Santa Cruz de La Palma is located on a bay called Timibucar, on the east coast of the island. This is one of the Canary Islands loveliest towns.

From the early days, it has played a vital role in economic and political life of Spain. In fact, during the 16th century, it was the third most important port in the entire Spanish Empire. Seville and Antwerp were the two most important. Back in the day, it was also considered the best shipbuilding centre in the Canary Islands.

The town's wealth attracted all kinds of characters from the high seas and further afield. Pirates plundered the town several occasions. In 1553, there was a particularly brutal attack by Jean-Paul-Billancourt, otherwise known as 'Pegleg'.

Nowadays, Santa Cruz is an important communications centre and has all the tourist facilities you'd expect from an island capital. There are numerous bars and restaurants along the Avenida Maritima that are popular with both tourists and locals and really add to the town's atmosphere and charm.