Puntallana

Puntallana offers a perfect mix of lush green landscapes, wild beaches, traditional culture, and proximity to the capital. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking peace, hiking opportunities, and authentic contact with La Palma’s natural heart. Its diversity of microclimates and rural heritage make it a wonderful place to explore slowly and mindfully.

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• Cubo de La Galga.
  One of La Palma’s most breathtaking laurel forests. Its trails wind through giant ferns and moss-covered trees, perfect for disconnecting and breathing in the island’s pure mountain air.
• Playa de Nogales.
  Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Spain, this wild gem with black sand and green cliffs is a must for photography lovers and nature seekers. Access by foot (15–20 min) via a well-marked trail.
• Playa de Puerto Trigo.
  A hidden cove tucked between cliffs, less known and perfect for those seeking privacy and untouched nature.
• San Bartolo Viewpoint.
  An astronomical viewpoint offering impressive panoramic views over the terraced landscapes of Puntallana and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Farmers’ Market.
  Held every Saturday and Sunday morning, a lively place to discover fresh produce, local fruits, jams, cheeses, and crafts in a welcoming rural atmosphere.

Casa Luján: Living Memory of Historic Puntallana

In the heart of the old town stands Casa Luján, one of the finest examples of traditional manor architecture in La Palma. Built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, this elegant colonial house features a two-story L-shaped structure, a wide stone courtyard, and a distinctive crenellated entrance, a true window into Puntallana’s noble and rural past.

Today, Casa Luján is home to an Ethnographic Museum offering a journey into the past. Inside, you’ll find original furnishings, everyday tools, old photographs, and informative panels showcasing the domestic life, farming practices, and cultural traditions of bygone centuries.

Its peaceful and authentic setting makes it a perfect stop for those wishing to immerse themselves in the island’s history and culture. The visit is especially recommended if you’re already strolling through the old town, and it pairs nicely with a stop at the farmers’ market.

Festivals and Traditions in Puntallana

The town’s biggest celebration honors Saint John the Baptist in June, with open-air dances, religious ceremonies, traditional games, and a family-friendly atmosphere that fills the streets with life.

Other major events include the colorful “Entierro de la Sardina” (Burial of the Sardine) and, above all, the popular Fiestas de La Galga, which climax with the dramatic appearance of the “Perro Maldito” (Cursed Dog), one of La Palma’s most unusual and awaited traditions.

→ Check the calendar and find out if there are local festivals or traditional events in Puntallana

The “Perro Maldito” of La Galga: A Unique Tradition in Puntallana

Every August 23rd, in the village of La Galga (Puntallana), one of the island’s most original festivals comes to life: the release of the Perro Maldito, a theatrical and festive spectacle symbolizing the battle between good and evil on the eve of Saint Bartholomew’s Day.

The event begins with the demonic “Cursed Dog” stirring up chaos in the streets. Batucada drums, fireworks, and a vibrant crowd accompany the spectacle until Saint Bartholomew arrives to confront and symbolically chain the creature, amid cheers and the traditional phrase: “San Bartolomé bendito, amarra al perro maldito.” (Blessed Saint Bartholomew, bind the cursed dog.)

This night-time celebration, rich in symbolism, creativity, and community theater, has become famous for its magical atmosphere. Many locals decorate their doors with garlic and protective symbols, following the old belief that “the devil roams free” that night.