza de España is the heart of the city. Here you will find the Church of the Savior (with a notable Mudéjar coffered ceiling) and the Renaissance Town Hall, one of the oldest in Canary Islands.

On the other hand, the Calle Real (Calle O'Daly) is the commercial and pedestrian artery of the center: shops, cafes, and historic facades line a pleasant walk. And the Balcones de la Avenida Marítima, decorated with flowers, are the most photographed image of the city.

Museums and culture

The city has a notable cultural offer for its size:

The Insular Museum, located in the old convent of San Francisco, collects the history, art, and nature of La Palma. The Virgin's Boat, a replica of a caravel by the sea, serves as a naval museum. And the Circo de Marte Theater, from the 19th century, is the main performance space of the island.

In addition, the Santa Catalina Castle, from the 16th century, guards the entrance to the port and is open for visits. It is a reminder of the time when Santa Cruz was assaulted by pirates.

Urban beach

The Santa Cruz de La Palma beach is at the foot of the old town, next to the Maritime Avenue. It has dark volcanic sand, clean waters, and a promenade with terraces. It is perfect for a quick swim without leaving the city or for a stroll to the sunset.

In fact, the CanariasLife webcam shows the beach live, so you can see the sea conditions and the tide before heading down.

Los Indianos and the Carnival

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de La Palma is known throughout Canary Islands for a unique celebration: Los Indianos. On Carnival Monday, thousands of people dress in white and cover themselves with talc powders in the streets of the city, recreating the return of the Canary emigrants from Cuba.

It is a festival declared of National Tourist Interest that attracts visitors from all the islands. However, Carnival lasts several weeks with parades, murgas, and festive atmosphere.

Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves

Every five years, Santa Cruz de La Palma celebrates the Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves, the most important festival of the island. For several weeks, the city fills with cultural events, dances, historical representations, and the procession that brings down the image of the Virgin from her sanctuary to the capital. It is a celebration with centuries of tradition.

Gastronomy in Santa Cruz de La Palma

The restaurants in the center and the terraces of the Maritime Avenue offer authentic palm cuisine. Wrinkled potatoes with mojo green and red, fresh fish, Palmero cheese roast with palm honey and the sweet bienmesabe of almond are must-try dishes.

To drink, the palm rum (with its own tradition) and the wines of La Palma, made with native varieties in volcanic vineyards. The taverns in the center offer tapas at good prices.

How to get to Santa Cruz de La Palma

La Palma Airport is just 10 minutes from the capital, in the neighboring municipality of Breña Baja. There are daily flights from Tenerife, Gran Canaria y Madrid.

The port Santa Cruz receives ferries from Tenerife (Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz de Tenerife), although less frequently than the flights. Within the city, everything is walkable.