El Paso & La Cumbrecita Viewpoint

A municipality of approximately 7,700 residents situated at 630 metres elevation in the upper Aridane Valley, El Paso is known as the gateway to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The town is famous for its centuries-old silk production tradition — the El Paso Silk Museum (Museo de la Seda Las Hilanderas) preserves and demonstrates the art of silk weaving introduced after the Spanish conquest, showcasing the entire process from silkworm breeding to the finished fabric. The museum is housed in a traditional Canarian building and includes live demonstrations of weaving techniques. El Paso is surrounded by pine forests and almond groves — the Almond Blossom Festival (Fiesta del Almendro en Flor) in February draws visitors from across the island when thousands of almond trees burst into pink and white bloom. Just above El Paso, the La Cumbrecita viewpoint (at approximately 1,300 m) offers the most accessible and spectacular panoramic views into the Caldera de Taburiente. A short designated walking path runs along the caldera rim with interpretive panels explaining the geology. Vehicle access to La Cumbrecita requires a free parking reservation from the National Park visitor centre (available at reservasparquesnacionales.es). The area produces distinctive wines under the La Palma DO (Denominación de Origen), particularly from the Malvasía grape grown in volcanic soils.