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Europe Spain La Palma Do & See Observatory of El Roque de Los Muchachos

Overview

Observatory of El Roque de Los Muchachos

The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

One of the highlights of La Palma is the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory containing the world's largest optical telescope. Book a daytime tour and see professional telescopes used to watch the stars, or join an evening astronomy tour to take a close-up look at the night sky yourself. The island's highest point is a stone's throw away from the observatory and makes for a great hike.

Useful Information

Address: Brena Baja, La Palma
Website: www.astrolapalma.com
Phone: +34 622 805 618
Email: info@astrolapalma.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Caldera de Taburiente National Park

Caldera de Taburiente National Park

The centerpiece of La Palma's incredible National Park is Caldera de Taburiente – a few kilometer-wide crater. An extended period of erosion caused the soil to sink, creating an enormous pit in place of a once-existing mountain. The park itself contains scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, forests, and is characterised by its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Fuencaliente

Fuencaliente

Fuencaliente in the island's south is a good base for travellers looking to explore nearby natural attractions. Visit the village of Los Canarios itself, and take trips to nearby volcanoes (de San Antonio and Teneguia) or salt pools to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this region.

Saltwater pools

Saltwater pools

Charco Azul (in San Andres y Sauces) is our top choice, followed closely by Piscinas de la Fajana – a similar location just a short drive north from Charco Azul. Both are well-maintained and equipped with visitor facilities. Pool waters are clear and shallow, with surrounding caves providing shelter from the summer sun.

Observatory of El Roque de Los Muchachos

Observatory of El Roque de Los Muchachos

One of the highlights of La Palma is the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory containing the world's largest optical telescope. Book a daytime tour and see professional telescopes used to watch the stars, or join an evening astronomy tour to take a close-up look at the night sky yourself. The island's highest point is a stone's throw away from the observatory and makes for a great hike.

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Santa Cruz de La Palma

The island's administrative capital is nestled beautifully on La Palma's east coast, and is dotted with museums and quaint churches. Do not miss the best vantage point for seeing Santa Cruz in its entirety at 17th century Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, and stroll down the Avenida Maritima to see its colorful, idyllic balconies festooned with plants and flowers.

Puerto Naos

Puerto Naos

One of La Palma's two most popular destinations, Puerto Naos is a coastal settlement boasting the island's longest beach. It's a good choice for sun-seekers, and nearby Eco Finca Platano Logico makes for an interesting excursion for those interested in learning about the island's sustainable eco-farming.

Los Tiles

Los Tiles

The Los Tiles laurel forests are an enormous green oasis covering dozens of square kilometers, and containing a plethora of island flora and fauna. Take the hiking path to Marcos y Cordero to reach the Visitor Center with more information on the forest's species, or hike through the lush vegetation to the Marcos y Cordero natural springs.

Parque Cultural La Zarza

Parque Cultural La Zarza

The island's original inhabitants – the Benahoare – have left two circular rock carvings engraved in stone now on display in La Palma's Parque Cultural La Zarza. The on-site museum tells the story of the people who once populated the volcanic island and details the Spanish conquest of the mid-15th century.

Ruta de los Volcanes

Ruta de los Volcanes

Running from Fuencaliente to El Pilar, this well-marked scenic route is easy to navigate and varies in difficulty depending on the route you choose – it's downhill towards Fuencaliente, but becomes more challenging if you venture north to El Pilar.

Mirador El Time

Mirador El Time

It's a 3-kilometer uphill hike from Puerto de Tazacorte to this excellent viewing platform, from where sweeping vistas of the La Palma coastline and settlements unfold. There is a panoramic cafe serving refreshments at the top. The viewpoint can also be reached by car or public bus.

The Black Beaches of La Palma

The Black Beaches of La Palma

La Palma, shaped over millions of years by volcanic eruptions, is one of the few places in the world to have coal-black beaches. These are given their colour by ground up lava rocks instead of ocean sand. The colour does not stain clothes and even boasts higher heat absorption, which allows one to relax on the beach at milder temperatures, too.

Palmex Cactus Garden

Palmex Cactus Garden

If giant cacti prickle your fancy, make sure to visit Palmex Cactus Garden. The grounds are home to towering rare cacti and succulents rarely seen outside of the African continent. Exotic birds may also make an appearance. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

Poris de Candelaria

Poris de Candelaria

Wander off the beaten path and explore this deserted seaside village. Desribed as "Palma's best kept secret", this remote village consists of quaint but abandoned fisherman's houses sandwiched in to caves and cliffsides, overlooking crystal clear water perfect for swimming and diving.

Cubo de la Galga

Cubo de la Galga

Explore ancient lush green rainforests on the Cubo de la Galga hiking route. Beginning on the LP-1 highway in the east of the island, the starting point is easy to find. The route is 12km long and suitable for all experience levels. However, be warned that parts of this verdant, subtropical jungle are especially steep and slippery. Intrepid adventurers should choose the longer route, which connects to La Galga Mountain, and the viewpoint at San Bartolomé.

Cascada de los Colores, Barranco de las Angustias

Cascada de los Colores, Barranco de las Angustias

Follow the Barranco de las Angustias hiking route along the ravine boulders to reach Cascada de los Colores - a magical, rainbow-coloured waterfall. Cross Dos Aguas - a river with stepping stones, fascinating geological formations, and canyons. This walk is not for the faint-hearted but those who undertake it will be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind experience. The walk begins at La Viña parking area.

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