La Palma
The island with the loveliest green scenery of all the Canary Islands, and all surrounded by one of the best skies in the world for astronomic observation. In fact the most important observatories in the northern hemisphere are on the island.
The Pretty Island covers 708 square kilometres and has a population of some 85,000 inhabitants, and all this is just a 2.5 hours boat trip away from Tenerife.
The island holds “Los Tilos” forest, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1983 by UNESCO, and La Caldera de Taburiente National Park, one of the largest craters in the world, on the rim of which you will find the above mentioned international observatories.
A combination of volcanic landscapes and lush forests abounding with springs, it is a paradise for ramblers. But it is also a destination for those who love “sun, sea and sand”, as you will find some impressive beaches on this wonderful island for days of rest and relaxation on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
You cannot miss this island that has been awarded a certificate accrediting it as the first “Sustainable Tourist Destination” in the world.
Remember, watching the stars in one of the bet skies in the world is only 2.5 hours away from Tenerife and only half an hour from La Gomera.
History
The Fast Ferry Benchijigua Express, the largest and most modern in the world, offers you the chance to visit one of the most charming of the Canary Islands, the island of La Palma. Commonly know as "The Pretty Island", it is without a doubt the greenest of the Archipelago and has maintained its traditions, customs and personality almost intact. Some of the most breath-taking views in the island can be found in the mountainous area known as "La Caldera de Taburiente" and are a result of the impressive height reached over such a limited surface area. This marvel of nature, home to the one of the most important observatories in the planet, was declared a National Park in 1954, and its outstanding scientific value and rugged landscapes attract visitors from all parts of the world year after year.
Los Tilos, declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1983 is one of the most important examples of laurisilva forests in the Canaries. This type of forest, previously widespread in Europe, is considered a centre of plant diversity and contains numerous rare and endemic species, amongst them lime trees, viñatigo trees, Willard's acacias, laurels, aceviños, barbusanos, fir trees, and a variety of ferns and heathers.
Since the introduction of the ship Benchijigua Express, at the head of international maritime technology, the island of La Palma has never been so easy to reach by sea.
Your journey to the island can begin and end in the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife thanks to the free Ferry Bus service offered by Fred. Olsen Express.