Santa Cruz de La Palma – The Colonial Capital of the Green Island

Geography and Setting
Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of La Palma and is located on the island’s eastern coast, between steep volcanic slopes and the Atlantic Ocean. It is built on a narrow coastal strip at the base of dramatic cliffs, with the old town nestled around a natural harbor. The setting combines colorful urban charm with natural beauty, offering sea views, mountain backdrops, and lush hillsides just a short walk from the town center.

Despite its status as the capital, Santa Cruz is intimate and easy to explore on foot. Its mix of colonial architecture, seaside promenade, and green spaces makes it one of the most picturesque towns in the Canary Islands.

History and Culture
Founded in 1493 shortly after the Spanish conquest, Santa Cruz de La Palma quickly developed into one of the most important ports in the Atlantic during the 16th and 17th centuries. It became a hub for trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and its prosperity can still be seen in the well-preserved mansions, balconies, and churches throughout the town.

The city’s historic core is protected and filled with cultural heritage, from cobbled streets and baroque facades to museums and theatres. The Church of El Salvador, the Plaza de España, and the town hall are key landmarks. Santa Cruz is also the center of the island’s biggest festivals, including the famous Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves and the white powder-filled Día de los Indianos during Carnival.

Population and Local Life
Santa Cruz de La Palma has a population of approximately 15,000 people. It is the island’s political and cultural center, hosting public institutions, schools, and health services. The local economy is based on public administration, commerce, and tourism, with the port still playing an active role in maritime transport and logistics.

Life in Santa Cruz is calm and community-oriented. Residents shop at the municipal market, enjoy coffee in shaded plazas, and attend local cultural events throughout the year. The town is clean, organized, and safe, with a strong local identity and pride in its architectural beauty and traditions.

Tourism and Attractions
Santa Cruz de La Palma attracts visitors interested in history, architecture, and authentic Canarian life. The old town is a protected historic ensemble, featuring colonial houses with wooden balconies, stone streets, and traditional Canarian design.

Top attractions include:

Plaza de España, the heart of the old town
Iglesia del Salvador, a 16th-century church with a carved wooden ceiling
Casa Salazar and Casa Principal de la Plaza, examples of aristocratic Canarian architecture
Naval Museum (Barco de la Virgen), located inside a replica of a 17th-century galleon
Insular Theatre, offering music, dance, and cultural performances

The beachfront promenade, known as the Avenida Marítima, has been revitalized with modern landscaping and offers views of the black sand beach, as well as cafes and terraces overlooking the ocean.

Transport and Accessibility
Santa Cruz de La Palma is home to the island’s main ferry terminal, with regular connections to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and other Canary Islands. The town is also about 10 kilometers from La Palma Airport (SPC), which offers inter-island and mainland Spanish flights.

Local buses connect Santa Cruz to other towns on the island, including Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, and Barlovento. Taxis are readily available, and car rental services operate both in town and at the airport. The town’s compact layout makes it ideal for walking, and most accommodations, attractions, and restaurants are within easy reach on foot.

Worth to do!
Santa Cruz de La Palma is rich in heritage and atmosphere. Here are the top things to do while visiting the capital:

Walk Along Calle Real (O’Daly Street)
The main pedestrian street lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings. It offers a lively but relaxed atmosphere and connects many of the town’s key sites.
Admire the Balconies on Avenida Marítima
The iconic row of wooden balconies facing the sea is one of La Palma’s most photographed scenes — a symbol of colonial charm and architectural detail.
Visit the Church of El Salvador
This Renaissance-style church is known for its ornate altars and beautifully carved coffered ceiling made from Canary Island pine.
Explore the Naval Museum and the Barco de la Virgen
A replica of a Spanish galleon, this museum celebrates the town’s maritime history and plays a central role in the Bajada de la Virgen festivities.
Relax on the Black Sand Beach
The town’s city beach offers a clean and convenient place to swim or sunbathe, with excellent views and modern facilities.

Conclusion
Santa Cruz de La Palma is a capital that feels like a secret treasure — compact, colorful, and deeply rooted in history. With its colonial streets, cultural richness, and easygoing pace, it offers a different side of the Canary Islands, far from the resorts and tourist crowds. Whether you're exploring museums, attending a festival, or simply strolling past its famous balconies, Santa Cruz invites you to slow down and discover the soul of La Palma.

Santa Cruz de La Palma - The Colonial Capital of the Green Island

See also

The Pyramids of Güímar - Tenerife's Mysterious Step Pyramids

Hike Through Caldera de Taburiente National Park - La Palma's Volcanic Cathedral of Nature

El Cotillo - Tranquility, Waves, and Western Sunsets