Los Llanos de Aridane
Located in the west of La Palma, Los Llanos de Aridane is the most urban, cosmopolitan and populated municipality of Isla Bonita. The city, considered an open-air museum, is full of spaces and special corners in which to get lost and enjoy them.
An Urban and Coastal Paradise
One of the key places and the heart of the municipality is the Plaza de España. It is the nerve center of Los Llanos and the place where most people pass through. In this square, as well as in its parallel streets, there is a wide variety of shops and bars where you can sit and have a drink. In addition, the atmosphere in the square is fantastic and there are shady places to spend the hottest days.In its surroundings we find corners such as the Chica square, ideal for admiring the historical-cultural heritage.
Coinciding with the centenary of the city between 1999 and 2000, Los Llanos de Aridane launched a permanent outdoor exhibition with contemporary paintings in its urban center, many of them painted directly on blind facades.
This municipal project, called the Museum on the Street and a pioneer in Europe, currently has works by such outstanding artists like Fernando Bellver, Andrés Rábago (El Roto) and Javier Mariscal, who have made works of up to 140 square meters.
An authentic open-air museum that mixes with the cheerful colors of the city and the friendliness of its people, turning any walk through its historic center into a real pleasure.
Journey to the Island's Past
For the most curious and interested in volcanic origins, Los Llanos de Aridane is one of the municipalities closest to the recent volcano of La Palma, so its consequences can be seen in parts of the area. From some of its streets you can see the imposing volcano that swept away part of the Palma territory. In addition, some of the roads of the municipality pass over and near the lava flows, already solidified.
Pursuant to this atmosphere, and in order to familiarize oneself with the volcanic identity of the Canary Islands, the Canos de Fuego Visitor Center is located within the municipality. This center was born after the discovery of a set of volcanic tubes that come from the eruption of the San Juan volcano in 1949. It is a place where the geological origin of the Archipelago is disseminated and educated and where guided tours of the "Cueva del Vidrio" Volcanic Tube can be carried out. When the visit is over, it is recommended to cross the road and enter the floating walkways that give access to the floating glass viewpoint and the "Cueva de Las Palomas" Volcanic Tube.
Also, and as a sample of the reflection of the past of La Palma, the visitor will find the Benahoarita Archaeological Museum in the central area of the city. It shows, through representations, what the habitat was like, the beliefs and, in general, the life of the Benahoaritas, ancient inhabitants of La Palma.
Finally, for lovers of local cuisine, the Casa Museo del Vino Las Manchas offers a tour of the history of local viticulture, including a wine tasting.
Discovering Nature
Beyond the bustle of its streets, Los Llanos, which is the natural outlet of the Caldera Taburiente National Park, has natural jewels such as its beaches or the famous Protected Landscape of the Barranco de Las Angustias. This natural space, which spans four municipalities, is perfect for both lovers of extreme sports and hiking enthusiasts. It is characterized by its steep walls. The ravine is dedicated to the Virgin of Las Angustias, honorary mayor of Los Llanos de Aridane, and in honor of whom a 16th-century hermitage is erected, right in the ravine that divides the jurisdiction of Los Llanos de Aridane and Tijarafe.
Water sports lovers, such as snorkeling or diving, can approach the beaches of El Remo, Charco Verde or Puerto de Naos . On Remo beach there are several restaurants to taste the local cuisine and dinner. Watching the sunset is one of the most beautiful experiences on the island.
Festivals and Celebrations
At the festive level, the municipality stands out for the celebrations of the feast of its Patron, La Virgen de los Remedios, which usually take place during the month of July and includes a multitude of events.
Also in the Carnival there is the celebration of La Gran Polvacera, which is based on the use of colored powders that create a spectacular and colorful atmosphere in its streets. It is an event that is worth experiencing and in which thousands of people come from all over the island.
The Llanos de Aridane is also the place that hosts the goal of Transvulcania, one of the best mountain races in the world. Great world athletes have participated in this race, so the public crowds around the Plaza de España, where the goal is located, to receive all the runners and, at the end, deliver the trophies and prizes to the winners.
