Tazacorte holds the title of the sunniest municipality in Europe, a true paradise where the perfect climate and stunning coastline create an exceptional setting. With just 4,500 inhabitants, it is the smallest municipality on the island, yet it offers a perfect blend of history, tradition, and entertainment. Moreover, Tazacorte is home to Europe’s first museum dedicated to the banana, a fruit that has received the designation of Protected Geographical Indication.
Tazacorte: History, Sea, and Tradition in a Unique Corner of La Palma
The historic center of Tazacorte is perched 170 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, located just 2 km away.
For those who love the sea, Port of Tazacorte is an unmissable stop. This marina, inaugurated in the year 2000, stands out not only for its prime location and high-quality services but also for being La Palma’s second official port after Santa Cruz de La Palma. Here, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the oceanfront and enjoy delicious local cuisine with spectacular views. Additionally, Puerto de Tazacorte offers a variety of water sports and thrilling boat excursions, providing the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Nestled among lush banana plantations, the village of Tazacorte is home to the emblematic Hacienda de Abajo, the only five-star hotel that seamlessly blends elegance with historical charm. Guests can indulge in a luxurious stay while exploring beautifully maintained gardens and savoring exquisite local cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant.
Tazacorte in Celebration: Tradition, Music, and Unique Festivities
During the summer months, Tazacorte transforms into a vibrant destination where music and gastronomy take center stage in events that grow and gain more recognition each year. Highlights include the Summer Fest, a must for music lovers, and the Fiesta de la Morena, a lively beach celebration full of tradition and great atmosphere, held on August 15th.
Tazacorte is also a town where traditions are proudly kept alive. One of its most anticipated events is Los Caballos Fufos, a festival with over 100 years of history, celebrated in September during the patron saint festivities of San Miguel Arcángel. During this colorful spectacle, the streets come alive with vibrant horse-shaped figures, made of cane frames wrapped in colored paper, carried and danced through the town by locals.
Beyond its deep-rooted traditions, Tazacorte has also become a symbol of diversity and inclusion. Every July, the municipality hosts the Love Festival, an event that has become a landmark celebration for LGTBIQ+ rights in La Palma and the Canary Islands. With a grand concert as its highlight, this festival promotes inclusivity, equality, and freedom of expression in a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.
What to see in Tazacorte
Tazacorte is a small jewel where history and nature come together in a truly enchanting setting. Below, we present some of the must-see historical and natural landmarks in this picturesque town.
- Miguel Arcangel Church. Built in 1513, this church stands on the site of La Palma’s first-ever hermitage. Its origins date back to 1492, when Alonso Fernández de Lugo completed the conquest of the island and ordered the construction of the original hermitage. Over the centuries, this temple has preserved a rich artistic heritage, serving as a testament to Tazacorte’s historical and cultural legacy.
- El Charco neighborhood. The historic heart of Tazacorte, this neighborhood is home to a remarkable artistic and architectural heritage, featuring majestic noble mansions dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Walking through these charming streets, one can truly feel the authentic essence of Tazacorte in every corner.
- Old Washhouses. In the past, a canal transported water from the Barranco de las Angustias to La Vica, where the original public washhouses were located. After being used at these facilities, the water’s natural drop was harnessed to power mills and the sugar refinery, as well as to irrigate plantations. When the Plaza de La Vica was built, the original washhouses were relocated to the El Charco neighborhood. Today, next to the remains of ancient aqueducts, visitors can see the new washhouses, constructed in the mid-20th century, which still stand as a testament to the vital role of water in Tazacorte’s history.
- Banana Museum, Tazacorte. Immerse yourself in Tazacorte’s banana history and its economic significance by visiting the Banana Museum. Learn about its cultivation, processing, and its impact on the local economy.
Enjoy the Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Adventure on the Coast of Tazacorte
- Tazacorte Beach. Experience the stunning Beach of Tazacorte, with its wide stretch of black sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you want to sunbathe, take a refreshing dip, or engage in exciting water sports, this beach offers something for everyone.
- Tazacorte Port. Discover the charming Tazacorte Port, the main departure point for boat excursions in search of whales and dolphins. In addition, the port area boasts a lively selection of restaurants, bars, and shops, where visitors can savor the delicious local cuisine while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
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History of Tazacorte in La Palma: A journey through time in a charming coastal town
Alonso Fernández de Lugo began the conquest of La Palma at the mouth of the Las Angustias ravine, where Tazacorte Port stands today, on September 29, 1492. For centuries, this port was one of the island’s most significant, following the capital. Since the 16th century, national and foreign ships docked here to export goods like sugarcane and wine.
Since the 16th century, the fertility of these lands made Tazacorte an ideal destination for prominent noble families, who saw this corner of La Palma as the perfect place to settle. In this privileged enclave, the most prosperous and significant estate on the island was built, shaping the urban layout of the municipality.
Over time, around the Hacienda de Abajo, imposing noble mansions began to be built, giving rise to the El Charco neighborhood, whose original layout remains unchanged to this day. Meanwhile, the laborers who worked the land constructed their homes in a separate area, creating a neighborhood of small, compact houses, arranged along narrow alleyways to maximize the use of arable land.
These two neighborhoods, with their stark contrast between aristocratic grandeur and agricultural tradition, form the historical ensemble of Tazacorte, a place where history still breathes in every street and every corner.
Tazacorte: From the Banana Boom to Its Brief Independence in 1925
From 1919, the British company Fyffes Limited leased the farms of the town’s main landowners, promoting the banana industry. Thanks to plantation improvements and a rising export volume, by the mid-1920s, 70% of Tazacorte’s population was involved in the banana industry, significantly contributing to the Aridane Valley’s economic development.
Throughout the years, Tazacorte has witnessed events that have shaped its identity. The economic prosperity driven by the banana industry turned it into a center of growth and commerce, reinforcing its importance on the island.
However, one of the most peculiar episodes in its history occurred in 1925, when for three days, Tazacorte declared its independence from Spain.
During this short-lived period, the town’s inhabitants, armed with hunting rifles, blocked the entry of anyone into its limits. Their brief “independence” came to an end when a Spanish warship fired a shell across the sky of the town, leading to their surrender.
Today, Tazacorte remains a place where past and present intertwine, reflecting its history, resilient spirit, and unique identity within La Palma.
