Tanausú Viewpoint

Tanausú Viewpoint is a scenic lookout in the municipality of Garafía, on the northwest coast of La Palma in the Canary Islands. It sits a few kilometers southwest of the village of El Palmar and ranks among the most distinctive viewpoints in this part of the island, overlooking the ravines and coastline of Garafía.

Where does the name come from?

The viewpoint is named after Tanausú, the last Guanche chief of the kingdom of Aceró, the territory that today corresponds to the Caldera de Taburiente. Tanausú symbolized resistance against the Spanish conquest of the island, holding out against invading forces until his eventual capture in 1493, an event that marked the end of the conquest of La Palma. The viewpoint itself was inaugurated in 2013, built and funded through the initiative of a Garafía resident, Eleno Martín Rodríguez, as a tribute to this historical figure.

How do you get there?

Tanausú Viewpoint is located in the Garafía municipality, in the northwest of La Palma, near the village of El Palmar. This part of the island is rural and mountainous, with narrow roads winding through deep ravines, so reaching it takes longer than driving to more heavily visited spots on La Palma. It's worth allowing extra time for the drive, given the switchbacks and the generally quieter, undeveloped character of the local roads.

What will you see?

The viewpoint opens onto a panorama of ravines and cliff-lined coastline along Garafía — one of the wilder, less built-up stretches of La Palma. Sunset is a particularly rewarding time to visit, as the low light brings out the texture of the rocky terrain and the contrasts of the landscape below. Garafía is sometimes called the "municipality of the stars" thanks to its unusually dark skies, free of light pollution, and after nightfall the viewpoint becomes a spot for observing constellations under conditions rarely found elsewhere in Europe.

When should you visit?

Late afternoon into sunset is the best window, when the ravines and coast take on the most depth and color. Anyone interested in stargazing should plan to stay past dark — under clear skies, visibility here is exceptional. Because the area is mountainous, it's worth checking the weather forecast before setting out, since fog and cloud cover can temporarily limit visibility at this altitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Tanausú? Tanausú was the last chief (mencey) of the Guanche kingdom of Aceró on La Palma, corresponding to today's Caldera de Taburiente. He led resistance against the Spanish conquest and was captured in 1493, an event that ended the conquest of the island.

When was the viewpoint built? The viewpoint was officially inaugurated in 2013, funded and driven by the initiative of Garafía local Eleno Martín Rodríguez.

Are there any facilities nearby? Yes, food options are available in the vicinity of the viewpoint, including breakfast, snacks, and tapas — it's worth checking current opening hours locally, as these can vary seasonally.

Is it worth staying until after dark? Yes, if the sky is clear. Garafía is known for exceptionally dark night skies, and the viewpoint is one of the spots where locals and visitors alike come to watch the stars.