We backed into port on the east side of the island around 7:00 am this morning. La Palma has a population of about 82,000 with an area of 706 sq km (273 sq miles). It is said to be the most mountainous island in the world for its size. The main crop is banana, although our guide said that they may try something else since the South American bananas are less costly. Previously, they had tried tomatoes but found other countries could grow those cheaper. La Palma is more developed than some other of the Canary Islands with tourism being a major source of revenue with over 200,000 visiting each year.The last volcanic eruption was in 1971 and they expect one every 50-60 years.
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| You can walk to the city center by following the blue line |
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| Our local guide |
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| Canary Palms |
Lots of bananas
Wrapping the banana stalks with plastic create a "greenhouse" effect
Visited a rum distillery and tasted their wares. They do not use molasses in the making of their rum.
It is not a huge operation. Below is their 100+ year old French still which they say may run six or more days at a time. Heated with wood logs.
After lunch, we walked into the city.
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| Black sand beaches |
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