Today we went to Santa Cruz de La Palma and after exploring some nature yesterday we wanted more civilisation. We parked a little bit outside of the town to avoid issues finding a parking spot in Santa Cruz, but it was a bit too far. Oh well, better to walk a bit when spend an hour in narrow streets of Santa Cruz looking for a parking spot. When I used to live in La Palma we used to park in Marina parking, but it was always full and even now if you look in Google Maps you will see how full it is. Anyway it was a walk with really beautiful views and you can see Santa Cruz port!
Table of Contents
Santa Cruz de La Palma was established in 1493 by Alonso Fernández de Lugo after the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands. Its strategic position on the island made it an important port during the Spanish Empire, serving as a key point for ships travelling to the Americas. This prominence in maritime trade allowed the city to thrive economically and culturally.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Santa Cruz de La Palma emerged as a bustling mercantile hub. The wealth generated from trade facilitated the construction of significant buildings, such as the Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador. However, the city also faced challenges, including pirate attacks and natural disasters like volcanic eruptions. Despite these adversities, Santa Cruz de La Palma preserved much of its architectural heritage. The old town’s cobbled streets and colonial buildings offer a glimpse into its rich historical past, attracting visitors keen to explore its storied legacy.
Walking in Santa Cruz de La Palma
We walked the main street callee Calle Real. We also popped in to the local church which looked amazing inside!
The Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador stands majestically in the heart of Santa Cruz de La Palma, a testament to the artistic and spiritual heritage of the Canary Islands. Constructed in the early 16th century, this church is a remarkable example of Spanish Renaissance architecture with subtle Gothic influences. The facade, adorned with intricate carvings and a beautifully sculpted portico.
Inside, the church boasts a stunning Mudéjar coffered ceiling that captures the eye with its intricate patterns and exquisite detail. The main altar is a masterpiece itself, featuring ornate woodwork and religious iconography that speak to the deep-rooted faith of the island’s inhabitants.
Amazing narrow street, which looks like almost like Cuba. After all a lot of Cubans living here.
That’s where I had to getting Canario certificate for living in Spain as well as NIE when I used to live here in 2012.
Iconic ship at the end of Calle Real. It is a must see naval museum (Museo Naval).
Surprisingly, if you come to the barranco (ravine), where the water flows during heavy rains, you can see cars parked down there in busy times. You would be surprised how many of them gets washed away. Tge video below will give you an idea how such flash floods look like in La Palma.
One more thing that surprised us was that some Restaurants were closed for 10 days holiday. In London they would make you either delay or cancel your holidays. Though to be honest in my area some Portuguese do close for a month in August, but it is rare. Here the people are so much more relaxed.
We stopped in Cafe Melhor (which seems not on Google Maps, but there is 2.0 version next to it) in front of Plaza de La Alameda for a quick snack and coffee. We ordered some Prawns, Squid and Croquettes.
All together with beers and Barraquito, orange juice was just over 30€ for 3 people. Though Barraquito was not that good.
After lunch we stopped at some antique gift shop. The owner was a lovely elderly lady, who was telling us all sorts of stories from her life, showing her grand children and friends’ photos on her mobile. That was the usual experience when I lived in La Palma as the people are very warm and friendly. It did feel she was oversharing a bit with stranger, but it was lovely. I’ve bought some nice souvenirs there to take back home.
Walking by the ocean there was a big European flag waving. Well good this country has no Brexit.
Balconies in Santa Cruz de La Palma
We walked towards Los Balcones (the balconies), which is iconic Monument of Santa Cruz and La Palma. The views were just stunning!
Los Balcones is a captivating symbol of the island’s rich history and architectural heritage. These iconic wooden balconies, adorned with vivid colours and intricate carvings, line the streets with a charm that instantly transports visitors to a different time. Their detailed craftsmanship showcases the artistic excellence that prevailed during the period of their construction, a testament to the skilled artisans of old.
The history of these balconies is deeply interwoven with the cultural tapestry of the Canary Islands. During the 16th and 17th centuries, during colonial era, Santa Cruz de La Palma flourished as a significant port, integral to the trading routes between Europe and the New World. This prosperity attracted a diverse array of influences—Moorish, Portuguese, and Spanish—all of which found expression in the architecture of the island, particularly in the design of these balconies. Each carved pattern and vibrant hue reflects the melting pot of cultures that shaped the identity of the town.
These balconies were not only decorative but also functional, providing shade and a cool vantage point from which residents could observe the bustling life below in the streets of Santa Cruz.
No further words needed as picture tells much better story than million words.
Santa Cruz de La Palma Beach
After taking some nice pictures we went to the beach. 🏖
Bad thing in Santa Cruz that after 1pm it gets cloudy. Same was when I was living here. Though good thing this week there is a mild Calima – wind from Sahara with sand. So air heats up. Even today with clouds was around 27-28C.
Time for Cachapas
After beach we stopped in Venezuelan/Colombian place called Bar Arepera El Encuentro for cachapas. This place used to be much better and serve very nice exotic fresh fruit juices. That menu was’t there anymore. The cachapa was still very delicous, but I must say it wasn’t the same as before. Must be owners changed or maybe it is my idyllic memory of those old good times.
Cachapa with fresh cheese, lettuce and avocado was just 3.85€. Still quite cheap compared to London prices where you would pay £10-12 for same and not even fresh avocado.
After filling our stomachs, we went back to the sunny side of the island to our apartment. I sat by the pool and read the book ‘Ready Player One’. I managed to finish it all during the vacation and it was one of the most interesting Sci-Fi books I’ve read. I must say that the book was much better than a movie, but also seeing a movie and then reading a book helped me to imagine those scenes from the movie much vividly.
Tomorrow the plan was to go to the mountain: El Roque de los Muchachos.
Once again I apologise for blurry photos because of my OnePlus 3T malfunction. I literally had to hit it to make it focus sometimes!
Hello Gin! Love the site! Can’t wait to follow you in Cuba!