About this place
Museo Arqueológico Benahoarita is the leading archaeological museum on the island of La Palma, located in the town of Los Llanos de Aridane in the Canary Islands. Run by the Island Council of La Palma, it tells the story of the benahoaritas, the island's indigenous inhabitants before the Spanish conquest at the end of the 15th century.
What should you know before visiting?
The museum building, opened in 2007, stands out for its modern circular design. It spans three floors, one of which lies underground and functions as storage for archaeological finds. The museum sits at Calle de las Adelfas 1, right in Los Llanos de Aridane, the main town of the western side of the island.
What will you see inside?
The centerpiece is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the benahoaritas, the people who lived on La Palma long before Europeans arrived. The display walks visitors through daily life in this community: how dwellings were built, how settlements were organized, the crafts they practiced, and material culture that has survived thanks to excavation work carried out across the island.
Beyond the permanent hall, the museum also has a space for temporary exhibitions, showcasing rotating themes tied to the region's archaeology and history. An auditorium hosts lectures, presentations, and educational events, and there is a small shop near the entrance selling crafts inspired by local tradition.
How do you get there?
Los Llanos de Aridane sits on the western side of La Palma and is well connected to the rest of the island by local roads. The museum is located within the town itself, making it easy to reach by car or local transport — it's a popular stop for anyone exploring La Palma's western coast.
When is the best time to visit?
As an indoor attraction, the museum can be visited year-round regardless of the weather, which makes it a solid option on days when conditions aren't ideal for outdoor sightseeing. It's worth planning your visit alongside a walk through Los Llanos de Aridane itself and the natural attractions along the island's western coastline.
Who is this museum for?
The exhibition appeals both to visitors with a genuine interest in history and archaeology and to families traveling with children — the displays are presented in an accessible way that doesn't require prior knowledge of the Canary Islands' original inhabitants. It's also a useful stop for understanding the context behind the numerous petroglyphs and archaeological sites scattered across La Palma that can be explored elsewhere on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the museum located? The museum is at Calle de las Adelfas 1 in Los Llanos de Aridane, the main town on the western side of La Palma.
Who were the benahoaritas? They were the indigenous people who inhabited La Palma before the Spanish conquest at the end of the 15th century, and their culture and history form the museum's permanent exhibition.
Does the museum only have a permanent collection? No — alongside the permanent exhibition on the benahoaritas, the museum also runs temporary exhibitions and hosts events in its auditorium.
Can you buy anything on site? Yes, there's a small shop near the entrance selling crafts inspired by local traditions.
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