La Palma
At the northwest of the Canaries archipelago, a few hundred miles from the coast of north-west Africa, lies the island of La Palma, also known as La Isla Bonita, because of its extraordinary natural beauty. La Palma is one of the smaller of the Canary islands, with a surface area of 706 square kilometres.
La Palma is unusual in that it rises exceptionally steeply from the ocean, the entire central mountain range exceeding 2000m in altitude. The highest point on the island is the Roque de los Muchachos (2426 m), the location of the astronomical observatory.
La Palma lies in both the cool north-easterly Canary current and the north-easterly trade winds, giving it a sunny climate with year-round moderate temperatures, but rather cooler than would be expected given the latitude of the island.
La Palma lies in both the cool north-easterly Canary current and the north-easterly trade winds, giving it a sunny climate with year-round moderate temperatures, but rather cooler than would be expected given the latitude of the island.
La Palma is a paradise for diving and cycling. There is also a wide choice of hiking trails: since a stroll among its colourful flowers and along its colourful landscapes up to hiking as far as the top of the Bejenado or Birigoyo peaks.
Climate
The climate of the island varies from region to region. In all the coastal areas under 200 metres the average temperature is 20 degrees. As you go higher, however, the temperature starts to fall, especially in winter when it can drop as low as zero degrees at the summit.
Of all the Canary Islands, La Palma is the one most blessed by rain. Because of its particular geography, Atlantic storms bring the most frequent downpours. In the northeast of the island so-called horizontal rain is common. This phenomenon is produced by moisture trapped by the dense laurel forest which then acts as a sponge, condensing moisture in large drops.
The climate of the island varies from region to region. In all the coastal areas under 200 metres the average temperature is 20 degrees. As you go higher, however, the temperature starts to fall, especially in winter when it can drop as low as zero degrees at the summit.
Of all the Canary Islands, La Palma is the one most blessed by rain. Because of its particular geography, Atlantic storms bring the most frequent downpours. In the northeast of the island so-called horizontal rain is common. This phenomenon is produced by moisture trapped by the dense laurel forest which then acts as a sponge, condensing moisture in large drops.
The Cigar Makers of La Palma
Cigar making was big business on La Palma until about twenty years ago. Handmade cigars are still made on the island.
