What to see in Puntagorda, La Palma
Almond trees, pine forests and the northwest market
Puntagorda La Palma, the municipality of almond trees and glass viewpoints
Puntagorda is the westernmost municipality of La Palma and one of the most rural and authentic on the entire island. It is located in the northwest, between the ravines of Garome to the south and Izcagua to the north, at about 600 meters above sea level. Its midlands landscape with centenary almond trees, vineyards, and pine forests is spectacular at any time of the year. However, between January and February, when thousands of almond trees bloom at the same time, the municipality becomes one of the most photogenic spots of Canary Islands. Moreover, its night sky, within the Starlight Reserve of La Palma, is exceptional. Check the Live cameras of La Palma and check the weather in real time.
The Fiesta del Almendro en Flor
The Fiesta del Almendro en Flor is the most important event in the municipality and one of the most anticipated in the calendar of La PalmaIt is held on the the last weekend of January or the first of February, depending on the almond blossom of that year. Therefore, the exact date is announced a few weeks in advance. The festival was declared Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Canarias and brings together hundreds of visitors from all over the island to see the blooming landscape and participate in the celebration.
The program includes live music, traditional Canarian dances, free local wine and almond distribution, and craft and gastronomic exhibitions of the municipality. Additionally, walking among the blooming almond trees with the background of ravines and pine forests is a spectacle that requires no further explanation.
The Mirador de Izcagua and the zip line
The Mirador de Izcagua is the most popular adventure spot in the municipality and one of the most original viewpoints of La Palma. Its platforms with glass floor and walls overlook directly over the Barranco de Izcagua, one of the deepest in the northwest. Walking on glass with the ravine's void beneath creates a vertigo sensation that is not easily found elsewhere on the island.
From the viewpoint itself departs the Puntagorda zip line, with 617 meters long and more than 700 meters high. It is one of the longest zip lines in Canary Islands and allows you to fly over the ravine with views of the ocean and the pine forests. Therefore, the Mirador de Izcagua serves as both an adventure and contemplation point, with options for all levels of daring.
The Port of Puntagorda
The Port of Puntagorda — or Porís de Puntagorda — is the only access to the sea for the municipality and one of the most secluded spots in the northwest of La Palma. To get there, you have to descend more than 300 steps carved into the cliff wall, a descent that requires good physical condition and appropriate footwear. Upon arrival at the bottom, the effort is rewarded with natural pools of volcanic rock, platforms for sunbathing in total calm, and very clear waters. The return, however, is via the same steps uphill.
The port also holds some living caves used by fishermen and, in the past, as a refuge. The atmosphere is completely different from the rest of the municipality and the feeling of isolation is very intense. Therefore, it is a destination that enchants those seeking unspoiled nature.
The Fayal Forest and hiking
The Fayal Forest is the most important wooded area of Puntagorda. Its Canary pines and underbrush of fayal and heather create a cool and humid environment very different from the almond tree and vineyard landscape of the midlands. The forest offers recreational and sporting areas, with marked trails that allow you to walk among the trees for hours. On the other hand, the Mirador de Miraflores, overlooking the mountain of the same name, offers panoramic views of the entire village and the ocean.
The municipality also has a good number of trails connecting its neighborhoods and with the neighboring municipalities of Garafía in the north and Tijarafe to the south. The Route of the Almond Blossom is the most popular trail, especially between January and February, when the landscape is at its most spectacular.
Astrotourism and the night sky
Puntagorda is part of the island of La Palma, declared Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourist Destination due to the quality of its night sky. The low light pollution of the municipality, the altitude, and the clarity of the air in the northwest make it one of the best spots on the island for stargazing. Additionally, the proximity to Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, in the neighboring municipality of Garafía, makes this entire northwest area a reference destination for astrotourism in Canary Islands.
Gastronomy in Puntagorda
The cuisine of Puntagorda is the rural palm tree par excellence. The restaurants and bars in the municipality serve wrinkled potatoes with mojo, artisanal goat cheeses, local wines from small wineries, and almond pastries: almendrados, cakes, sweet breads, and sweets made from the municipality's own production. On the other hand, the Mercadillo del Agricultor, which operates on Saturdays from 15:00 to 19:00 and Sundays from 11:00 to 15:00, brings together local producers with organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, and crafts. It is one of the most valued markets in La Palma for the quality and variety of its offerings.
How to get to Puntagorda
Puntagorda is in the northwest of La Palma, about 23 kilometers from Santa Cruz de La Palma via the LP-1 road (approximately 35-40 minutes by car). From the La Palma Airport it is about 30 kilometers and around 40 minutes. The northwest road is mountainous and winding, typical of the island. It is recommended to use your own car to visit the municipality, as the various points of interest are spread across several neighborhoods and the coast. Also check the Live cameras of La Palma to help you navigate the island.
Frequently asked questions about Puntagorda La Palma
When do the almond trees bloom in Puntagorda?
The blooming of the almond trees in Puntagorda occurs between late January and early February, although the date varies depending on the year. The Fiesta del Almendro en Flor, declared Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Canarias, is held on the last weekend of January or the first of February depending on the bloom. The exact date is announced a few weeks in advance.
What is the Mirador de Izcagua?
It is a viewpoint with platforms of glass floor and walls over the Barranco de Izcagua, in the municipality of Puntagorda. The sensation of walking over the void of the ravine is unique in La Palma. From the same viewpoint departs the 617-meter zip line, one of the longest in Canary Islands.
How to get to the Port of Puntagorda?
Access is via a staircase of more than 300 steps carved into the cliff. The descent requires good physical condition and appropriate footwear. Upon arrival, there are natural pools of volcanic rock and platforms for swimming. The return is via the same steps uphill, so energy must be calculated well.
Is Puntagorda a good destination for astrotourism?
Yes. Puntagorda is part of the island of La Palma, declared Starlight Reserve. The low light pollution of the northwest and the altitude of the municipality make it one of the best spots on the island to see the stars. The proximity to Roque de los Muchachos Observatory reinforces the proposal for astrotourism in the area.
When is the Fiesta de San Mauro Abad in Puntagorda?
The Feast of San Mauro Abad is celebrated during the second half of August. The most prominent event is the procession down of the saint to the ancient Church of San Mauro, which dates from the 16th century and is the most important religious building in the municipality.
How to get to Puntagorda from Santa Cruz de La Palma?
It is about 23 kilometers via the LP-1 road, approximately 35-40 minutes by car. The road is mountainous and winding. It is recommended to use your own car because public transport in the area has very limited frequencies.