Antonio Gómez Felipe Park

Antonio Gómez Felipe Park is a compact but remarkably atmospheric municipal park right in the heart of Los Llanos de Aridane, the main town on the western side of La Palma. Covering roughly 6,000 m², it works as part botanical garden, part playground, and part shady urban refuge from the island's sun.

Where does the park's name come from?

The park takes its name from Antonio Gómez Felipe (1900–1966), a local resident of Los Llanos de Aridane whose initiative led to its creation back in the 1960s. Locals often refer to it as the Centro Botánico, a nickname that reflects its original purpose: showcasing the native flora of the Canary Islands.

What will you see inside?

The park is split into two distinct zones. The first recreates a habitat for endemic and native Canarian plant species — walking its paths, you'll spot vegetation found nowhere else on the planet outside this archipelago. The second is a recreational area built around a children's playground, popular with local families looking for shade during the warmer hours of the day.

The entrance is guarded by two oversized lizard sculptures, setting the tone for a slightly surreal, fairy-tale atmosphere that runs through the whole space. That character comes largely from a major 2010 renovation led by La Palma-born artist Luis Morera, whose colorful, symbolic mosaics and organic sculptural forms — drawing on nature and Canarian folk tradition — turned the park into something close to an open-air art gallery. Nearly every corner hides a detail worth noticing: a mosaic pattern, a sculpted shape, or an unusual twist in the path.

Many visitors describe the sensation of stepping into a self-contained little world once inside — street noise fades, and the coolness of the vegetation and shade of the trees offer a genuine break from the Canarian heat.

How do you get there?

The park sits right in the center of Los Llanos de Aridane, so reaching it on foot from anywhere in town typically takes just a few minutes. It makes an easy stop while exploring the town — combine a visit here with a walk through the historic old quarter or a browse of the local market.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to La Palma's mild subtropical climate, the park is worth visiting year-round. Morning or late-afternoon hours, when the sun is less intense, are best for a relaxed walk among the plants. Given its modest size, a full visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, making it an easy addition to a longer day of sightseeing on the island.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the park is a free, publicly accessible municipal space open to everyone.

Is it suitable for children? Yes — one of the two main zones is a playground equipped for young children, making it a good stop for families.

How much time should I plan for a visit? Given its compact size (around 6,000 m²), a full walk through the park usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.

What shouldn't I miss? Look out for the lizard sculptures at the entrance, Luis Morera's colorful mosaics throughout the park, and the section dedicated to endemic Canarian plants you won't find anywhere else.