The island of La Palma is situated in the western end of the
Canary archipelago. Its surface is approximately 706 km2 and its maximum height
2.426 m. The island has approximately 80.000 inhabitants. Its geographical
situation awards an ideal climate and a great atmospheric stability. For the
cleanliness and clarity of its sky it has been chosen as the best emplacement
for the installation of the astrophysicist complex that can be found in “El
Roque de los Muchachos”. The island shows a great count of natural different
spaces, from the coastal band of subtropical climate passing for zones of
average height covered with forests of laurels or pine groves, up to the
landscapes of high mountains with a climate of continental character. Numerous
volcanic cones, washes of lava and dikes, remind us the volcanic origin of the
island, which gives the landscape a very particular charm. The floral wealth of
the island captures the attention of the most accidental observer. The
ornamental beauty of many plants joins the high scientific value of the endemic
species. Also the fauna is worth mentioning with remarkable examples of birds
and insects.
