Tazacorte combines a layered local history with coastal and hiking experiences. When planning a trip, you can tailor your stay to different interests: historic sites, banana culture, the beach or a hike. The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel was built in 1513 and is the legacy of La Palma’s first chapel. In the founding district of El Charco, manor houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries form an ensemble of historical and artistic significance.

History between El Charco and banana growing

Los Lavaderos also tell the story of how water was used. The washing places were moved to El Charco; alongside old aqueducts stand the facilities built and restored in the mid-20th century. Water arrived only every 15 days, in line with the irrigation schedule, and then flowed on to the banana plantations. This rhythm illustrates how closely washing and agriculture were connected.

Opened in 2004 in a two-storey Canarian house, the Museo del Plátano provides information about the origin, cultivation and export of bananas. Its historical collection includes Tazacorte’s first Sulfatadora, the oldest bronze pest-control sprayer in the Canary Islands, and a roll of paper used to wrap banana bunches. These objects add concrete tools and materials to the story.

Another historical perspective is offered by the Hacienda de Abajo, which was dedicated to sugar-cane cultivation and became La Palma’s richest and most important estate. From 1513, its owner, Jácome de Monteverde, made large profits from the sugar trade with Antwerp. The ongoing trade explains the significance of La Palma’s Flemish art collection. Those interested in the island’s history can learn not only about banana growing and water management here, but also about an earlier branch of trade.

Los Caballos Fufos is one of the recurring cultural events. The tradition has been upheld for more than a hundred years during the September celebrations in honour of San Miguel in the Villa y Puerto de Tazacorte; it originated in Cuban carnivals. If this festival is important to your travel plans, check the dates and programme for the year of your visit.

Coast, harbour and local cuisine

Playa Puerto de Tazacorte is a black-sand beach with calm water. A breakwater reduces currents and waves. Beach facilities include a promenade, a bus stop and parking areas. As beach conditions and facilities may change with the seasons, it is worth checking them before your visit.

Marina Puerto de Tazacorte has 341 berths for boats up to 20 metres long and with a draught of up to three metres. There is a dive centre, and boat trips can be booked at the quay. Check availability and activity providers in advance. Some restaurants in Puerto de Tazacorte serve dishes featuring peto, albacore, vieja or alfonsiño. You can check menus and availability before your visit.

Hikes with different levels of difficulty

When planning a hike, it is important to distinguish between two routes. The first stage of the GR 131 runs from Puerto de Tazacorte to Roque de los Muchachos. It is 16.90 kilometres long, rated extremely difficult, and passes through the Paisaje Protegido del Barranco de Las Angustias and the Parque Nacional de La Caldera de Taburiente. Before setting out, check the official information on trail status and route conditions.

The protected landscape area of Barranco de Las Angustias is protected for its geological and geomorphological importance and rugged ravine character. It includes representative geological structures and habitats of threatened plant and animal species. For those interested in landscape and nature, it offers a different perspective on the surroundings than the local history or the beach.

A shorter alternative is the hike between Puerto de Tazacorte and the El Time viewpoint. It is described as suitable for all fitness levels and for families. Before setting out, check trail conditions and any permit requirements. By comparison, the first stage of the GR 131, with its stated difficulty and length, calls for a very different approach to timing and planning.

Tailor your stay to your interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Tazacorte, you can first consider what you would like to focus on during your trip: history and banana culture, the beach and harbour, or a hike. The different themes can help you decide what kind of trip you want, without requiring a set itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Playa Nueva, El Charco, Puerto de Tazacorte, Hoya Grande, El Castillo, El Paso, Santa Cruz De La Palma, Tijarafe

Return to the main travel overview: La Palma.