Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

You can't ignore Santa Cruz, with its burst of culture: History, art and architecture at every step! Stroll through historic lanes, squares and colonial-style buildings, listening to the guide revealing fun facts and secrets. And when your eyes get tired, your taste buds can celebrate: A piece of local cake and a “barraquito” introduce you to the island's sweet side.

• Walk through Santa Cruz’s old town
• Typical snack with “barraquito” and a slice of local cake

• Get ready for a stroll in the heart of another age: among colonial architecture and Flemish sacred art you’ll discover a surprising side of the island of La Palma, suspended between past and present.
• Now declared cultural heritage, in the 16th century it hosted merchants and seafarers who from here arrived at the colonies of the Americas, bringing wealth from all over with them. You see it with your own eyes, as you walk along the cobbled streets of its old town.
• Among the decorated wooden balconies and highly colorful houses overlooking the sea, the words of your guide will provide you with tidbits on the many details of the city.
• You’ll discover that the sweet specialties of the island make it special, too. It’s true – you can’t leave without trying a “barraquito”, the typical liqueur-enhanced coffee, and a slice of local cake.

• Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail.

Get ready for a hike that will thrill your boots! Discover the history of the island and its spectacular eruptions amid gravity-defying vineyards growing in dark lava and volcanic landforms that seem from another planet. Walk along the craters' edge and, from the top of Teneguia, slide down toward the lighthouse amid breathtaking landscapes. But beware: The volcano is still active, and you'll feel it under your skin!

• Hike to the Teneguia volcano
• Fuencaliente lighthouse: photo stop

• From Los Canarios, walk along the footpath that climbs up to the San Antonio volcano, with vines as far as the eye can see and volcanic rock. The two symbols of the island.
• Accompanied by your guide, you will climb up to the summit of the Teneguia volcano, a protected natural monument, while the views open up across the entire west coast.
• From the peak, snap a few photos of the strange lava formations, the shades of red and black of the volcanic landscape, the blue sea and the nearby island of Tenerife.
• Did you know that the last eruption of Teneguia happened half a century ago? Then you'll head back down to the sea on the footpath shaped by the lava flows, which transformed the island's appearance over the course of 24 days in the fall of 1971.
• Here, the green of shrubs and bushes stands out against the dark lava, along with the red of the new Fuencaliente lighthouse. Keep your camera in hand to snap away at the last picture postcard views of La Palma and bring its colors back to the port with you.

• Wear appropriate hiking shoes and clothing for the trail.

Get on the coach and let the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park amaze you with its volcanos and forests that will have you say, “Is this real?”. Then, a dive into the world of La Palma cigars, where you'll learn connoisseur secrets without even lighting one up. And to wrap it all up, a sprinkle of mysticism at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows, which guards the most ancient statue in the archipelago. The island just showed you its best.

• Sightseeing bus tour through the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park
• La Cumbrecita, Las Chozas, La Conceptión: photo stops
• Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Snow; local cigar workshop: interior visits

• The bus heads for Cumbre Vieja and from your window you’ll already see the clouds on the crests of the volcanoes, the real backbone of La Palma.
• In the heart of the island, from the natural balcony of La Cumbrecita, you look out with your guide over the Caldera de Taburiente: a magnificent depression with a diameter of a kilometer and a half covered in evergreen shrubbery.
• After the pine forest and dark land of the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park, your collection of local icons continues in an artisanal workshop, where you’ll discover the scents and secrets of the "puro palmero", the fine cigar of the Canaries.
• Another viewpoint, more photos: from La Conceptión the view extends over the Valle de las Breñas, over the white houses of Santa Cruz de la Palma and over the blue of the Ocean.
• Then, you immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows. It’s here that you’ll find the oldest Marian statue in the Canaries, adorned with precious jewels and clothes. Now you really have been completely immersed in the island.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.

