Los Llanos de Aridane
La Palma · Areas
Santa Cruz de La Palma
The capital of La Palma since 1493, home to approximately 15,000 residents. Founded by Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the city features one of the finest preserved historic centres in the Canary Islands with cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings from the 16th–18th centuries. Key landmarks include the Plaza de España with the Iglesia de El Salvador (16th century, Mudéjar ceiling), the 16th-century Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) with Renaissance carvings, and the colourful wooden balconies along Calle O'Daly. The city hosts the famous Los Indianos Carnival (Día de los Indianos) each February, celebrating the island's historical ties with Cuba. The port receives cruise ships and operates ferries to Tenerife.