Excursions and Activities

At the entry to the attractive and historic town of Santa Cruz, Marina La Palma is well placed for making the most of the island. La Palma’s capital offers museums, shops, markets and services with plenty of charming spots to sit down and enjoy the surroundings.

Swimming pool and beaches

The marina access card provides entry to nearby yacht club swimming pool.

The nearest beach is just in front of the town, called Playa de Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Nearby watersports

– Diving and kayaking can be booked with Buceo Sub La Palma, based in Hotel H10 Costa Salinas. Local 3. Los Cancajos, 38712 – Breña Baja

Tel: 922 18 11 13 / 606 202 984

Markets

A market is held in the large parking area next to Marina La Palma on the first and third Sunday of each month.

There is also the marvellous Santa Cruz market held in a splendid historical building (Avda. el Puente, 6) selling many local products. Markets opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 6:00 – 14:30.

Hiking

Pack your boots for some superb walks through dramatic countryside. Have a look through this site’s section on La Palma for some inspiration and or go straight to www.senderosdelapalma.com for information on the hiking routes in La Palma together with helpful guides, campsites, visitors’ centres and recreational areas.

Astrotourism

An important part of La Palma’s island identity, the clear visibility and stringent controls of light pollution make for a marvellous place to study the stars. Visit the official website of the Canarian Astrophysics Institute: www.iac.es  for information on the famous Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, viewing points around the island, programmed events and visits and news from the institute.

Guided Visits

The company “Nuevo Rumbo Historia Viva S.L.” can take you around the island focussing on La Palma’s geology, ethnography, history and culture. For more information visit their website www.nr-historiaviva.com or call Tel. 922 413 889 / 685 884 431

Museums in Santa Cruz de La Palma

– Museo Insular de La Palma

Displaying: Archaeology, natural sciences and ethnography, Flemish and Hispano-American art.

Plaza de San Francisco, s/n. Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Opening times: from Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm; Saturdays from 10am to 7pm; Sundays from 9am to 2pm. (During Summer the museum closes on Sundays but extends opening hours to 6pm on Saturdays)

Tel: 922 420 558

– Museo Contemporáneo

Contemporary Canarian art.

Calle de la Luz s/n, Ayuntamiento de Santa Cruz de La Palma.

-Museo Naval

The museum displays a replica of the Columbine caravel “Santa María” in which Christopher Columbus made his first voyage to America. The replica dates from 1940 and is testament the nautical skill prevalent in the area.

Inside the museum there are a number of fascinating artefacts including 17th and 18th Century marine charts printed in animal skin parchments, old coins and navigational equipment.

The museum can be found in Plaza la Alameda, Santa Cruz de La Palma

Opening times: Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Contact: Tel: 922 416 550