Jan
Spain: La Palma of the Canaries
La Palma was created three to four million years ago as a result of the volcanic formation; the highest peaks are arround 2,400 meters above sealevel. It is the most active volcano of the Canary Islands; the known historic eruptions are Montana Quemeda in 1470 to 1492, Tajuya near El Paso in 1585, San Martin Volcano in 1646, San Antonio Vulcano in 1677, El Charco in 1712, San Juan Vulcano, Duraznero, Hoyo Negro in 1949 and the Teneguia Volcano 1971.
The Island is part of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province and is divided into 14 municipalities the capitol of which is Santa Cruz de la Palma.
The islands colouring is blue, green and black. Blue beeing the sea which surrounds it, green is the abundance of diverse plant life and black being the volcanic rock-filled landscape and small beaches made of black sand.
The primery volcano, Taburiente, collapsed 500,000 years ago with a giant landslide which formed the Caldera de Taburiente.
This is now the largest erosion crater in the world. It dominates the northern part of La Palma, it is 9 kilometres wide and 1,500 meters deep and is surrounded by 1,600 metres to 2,400 metres high mountains.
The Barranco de las Angustias is the only canyon that leads ti the inner area of the Caldera de Taburiente - which is a natural park and can only be reached by hiking.
To the south of the Caldera is the Cumbre Nueva ridge, while the southern part or La Palma is dominated by the Cumbre Vieja a ridge formed by numerous volcanic ash cones. This area including the southern cape Punta de Fuencaliente which consists of lava and ashes and is where the most recent volcanic activities took place, make for a bizzare landscape.
Possibly the moust famous structures of La Palma are the water tunnels carved into the rocks over centuries.
These tunnels carry water from mountain sources to cities, villages and farms - mainly banana plantations. Many tourists come to La Palma especially to follow some of the tunnels by hiking.
The tour to the Marcos y Corderos waterfall and springs is also popular. La Palma receives plenty of water due to the clouds brought by the Trade Winds.
