| The Canary Island
La Palma
Facts: Size: 706 sqkm Population:
approx. 80.000 Capital: Santa Cruz de la Palma (approx. 18.000 inhibants)
La Palma, greenest of the Canary
Islands, is situated in the western part of the archipielago. The island has a
surface of 706 km² and the highest peak has 2.426 m of altitude. Because
of its geographical position the climate there is ideal and the atmospheric balance
unique. Because of this and the particularly clean air, it was decided that La
Palma is an ideal spot for the installation of the astrophysical observatory,
which is now situated in El Roque de los Muchachos.
A large amount of nature areas are found here, which reach from coasts with subtropical
climates, laurel- or pine tree forests to high mountain areas with continental
climate. Plenty of volcano craters and rivers and walls of magma remind of the
volcanic origin of this island, which lends the landscape a peculiar charm. 
Even the most casual observer
will notice the variety of the plant life. Apart from the beauty of the endemic
plants they have an immense scientific value. The flora is also remarkable
because of its variety of insects and birds. The most important springs of the
Canary Islands are situated here on this island. Only here youll find streams
of fresh, clean water. The most important ones are in the Caldera de Taburiente,
in Marcos y Corderos, in Los Sauces and in the ravine
of the Rio (river) near Santa Cruz. |