Mirador Barranco de Los Gomeros

Mirador Barranco de Los Gomeros is a roadside viewpoint on the LP-1 highway, at kilometer 3.7, just past the small settlement of Mirca, in the municipality of Santa Cruz de La Palma in the Canary Islands. It's the kind of spot that's easy to miss while driving the island's main route — which would be a shame, since the view over the barranco (a deep, dry ravine carved by erosion) and the surrounding hills covered in typical La Palma vegetation is one of the more striking along this stretch of road.

How do you get there?

The viewpoint sits directly on the LP-1, the main road connecting Santa Cruz de La Palma with the rest of the island. Driving north from the city, simply follow the LP-1 to kilometer 3.7 — the mirador is signposted and visible from the road. There's a dedicated parking area and a rest zone, so pulling over doesn't mean hunting for a spot on the shoulder. It's a popular stop for drivers heading toward Santa Cruz from the airport or from towns along the island's east coast.

What will you see?

The centerpiece of the mirador is a bronze statue of a Canarian woman, captured in the gesture of whistling toward the horizon. The monument isn't just decorative — it references the tradition of whistled communication found across the Canary Islands, and it doubles as a tribute to the people of La Gomera who emigrated to La Palma during the 1950s and 60s. These arrivals from the neighboring island played a significant role in developing local agriculture, particularly the banana plantations that remain one of the region's economic mainstays to this day.

Beyond the statue itself, the viewpoint offers a panoramic look across the barranco and the surrounding landscape — steep slopes, cultivated terraces, and, depending on the time of day, the shifting light typical of La Palma's volcanic terrain. It's a spot that's more contemplative than spectacular in a conventional sightseeing sense, but visitors consistently appreciate its calm, unpolished character.

When should you visit?

The best light for photos and for taking in the view comes in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentler — La Palma sees strong sunshine for most of the year. Since there's little infrastructure nearby (no cafés or shops right at the site), it's best treated as a short stop along a longer drive rather than a standalone destination. The mirador is accessible year-round, and the parking area and rest zone make it a convenient place to stretch your legs during a longer road trip around the island.

Who is it for?

Mirador Barranco de Los Gomeros suits travelers exploring La Palma by car who want to break up their route with short scenic stops, as well as anyone interested in the history of migration between the Canary Islands. It also works well simply as a brief rest stop, with parking and space to step out of the car for a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the viewpoint is free and open to the public year-round.

Is parking available? Yes, there's a dedicated parking area and rest zone right at the mirador for drivers.

What does the statue of the woman represent? The bronze figure depicts a Canarian woman whistling toward the horizon, referencing the islands' whistled-communication tradition and honoring the emigrants from La Gomera who settled in La Palma during the 1950s and 60s, contributing to the development of local agriculture.

How long should you plan to stay? It's a quick stop — 10 to 15 minutes is enough to see the statue, take photos, and enjoy the view over the barranco.