The Island of La Palma

At the northwest of the Canary archipelago, a few hundred miles from the coast of north-west Africa, lies the island of La Palma, also known as La Isla Bonita, because of its extraordinary natural beauty.

La Palma is one of the smaller of the Canary islands, with a surface area of 706 square kilometres and a population of only 80,000. It is unusual in that it rises exceptionally steeply from the ocean, the entire central mountain range exceeding 2000m in altitude. The highest point on the island is the Roque de los Muchachos (2426m), the location of the astronomical observatory.

Weather

La Palma enjoys a sunny climate with year-round moderate temperatures. Average sea-level temperatures in Santa Cruz vary from 22º C in August to 15º C in January. There is a substantial seasonal variation in rainfall, with almost no rain from June to August, and a peak in November.

Temperatures drop substantially with altitude; average temperatures at the observatory (El Roque de los Muchachos) vary from 18º C in summer to 3º C in winter.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE

All participants are strongly recommended to arrange for medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the Canary Islands. The LOC will not accept liability for sickness or accidents. Spanish public health centres have co-operation agreements with most European Union countries.

In case of any kind of emergency, directly dial 112.