La Cascada

La Palma is often quite rightly described as a mini-continent in addition to which it can change dramatically within the same day. Many factors take a part in this such as altitude, aspect ie East, West, South or North, wind strength and direction. Yes, it really is true that you can be trudging through the snow at Roque de Muchachos, the highest point of the island, and within less than 2 hours, be back down to sea level and laid out on the beach in the sun. However, temperatures are usually around a pleasant 15 to 25 degrees. In contrast at the other end of the spectrum, sub-Saharan winds occasionally drift over the island for a few days two or three times a year. This can take the temperature up to 38 degrees – phew – too hot!

One of the more famous phenomenon’s of La Palma are the cloud formations, especially what is known as ‘la cascada.’ This is where the clouds, which are attracted to the sudden height of the island, literally tumble over the ridge of land which separates the east and west. They spectacularly and literally cascade over, never actually reaching the bottom.