About Santa Cruz De La Palma
Santa Cruz is located in the east of the island of La Palma and is the capital of the island which was founded on May 3, 1493 by Alonso Fernandez de Lugo. Santa Cruz De La Palma served as an important port city for the colonies in Europe and America continents for centuries and in the 16th century was chosen as the third biggest port in Europe after Antwerp and Seville. It attracts attention with its seafront wooden houses, cobbled streets and magnificent churches. It stands out with its extraordinary collection of paintings and art, as well as the theaters of Santa Cruz De La Palma Chico and Circo de Marte. It is also home to many cultural attractions, such as the Insular Museum. There are many places to visit in the city, especially the Virgen de las Nieves Temple, where a centuries old tradition is still kept alive. Calle Real street is considered the center of the city, where there is a large square with lots of attractive architecture, houses, shopping stores and buildings which surround the square. If you go to Plaza de Espana Square, where the houses reflect the traditional Canary Islands architecture which are lined up side by side, you will also have the opportunity to see the Town Hall, Church of El Salvador and the dazzling fountain thats right in front. Placeta del Borrero is a small square that attracts attention again with its historical houses. In this square you can enjoy "Barraquito" (condensed milk, cinnamon, lemon peel and sweet liqueur) and local wine or home-made beer which served in many of the food and beverage venues. Located a little far away from the city center is Plaza de la Alameda which is also a square where the famous Naval Museum is located.
After visiting Plaza de la Alameda, you can visit La Virgen Castle by crossing the last bridge. After spending time in the castle, where you will experience a panoramic breathtaking view of the city, you can turn your direction to La Encarnación Church which dates back to the 16th century. Then, by walking the sea-view path you can go to Avenida Marítima. We also recommend you to visit the walls of Santa Catalina Castle, which is a military fort that helped defend the city in the 16th and 17th centuries. While in Avenida Maritima don't forget to photograph the typical Canarian houses with wooden balconies which are beautifully decorated with colourful flowers. Another place not to be missed is Calle de San Sebastian, where you can take pleasant walks. Also, Santo Domingo Church, Circo de Marte theater and Virgen de la Luz Temple are located in this region. The first tastes you should taste in Santa Cruz De La Palma should be, red or green "mojo" (typical Canary Islands sauce), pork or fish "potaje" (a hearty soup), accompanied by "papas arrugas con mojo" (boiled tiny potatoes), "bienmesabe" (a kind of dessert made from egg yolk, ground almonds, sugar, etc.) and La Palma branded country of origin wine. Every five years the Descent of the Virgin of Las Nieves and Dance of the Dwarves takes place. Los Indianos takes place during the carnival period and the Festival of the Cross takes place every year in the early hours of May 3 and is one of the most famous events of Santa Cruz De La Palma.
