TIJARAFE
Municipality of La Palma
Tijarafe, viewpoints, cliffs, and the Dance of the Devil in La Palma
Tijarafe is a municipality on the northwest coast of La Palma with one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Canary Islands and one of the most unique festivals in the archipelago. Its territory descends from the pine forests of the summit to cliffs that drop vertically into the Atlantic, passing through banana plantations, deep ravines, and caves by the sea.
Moreover, it is a quiet and uncrowded municipality, with good weather throughout the year thanks to its westward orientation. The CanariasLife webcam live cam El Time Viewpoint shows live one of the widest panoramas of the island: the Barranco de las Angustias, the valley of Aridane and the ocean.
El Time Viewpoint
The El Time Viewpoint is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural balconies of Canary Islands. From its 594 meters of height, you can see the entire Barranco de las Angustias, the entrance to the Taburiente Caldera National Park, the Los Llanos de Aridane valley, the coast, and on clear days, the silhouettes of La Gomera and El Hierro on the horizon.
In fact, it's a must-stop for any visitor to La Palma. The CanariasLife webcam allows you to check the visibility live before going up.
PorÃs de Candelaria and Cueva Bonita
The PorÃs de Candelaria is one of the most surprising corners of La Palma. It is a small settlement of fishermen's houses built inside a huge volcanic cave by the sea. Access is via a steep path that descends from the road, and the place conveys a sense of isolation and authenticity.
On the other hand, the Beautiful Cave is a sea cave accessible only by boat from the port of Tazacorte. The light that enters through the cave's mouth creates colorful reflections in the water that make it especially photogenic.
Hiking in Tijarafe
The municipality is ideal for hiking. The route GR-131 crosses Tijarafe through the summit and offers landscapes of pine forests, volcanoes, and spectacular cliffs.
Furthermore, the paths that descend from the village to the coast traverse deep ravines with subtropical vegetation. The Veta Beach, accessible on foot between cliffs, is a tranquil and little-frequented cove, perfect for a natural swim. There are also natural pools along the coast where you can refresh yourself without crowds.
The Dance of the Devil
The Dance of the Devil is the best-known festival of Tijarafe and one of the most unique of Canary Islands. It is celebrated every September 8th in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria. A character disguised as the devil runs through the village streets carrying fire torches while people flee and chase it amid music, pyrotechnics, and excitement.
It is a unique spectacle that attracts visitors from all over the island and has roots that go back centuries.
Historic center and heritage
The town of Tijarafe has a quiet town center with a 16th-century church, cobbled streets, and shaded squares. The atmosphere is rural and authentic, with little tourist pretense. It is a good place to stroll leisurely and try the local gastronomy.
Gastronomy in Tijarafe
The local cuisine is rooted in palm. Wrinkled potatoes with mojo, smoked palmero cheese, goat meat and palm honey are the most representative products.
However, the most characteristic aspect of Tijarafe is the tea grape wine, a variety that is cultivated on vines supported on trunks of Canary pine. The result is a wine with a unique and slightly smoky flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.
Starry sky
Tijarafe it is part of the Starlight Reserve from La Palma. The low light pollution and altitude provide excellent conditions for a star observation. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way to the naked eye.
How to get to Tijarafe
From Santa Cruz de La Palma it takes about 45 minutes via the LP-1 and LP-2, passing through the summit tunnel. From Los Llanos de Aridane it's about 15 minutes up the LP-1. There are buses that connect Tijarafe with the main municipalities of the island.
To get to La Palma: daily flights from Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Madrid Frequently asked questions about Barlovento
Frequently asked questions about Tijarafe
What is the El Time Viewpoint?
It is one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Canary Islands, at 594 meters above sea level in Tijarafe. From there, you can see the Barranco de las Angustias, the entrance to the Taburiente Caldera, the Aridane valley, and the ocean. On clear days, you can see La Gomera and El Hierro.
What is the PorÃs de Candelaria?
It is a settlement of fishermen's houses built inside a huge volcanic cave by the sea, on the coast of Tijarafe. Access is via a steep path. It is one of the most surprising and photogenic places in La Palma.
What is the Dance of the Devil?
It is a unique festival celebrated on September 8th in Tijarafe in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria. A character with fire torches runs through the streets amid pyrotechnics and music. It is one of the most singular celebrations of Canary Islands.
What is tea grape wine?
It is an exclusive wine from La Palma, made with vines supported on trunks of Canary pine. The result has a slightly smoky and unique flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. In Tijarafe it is produced and can be tasted in the local taverns.
How to get to Tijarafe?
From Los Llanos de Aridane it's about 15 minutes. From Santa Cruz de La Palma, about 45 minutes via the summit tunnel. There are buses from the main municipalities.
Is there a webcam in Tijarafe?
Yes, in CanariasLife you can see the webcam of the El Time Viewpoint live, with a panoramic view of the Barranco de las Angustias and the coast of La Palma.