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Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves

Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves (Av. Las Nieves, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – this 17th century house of worship (complete with wooden Mudejar-carved ceilings, various religious sculptures, and crystal chandeliers), visitors who manage the 2 km hike to this site come here for the panoramic views of Santa Cruz. It also houses a 14th century sculpture of the Virgin Mary (which is brought down to the city every five years (as part of the “Bajada Festival”). Hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (daily).

Palacio de Salazar

Palacio de Salazar (Calle O’Daly 22, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – this is a 17th century Renaissance era palace with very distinctive wooden balconies. This was the residence of the one-time governor of the island (Jerónimo de Salazar). Nowadays, the local government uses it as a tourism promotion office. Occasional art and photo exhibits are held here as well. Free admission. Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Monday – Friday), 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Saturday).

Museo Naval

Naval Museum (Plaza de La Alameda-Barco de la Virgen, Santa Cruz de la Palma) — the Naval Museum is located beside the Plaza de la Alameda in town of Santa Cruz de la Palma. There`s a replica of the famous Santa Maria ship (the one that Christopher Columbus set off in 1492 to discover the Americas). Inside the ship, there is a maritime museum, where a collection of old charts, navigational instruments and a variety of the ships` flags are displayed. Admission: €3 (adult), €1.50 (children). Hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (weekdays).

Museo Insular de la Palma

Museo Insular de la Palma (Plaza de San Francisco, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – located within an old 16th century monastery that was founded by the Franciscan Order, this museum exhibits romantic, realistic and modernist Spanish paintings (including those by expresionist painter Carmen Arozena). There is also the Urs Baerlocher Collection (which consists of 322 paintings along with sculptures and engravings by European artists between 1920 and 2010). In addition, there is also a Natural Science section that showcases birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, coral and minerals from around the world. Another section is devoted to ethnography (consisting of basketry, pottery and ceramics, textiles, agriculture, livestock, food and even a manual cigar factory.). There is also the Silk Room – which reveals the island’s longtime production of fine silk (going as far back as the 18th century). Admission: €4 (adult), free for children. Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Monday – Saturday), 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Sunday).

Museo del Puro Palmero

Museo del Puro Palmero (Parque de los Álamos, San Pedro, Breña Alta) – opened in 2011, this museum is dedicated to tobacco production (both done within the Canary Islands, as well as internationally). It details the history of tobacco – especially in the Americas, and its use among the indigenous populations there. Tobacco production enjoyed a boom at Breña Alta from the 1920s to the 1960s – employing during those time a significant number of locals. Admission: €3 per person (non-residents), €2 per person (residents) . Hours: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Tuesday – Saturday only). Closed on Sundays & Mondays. See their website for more info: https://museodelpuropalmero.com

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Calle Virgen de la Luz #13, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – located within a 17th century colonial era residence, this three-level museum (opened in 2014) exhibits works from local Canarian artists, such as Pedro González, César Manrique, and Carmen Arozena. There’s also a photo exhibit by photographer Jorge Lozano. Admission: €3 (adult), free for children. Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Monday – Friday), 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Saturdays), closed on Sundays.

Iglesia del Salvador

Iglesia del Salvador (Plaza de España, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – this was the first church built by the Spanish conquistadores (constructed toward the end of the 15th century). It had to be rebuilt in 1553 after falling victim to an attack by French pirate Pata de Palo. Hours: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm & 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm daily.

Iglesia de San Francisco

Iglesia de San Francisco (Plaza de San Francisco #3, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – reminiscent of a similar plaza seen in Viejo San Juan (Puerto Rico), this church and its impressive exterior are from the 16th century (which also included a convent). The church’s interior – consisting of colored wooden ceilings, has among the best Mudéjar – Islamic style architecture found in the Canary Islands. Hours: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm & 5:30 – 7:30 pm daily.

Castillo de Santa Catalina

Castillo de Santa Catalina (Av. Maritima, Santa Cruz de la Palma) – this castle, built in the 16th century (after an attack by French pirates in 1553), was built to defend the port and city of Santa Cruz de la Palma. The Spanish crown used this site as a fort until 1808, when it was later used as a prison and military barracks. The castle was declared a historic monument in 1949.

Museo de Arqueología de Benahoarita

Benahoarita Archaeology Museum (Lugar Lomo Oscuro 32, 38738 Santa Cruz de la Palma) — The Benahoarita Archaeology Museum shows the habitat, the industries, the exploitation of the environment, and the magico-religious beliefs of the benahoaritas, the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of La Palma. To this end, its installations use the latest audiovisual and museographical media presently available. Its facilities are open to the island’s inhabitants, visiting tourists, and the scientific community. The display aims to convey comprehensive knowledge of pre-Hispanic La Palma along three axes: the specific geographical setting (relief, climate, animal and plant biological diversity); the territorial organization of the island (the location of pre-Hispanic settlements, the constant or seasonal use of natural resources and their typologies), and pre-Hispanic culture (all the elements enabling comprehension of the wisdom of the benahoaritas in their use of natural resources, their knowledge, and their beliefs). Admission: €4 per person. Hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (Monday – Saturday), 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Sundays & holidays). .