El Paso City Council

El Paso is a municipality right in the middle of La Palma, one of Spain's Canary Islands. It is the only municipality on the island without a coastline, yet it is La Palma's largest by land area and one of its main tourism hubs, locally nicknamed the "city of almond trees."

Where is El Paso and how do you get there?

El Paso sits on the elevated central plateau of La Palma, at the foot of volcanic peaks and close to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The municipality was created in 1837 when it split off administratively from Los Llanos de Aridane, and it was granted city status in 1910. The easiest way to reach the town is by car from Santa Cruz de La Palma or from the island's airport, along roads that wind through the volcanic, mountainous scenery typical of this part of the Canaries. Because of its inland position, El Paso works well as a base for hiking and scenic day trips across the island's interior.

What can you see in and around El Paso?

The standout natural attraction nearby is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, best appreciated from the La Cumbrecita viewpoint, which looks straight down into the vast volcanic crater. The area also includes Bejenado Peak, the El Pilar mountain refuge, and the Los Llanos del Jable lava field. Traces of the eruption of 19 September 2021, when the volcano above the town became active, are still visible in the landscape and draw visitors interested in the island's recent geological history.

In town, the Silk Museum (Museo de la Seda) is a highlight — the last traditional silk workshop in Europe still operating in its original, hand-crafted form. Silk production on La Palma dates back to the 16th century, and El Paso is the place where the entire craft, from raising silkworms to hand-weaving, has survived unchanged. Other popular stops include the Jardín de las Aves bird park and the Casa del Vino, a museum dedicated to the island's winemaking history, with tastings and craft demonstrations.

When is the best time to visit?

El Paso can be visited year-round, since the climate in La Palma's interior is milder than on the coast, and most attractions — from museums to hiking trails — stay open across the seasons. Spring and autumn are the best times for hiking around Caldera de Taburiente and the surrounding trails, when temperatures are most comfortable. The town hall runs an active tourism strategy: in 2025 the municipality recorded around 239,000 tourism-related activity records, and its tourist information office served over 14,000 visitors, more than the year before. The council is also developing facilities for motorhome and campervan tourism.

Frequently asked questions

Does El Paso have a coastline? No — it is the only municipality on La Palma without direct access to the sea, sitting instead in the island's central highlands.

What is the Silk Museum in El Paso? It is the last traditional silk workshop in Europe still working the craft by hand, continuing a local tradition that goes back to the 16th century.

What is the most important natural attraction nearby? The Caldera de Taburiente National Park, especially the La Cumbrecita viewpoint overlooking the volcanic crater.

When is the best time for hiking in the area? Spring and autumn, when temperatures in the island's mountainous interior are most pleasant for walking.