Welcome to our Information Guide about Garafia

Garafia is the oldest part of La Palma and the first to be inhabited due to its source of natural springs, abundant vegetation and caves. In fact, the name ‘Garafia’ in the original language of the Aborigines literally means ‘living place’ which distinguished it from other parts of the island that were barren and not a ‘living place.’
Although it is the most rural part of La Palma with acres of countryside, impressive gorges, mountain ridges and cascading terraces, it also has the amenities to help everyday life along such as two small supermarkets, numerous bars/restaurants and a good bus service.
To holiday in Garafia is like stepping back in time - here the norm for holiday accommodation is casas rurales, the old traditional houses and cottages of La Palma made from stone and wood. Lovingly built more than 100 years ago, they provide the perfect place from which to enjoy the countryside. Along with the rural houses, quaint shops, walking paths, trekking trails and restaurants where meat is cooked over firewood, Garafia is an experience not to be missed!

Location
Garafia lies in the far north west of La Palma in between the two municipalities of Barlovento to the east and Puntagorda to the west. It covers 103 sq. km. rising from sea level to the highest point of the island at the Roque de Muchachos, 2426m above sea level. Yes, that’s all Garafia! 
Although it is the second largest municipality on the island, it is also the least populated. And apart from having the highest point on the La Palma at the Roque de Muchachos, it's also got a mighty fine beach!

The Roque de Muchachos
At the top of the island is the Roque de Muchachos (meaning Rock of the Young Men) which is the highest point of the island at 2426m above sea level. It sits right on the GR131 El Bastón walkiing route which runs all the way from the Puerto de Tazacorte up to the Roque de Muchachos and then down the spine of the island, the Cumbre, along the Volcano Route and down to the Fuencaliente lighthouse.  
The views from the Roque de Muchachos are spectacular with several look-out points down into the Caldera and over to the islands of Tenerife, El Hierro and La Gomera.

Observatories
The observatory of La Palma is located at 2400m above sea level, just below the Roque de Muchachos. 
It is the second most important in the Northern Hemisphere after Hawaii due to the clear skies and quickly gained altitude. This is the place to go for the Wow factor!
Guided tours of the Observatory are available during the day and these must be booked in advance.
More about astronomy and star-gazing on La Palma

La Zarza
In the 1950’s, a series of rock engravings were discovered at this site and these, along with later findings, have proved to be the most important in the Canary Islands. The small museum at La Zarza depicts life in Garafia from the 15th century onwards when people lived in caves. Alongside there is a circular walk along a wooded path to view the petroglyphs and caves.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Luz, Our Lady of the Light, Santo Domingo
The current church was built between 1651 and 1664 and, with its two naves, it is the only one of its type in La Palma and one of only a few in the Canary Islands. It has one of the most important Moorish alters in the Canaries.

San Antonio Fiesta
The fiesta of San Antonio is a 3-day event held every year around 12 June. It draws big crowds of about 2,000 people and with a procession, animal fayre, live music, stalls, food and drink, there's plenty to celebrate!
 The church of San Antonio is an important part of the fiesta, not just for the procession and mass but this was the first church forthe area of  Santo Domingo.

The Port of Santo Domingo and Port of La Fajana, Franceses
There are only two major ports across the whole of the north coast although neither of them are in use any more. They do however remain an area of natural beauty and interest.
The walk down to the port of Santo Domingo reveals many caves where people once lived and still today they are used at weekends.
The port of La Fajana can be accessed by road almost all of the way and the port buildings are still largely in tact. There is a gathering of houses close by with approximately eleven inhabitants whose main income is from the surrounding banana plantation. It is also a popular spot with fishermen who fish from the rocks.
There is a small beach of rock and sand although swimming is not normally possible due to difficult entry and access and strong currents.

La Zarza
In the 1950’s, a series of rock engravings were discovered at this site and these, along with later findings, have proved to be the most important in the Canary Islands. The small museum at La Zarza depicts life in Garafia from the 15th century onwards when people lived in caves. Alongside there is a circular walk along a wooded path to view the petroglyphs and caves.

Walking trails in the area of Garafia
1. GR130 Camino between Santo Domingo and Franceses
2. GR130 Camino Real between Santo Domingo and Puntagorda
3. La Zarza natural park of Laurisilva woodland
4. Roque de Muchachos GR131 El Baston
5. Circular route Roque Faro - Franceses - El Tablado - Roque Faro : GR130 and LP9.1