Of the three Canary islands we've passed through, it's hard not to favor La Palma. As one of the smaller and less visited islands, a lot of its land mass is uninhabited, with a large national park surrounding the vast volcanic valley in the center. Dozens upon dozens of trails lead to the best spots of the island, with scenic views and peaceful forests. La Palma is particularly known for its bananas, or plátano as its locally called, and that fact is confirmed by the hundreds of small banana farms all around the island, characterized by their brick or stone walls reaching almost as high as the plants themselves.
La Palma experienced a devastating volcanic eruption of Cumbre Vieja in 2021, which lasted for almost three months. Even today, large parts of the south-west are still covered under thick lava flow, with slow progress towards restoration. The stark contrast at the edges of the flow, with vivid shrubbery and houses to one side, and a thick, black crust to the other.
Stardust sitting quietly at the dock in Santa Cruz de La Palma
A stunning mural painted outside of a local school
An avocado tree hangs beyond a farm's stone wall
The deep and twisting valley of Barranco de la Nieve
La Palma has many of these churches scattered around the island
Maze-like rooftops
Mirador de Breña Baja, overlooking Santa Cruz de La Palma and surrounding areas
The devastating lava flow from the eruption of Cumbre Vieja in 2021
Volcano Cumbre Vieja
A freshly paved road cuts through the lava flow on the west side of the island
