Silversea Luxury Cruises A SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA (Canary Islands)

Drive for approximately 50 minutes to Fuencaliente, the southernmost municipality on the island of La Palma, which stands out for its emblematic volcanic nature. A Marine Reserve with a varied landscape made of black sand beaches and coves, salt flats, pine forests and vineyards, which offers a large number of unforgettable experiences. Today's hike will provide beautiful panoramic views of the south volcanic area.

The first stop will be at San Antonio Volcano Visitor Centre, where you can get an introduction of the volcano's history, which last blew in 1949 and has now been repopulated by hardy Canarian pines. Get out and walk along the crater rim. The views down into the crater are superb as are the panoramas of the endless sea beyond, to the islands of La Gomera and El Hierro.

You can also see the Volcán Teneguía below and the small lighthouse, which are also your next destinations!

A 8 Km easy hike downhill will take you to Teneguia Volcano, ending at the Lighthouse and the old Saltworks of Fuencaliente, an area ornithologists, botanists and scientists take a keen interest in and which in 1994 was declared an Area of Scientific Interest.

Reboard the bus for the 1.25 hours drive to Santa Cruz de la Palma.

Depart the pier with your local guide who will share a great variety of information about the island of La Palma. The first stop is at La Concepción viewpoint, where you will enjoy wonderful views over Valle de las Breñas and all the east slope of the island.

Cigar Museum

Visit the Cigar Museum, and here you will learn about the history, tradition and future of the cigar crop, which reached La Palma around 1850, brought by those immigrants who returned from Cuba at a time when it was widely spread in the New World. These lands were originally dedicated to grazing pre-Hispanic cattle, after the Conquest, became cultivated territory distributed among Castilian families of high economic standing. Nobles and bourgeois residents of the Capital had ostentatious estates built to spend the summer in the countryside. Their estates were dedicated to vineyards, cereal, fruit trees and tobacco.

La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, Refreshment stop

Next you will head towards La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a religious building in which you will find the venerated image of the Lady of the Snows, patron saint of the island of La Palma.

Construction began in 1532.

After a short stroll around the exterior of the church, it's time to sit and relax and have a tasting of local products such as goat cheese, papas arrugadas and the traditional "carne de fiesta", one of the most popular dishes of the Canarian cuisine, specially prepared during Romerías (pilgrimage made to visit a hermitage where there is a saint).

St. Cruz de la Palma Historical Quarter.

After delighting yourself with the most iconic flavours of the island, you will continue towards the old St. Cruz de la Palma Historic Quarter. Many of the riches that the Spanish brought back from their colonies in the Americas passed through the gates of La Palma and that is reflected on the important architectural heritage find in the city with examples of unique sets of carved wooden balconies overlooking the sea and numerous colonial-style houses set on cobble stone streets.

La Palma, like all the Canary Islands, is a volcanic island made up of lava rock that stacked up until it rose above sea level. The volcano under the island is still active, it last erupted in 1971, and before that in 1949.

In the 1949 eruption, large amounts of lava flowed down the west part of the island, covering much of it with lava rock. Much of the agricultural land lost in the eruption has since been reclaimed as forests were replanted and farms restarted. However, along with destruction, the 1949 eruption generated a rare natural formation, a large lava tube, known as Cueva de Las Palomas, today a natural monument and protected by the Canary Islands.

Drive 50 minute to Los Llanos and start with a visit to the Caños de Fuego visitor centre. Here, learn about the eruption, the geological formations and the environmental value of this ecosystem.

Across the road find the "Cueva de las Palomas" volcanic tube, nearly 500 meters long, approximately 3 meters wide and between 1 and 6 meter high. Walk the tunnel and learn about its geological and biological importance and the adapted flora and fauna found in the underground.

At the end of your speleological walk, make the 1-hour return drive to the pier.

Depart from the port to Los Cancajos for an introductory briefing of the bikes and get the gear, water and energy bar. Start riding towards Santa Cruz, see the local market from outside, and visit some of the most iconic historical attractions such as the Spain square, El Salvador church, the town hall and the balcony houses of the city by foot. Get back to the bicycle and continue towards Las Nieves Church for a visit and have a 15-minute break where you'll get served coffee.

The road to cycle will show how amazing the island is by projecting the different contrasts going on the road while being surrounded by green trees, mountains and sea.

The next stop will be the La Concepción viewpoint, where a view of the entire city of Santa Cruz will be under your feet. Visit the legendary twin dragon trees, which are the oldest dragon trees of La Palma that reach a total height of about 15 meters. They are considered twin trees because their treetops are entangled. It is said, that long ago two brothers loved the same girl. As she could not decide, the two brothers fought each other. They both died in the fight and the girl swore to never belong to anyone but to the memories of the two brothers. So, she decided to plant two dragon trees at the place of the fight, where she would water them with her pitcher as she felt the same love and compassion for both ensuring that the memory of the two brothers would last forever.