Get a seat and enjoy La Palma at a slow pace: From the coach, have a look at Tajogaite, still spewing smoke, then get off to take a photo of the island's most recent crater. At the Roque Alto and La Concepción viewpoints, you'll feel as if on a springboard, amid volcanos and super-green valleys. Then, with your feet in the black sands of Los Cancajos, breathe in the ocean, realizing that here, nature doesn't do things by halves... and it's worth it.

• Sightseeing bus tour of La Palma island: Tacande, Tajogaite, La Conceptión, Los Cancajos, Roque Alto
• Tajogaite volcano, La Conceptión and Roque Alto viewpoints: photo stops
• Walk in Los Cancajos

• With your guide, hop on the bus to discover the wild nature of the "Isla Bonita": from the port, you'll take the road to Tacande, on the slopes of the Tajogate volcano, where you'll snap your first postcard-worthy photos.
• Go down to the still-smoldering crater: from here, you'll overlook the entire Aridane valley, transformed by the eruption of 2021, which changed the face of the island in 85 days of intense lava flows.
• From the viewpoint of La Conceptión, admire the Las Breñas valley, with Santa Cruz de la Palma below, and the green slopes and rocks lapped by the sea.
• Then take a walk on Los Cancajos beach: the power of the ocean is muffled by the volcanic rocks, and you can sit and listen to the sound of the waves on the dark shoreline.
• Take one last round of photos from the Roque Alto viewpoint, with the island of La Palma at your feet.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.

Amid vineyards, salt pans and lava flows, you'll see La Palma wildest side – its volcanos. Jump on a 4x4 bus with the guide to reach craters and breathtaking views. And when you think you're done... a glass of the famous local wine awaits you in Fuencaliente, for an aperitif in a historic wine cellar. A taste of the island, directly from the heart of the volcano.

• Sightseeing 4X4 bus tour, among the volcanoes of Fuencaliente
• Local wine tasting in a historic winery

• Among beaches, woods and lava flows, on the island of La Palma you’ll discover the allure of natural landscapes created by the power of volcanoes.
• With your guide, climb aboard the 4X4 bus and set off for Villa de Mazo and the Los Molinos viewpoint: from here you can see El Porís, the lava flow that descends to the coast to clash with the sea, giving life to the precious natural environment that makes up the marine biosphere reserve.
• With its vineyards climbing the side of the volcano, Fuencaliente will leave you speechless.Speaking of which, did you know that they produce a wine here that’s known all over the island? You’ll taste it in a historic winery, with an aperitif characterized by its… volcanic flavor.
• The island is constantly changing, and you’ll understand how the recent activity of the Teneguia and San Cumbre Vieja volcanoes has formed landscapes that seem out of this world.
• At the salt pans of San Antonio Volcano too, you’ll feel as though you’re on the moon, with the white of the salt and black of the land alternating in a perfect mosaic.

• Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail.

Santa Cruz de La Palma awaits you, with its historic lanes, art and intriguing views. Set off on a panoramic trolley train along Avenida Marítima, then walk amid the city's iconic sites and keep your ears peeled listening to the guide. Unmissable: The replica of the Santa Maria, the Junonia Center and a refreshing stop to recharge your batteries... just in time, before the ship calls you back on board!

• Along this route you will discover the most relevant places, points and characteristics of the town of Santa Cruz: its religious buildings, its squares, its society, its artistic treasures...
  By visiting its cultural heritage, we will be a witness of the evolution of the town: since its very beginning, that is, its foundation just after the Spanish conquest, up to the present time. At the pier, we will be welcomed by a guide who will provide us with a cordless headset in order to allow us more movement freedom at the same time that we listen to his explanations. From there we will depart on a train-bus which will take us along S/C de la Palma’s main avenue: Avenida Marítima. During this transfer, we will be able to enjoy a short panoramic view of the city. Upon arrival at the replica of the Santa Maria of Columbus, our walking tour through the most remarkable buildings and streets of the city will start. We will be introduced into the history and past of the island related to America, and its important economic aspects, its Flemish art works and many other topics related to trade with Europe which have had a deep influence on the history and development of the island. Take a short refreshment stop before continuing to the newly inaugurated Junonia Interpretation Centre, which gives you a better idea of what La Palma was in the history of the Canary Islands. Finally, return to the ship on foot.

