La Palma, Spain

La Palma, the green island, has to show two world records: La Caldera del Taburiente is the world's largest volcanic crater, with a diameter of 9 kilometers and a depth of 770 meters. From the view-point Mirador de la Cumbrecita this terrific natural monument can be overlooked best. On the other hand you will find at La Palma the greatest elevation compared to the diameter. The island's highest mountain, Roque de los Muchachos, with an astronomical observatory at its peak, measures 2423 meters.

Santa Cruz de la Palma (photo)
At the island's east-coast is located this picturesque port-town with 18.000 inhabitants. Behind it, like a colossal amphitheater, there is the mighty volcanic crater Caldereta.
This town, with its characteristical steeply inclined alleys, offers a really lively ambience.
Among the most important sights there are the Town Hall and the church Iglesia del Salvador, both of 16th century, and the interesting Museum of Natural Science. A few kilometers out of town is located the Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, a sanctuary of the island's patroness.

Following the coast from Santa Cruz direction South, you arrive to Breña Baja (photo - right), with some very beautiful small bays and great beaches of sand, as Playa de Cancajos.
In Mazo, close to the airport, there is the Cueva de Belmaco, a cave with prehistorical engravings. From here you also have a great view over the coast.

In Fuencaliente (photo - down) you can enjoy of the unusual contrast of vineyards and volcanic craters. Best known are the craters of San Antonio and Teneguía, the latter having erupted for the so far last time in 1971.

Puerto de Naos is a traditional fishing-village with splendid beaches of fine sand.
Also Tazacorte, surrounded by large plantations of bananas, has a picturesque port and fine beaches to offer.
Over the beautiful valley of Los Llanos de Aridane is located the view-point El Time, from which you can overlook the National Park Caldera del Taburiente.
Cueva Bonita, close to Tijarafe, is a beautiful grotto really deserving a visit.
Around San Andrés and Sauces there are large and beautiful woods.

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