End the trip with a stop at the Breña Mountain viewpoint from where we will return to Los Cancajos to enjoy a coffee or tea, cookies, biscuit or a homemade cake. Then get transferred back to the ship.

Major points of interest seen on this excursion may include:

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Las Nieves church

La Concepción viewpoint

Twin dragon trees

La Breña mountain viewpoint

Spain Square

El Salvador church

Town Hall

Balcony houses

Meet Your Hiking guide at the pier and board your coach for a 50-minute drive towards the hiking starting point.

San Antonio Volcano, Teneguía Volcano

At the foot of Fuencaliente we find San Antonio volcano which is about 3000 years old. From here you will have beautiful panoramic views of the southern coast of La Palma and the route of the volcanos surroundings.

The track starts next to the crater of San Antonio and goes through an arid landscape of volcanic scoria and dunes of black sand until the Teneguía Volcano, which was the last volcano to erupt in Spain.

Salt Pans, Fuencaliente Lighthouse, Lunch

At the end of the tour, view the lighthouse, which is an active lighthouse at the southern end of the island. The original lighthouse was built in 1903 and whilst it still exists, the current lighthouse replaced it in 1985. Spend time to visit the only traditional salt pans of the Canaries. Almost all salt on La Palma is sea salt, made at the Southernmost tip of the Islands. The salt water is pumped into shallow ponds and left to dry in the sun. As the water evaporates, the salt starts to crystallise out on the bottom, and the workers scrape it into piles to drain and dry in the sun. When it's nearly dry its brought into the shed for a final dry with warm air.

Afterwards, you will enjoy a traditional local lunch at Restaurante Jardin de la Sal before reboarding your coach for a 1-hour drive back to the pier.

Leaving the port by foot, discover the town where the port was once of great importance due to its connection with the Americas.

Old Santa Cruz, Walking tour

Walking among its beautiful pedestrian centre of cobbled streets, manor houses, and wooden balconies full of flowers, you will start feeling the historical burden of Santa Cruz de la Palma, a seafaring town which holds stories of conquerors and overseas adventures back to the Americas. Walk past Plaza España, one of the best renaissance complex's in the Canary Islands as it brings together the magnificent City Hall, the Church of El Salvador and many charming stately homes around it.

Stroll around Calle Real, the main artery of the historical centre looking at the many bright colourful facades of Colonial style and charming squares full of bars, shops and local charming shops.

Amongst others, you will pass by Casa de Salazar, a magnificent example of traditional palm tree architecture from the 16^th century, St. Telmo Church and Sant. Francisco and Santo Domingo squares, two monumental squares which better represent the years of trade between the island and the former Netherlands. At the end of the tour, you can stay in town to continue exploring independently this charming town or you can join the group back to walk back to the pier.

Start with a scenic drive north, stopping on the way at Mirador de San Bartolo, a viewpoint circled by dramatic slopes to the north, south and west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Continue driving north till Los Tilos Visitor Centre, where you'll start the approximately 3 km hike in the forest. Los Tilos, and all the adjacent forest, is one of the few strongholds left in the world when it comes to laurisilva; a dense, verdant, primitive forest full of broad-leaved trees, that dominated the planet millions of years ago, in the Tertiary era. Los Tilos was therefore declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002; a protection which nowadays encompasses the entire island of La Palma.

After you forest walk, make a short 15-minute drive to 'Cubo de la Galga', and here start another short (3 km) hike that shows nature at its best. Here you get another chance to admire the island's laurel forests and see why La Palma is also known as The Green Island.

At the end of your walk, make the 1-hour drive to the pier.

Walking tour of the Old Quarter, Interpretation Centre of La Bajada,

This excursion will take you on a two hour walking tour through the Old Quarter of Santa Cruz, which is accessed through stairs and steep streets, in order to visit the Interpretation Center of La Bajada, where it is recreated with special charm the best numbers of Fiestas Lustrales (five-yearly parties). Continue visiting the historic center where the best incarnation of Canarian architecture can be found.

Naval Museum,

The Naval Museum, which houses Barco de la Virgen (Virgin's ship), an unusual caravel moored to the ravine that serves as a channel for our route.

Here, enjoy a visit to a reproduction of a caravel of the fifteenth century, with an excellent collection of pieces that recreate the unique maritime history of this city, as testified by its impressive built heritage.

After walking for two hours board the coach in order to border the city and enjoy the landscape of forests that have made La Palma the green island. Drive towards the highest point of the route, the Sanctuary of Las Nieves.