Ready to cast off? On board Flipper, you'll set off on an ocean safari as you look out for whales and dolphins. A spacious, comfortable boat that is perfect even for those who don't have their sea legs: sitting in the front row you'll experience the thrill of seeing the giants and acrobats of the ocean up close.

• Sea safari, on the look-out for whales and dolphins.

Ready to climb aboard Flipper? No rocking, uncomfortable boats here: here, there's space for everyone, including children, and it's so comfortable that even those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground will feel at ease.

We'll set off in search of whales and dolphins, which often peek out from among the waves here. And while the little ones shout “there's one!”, adults can enjoy the show from the panoramic deck.

It's a family-friendly marine safari: Just the right degree of excitement, as well as relaxation when you need it, as the ocean becomes a giant natural aquarium.

• Only bring what you need: a backpack with beach towel, a hat, suncream and a bottle of water.
• This experience will be narrated in English and Spanish.

The best of La Palma, the greenest island in the Canaries: The Los Tilos forest's trails, San Andrés y Sauces's ancient alleys and a taste of the local rum to end the day. ¡Vamos, and let the rum conclude this experience in style!

• Mirador di San Bartolo: panoramic view
• Walk through the forest of El Cubo de la Galga
• Walk through the village of San Andrés y Sauces to the natural pools of Charco Azul
• Rum distillery: interior visit and tasting of a local rum

• Jump onto the bus and discover why the island of La Palma has been declared a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO.
• You'll start at a very special observation spot: the San Bartolo viewpoint. It's mountains, hills and sea as far as the eye can see.
• Then you'll get back on the bus and head to the El Cubo de la Galga forest to take a stroll in the heart of this evergreen woodland, among laurel, holly, heather and many other native plants.
• Once you emerge from this lush oasis, you'll arrive at San Andrés y Sauces, one of the island's first colonial villages: it will enchant you with its ancient charm, with its cobbled streets and typical houses.
• From here, you'll arrive at Charco Azul and its unique natural pools: dips in the lava rock filled with seawater.
• But the real surprise awaits at the historical Ron de La Aldea rum distillery: come in and taste the traditional rum of La Palma, and raise a toast to your day. ¡Salud!

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.

“Beautiful island” but also “continent island”, La Palma brings together various natural habitats in 700 km². Pass with your guide through the forest of El Cubo de la Galga and get ready for an unprecedented walk, along the crater of the San Antonio volcano. In the middle, you’ll discover the colonial roots of a small village, the sanctuary dedicated to the island’s patron saint and the flavors of a typical lunch.

• Mirador of San Bartolo: panoramic view of the natural landscape and sea
• Walk through the northern area of the island: forest of El Cubo de la Galga; village of San Andrés y Sauces
• Walk along the crater of the San Antonio volcano
• Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves: interior visit
• Lunch in a typical restaurant

• Board the bus and get ready to discover all the best of La Palma with your guide, from north to south.
• You start from the San Bartolo viewpoint, where your gaze becomes immersed in a landscape of terraces, gorges and sea.
• Now you come to the forest of El Cubo de la Galga, overflowing with indigenous island plants, like laurel, heather, the strawberry tree and the Canary Island bellflower.
• The walk continues along the little streets of San Andrés y Sauces, a historic colonial village. What do you say to a dive into the 16th and 17th centuries, inside the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves? It’s an example of the typical colonial style of the Canaries as well as the island’s main pilgrimage site.
• After lunch in a typical restaurant, it’s back southwards for the grand finale: climb to the crater of the San Antonio volcano, for a high-adrenaline walk along its edges and a view with a “wow” factor.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.