Museum-Camarín de la Virgen

Visit the Museum-Camarín de la Virgen. It showcases pieces of international singularity, and narrates the importance of the island in global commercial traffic with pieces of American, European and Asian goldsmiths from the 16^th to the 20^th century. The museum highlights the rich legacy that has been built in piety and devotion to Our Lady of the Snow, over 500 years of Marian fervor and grace.

After visiting the museum, delight with a snack of local products at Bar Parrilla Las Nieves before returning to the ship.

Meet your guide at the pier and start the 45-minute drive towards El Paso and the Silk Museum.

Silk Museum

During the 16^th century, the silk industry was of a great importance for La Palma's economy when the local silk and embroidery was widely exported to the Peninsula and Flanders. Enjoy a visit to the silk museum, which is located in one of La Palma's most historical buildings. Here learn about the art and tradition of silk and his weaving and how this industry influenced the island.

La Palma has a long history of silk production, going back to the 16^th century. At one time, silk was made in all the Canary Islands, but since the 19^th century, El Paso, in the center of La Palma, is the only place still producing it. They use an old fashioned, labor- intensive technique, the only place in Europe that still does so. You can see most of the process at the Silk Museum.

Caldera de Taburiente National Park

Then continue with a visit to The Caldera de Taburiente National Park and its surroundings. Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a protected area of volcanic nature, which peculiarity is the large amount of water resources both underground and on the surface. From the Cumbrecita lookout you will enjoy breath taking panoramic views of the National park of Caldera de Taburiente with its 9km natural basin and a short walk within the park surrounded by the indigenous vegetation.

Concepción Lookout

Finally yet importantly, visit the Concepción lookout, from where you will enjoy wonderful views over Santa Cruz de la Palma, the Breñas Valley and the entire east island's slope before returning to the ship.

Explore La Palma Island at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discoverLa Palma Island at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore La Palma Island at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover La Palma Island at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore La Palma Island during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights. Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van, and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover La Palma Island at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore La Palma Island at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover La Palma Island at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Start with 1-hour drive to La Cumbrecita, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the National Park of the Caldera de Taburiente, hanging over the abyss of "la Caldera", right in the middle of the island. The views of this immense valley and its dozens of pine-covered ravines are unforgettable.

Take some time to enjoy the views and walk around the area.

Next stop will be at the "Mirador de la Concepcion", with a spectacular view of the coastline and the port.

Arrive now at the Sanctuary our Lady of the Snows, one of the oldest sanctuaries in La Palma which houses the image of the saint patron of the island, a 14th century carving.

At the end of your visit, start the 30 minute drive to the pier.

Aridane Valley, San Juan Volcano

Transfer to the start point of your hike at 1000m and overlooking the Aridane Valley, a fertile agricultural valley where banana cultivation stands out, always descending gently down, first through old volcanic fields, and then through pine tree areas before we find the spectacular and unusual lava flow from San Juan Volcano. It has a scientific interest eminently geological and it increases due to its biological importance as it houses a peculiar fauna of invertebrate forms very adaptable to hypogeal (underground) life.

Tamanca Winery

After a short break near the lava flow, continue until you reach Tamanca Winery, nestled in an artificial cave surrounded by vineyards where good wine is accompanied by traditional Canarian dishes.

The soils here are rich and fertile and lie over volcanic rock. In some areas they are covered with a layer of volcanic sand. The soils are light, permeable and rich in mineral nutrients with a slightly acidic pH level. Stop at the Bodega, where plenty of wine and local food will be waiting for you to enjoy and then return to the ship.

Drive for approximately 50 minutes to Fuencaliente, the southernmost municipality on the island of La Palma, which stands out for its emblematic volcanic nature. A Marine Reserve with a varied landscape made of black sand beaches and coves, salt flats, pine forests and vineyards, which offers a large number of unforgettable experiences. Today's hike will provide beautiful panoramic views of the south volcanic area.

The first stop will be at San Antonio Volcano Visitor Centre, where you can get an introduction of the volcano's history, which last blew in 1949 and has now been repopulated by hardy Canarian pines. Get out and walk along the crater rim. The views down into the crater are superb as are the panoramas of the endless sea beyond, to the islands of La Gomera and El Hierro.

You can also see the Volcán Teneguía below and the small lighthouse, which are also your next destinations!

A 8 Km easy hike downhill will take you to Teneguia Volcano, ending at the Lighthouse and the old Saltworks of Fuencaliente, an area ornithologists, botanists and scientists take a keen interest in and which in 1994 was declared an Area of Scientific Interest.

Reboard the bus for the 1.25 hours drive to Santa Cruz de la Palma.