Western Europe Kingdom of Spain LA PALMA SANTA CRUZ La Palma (also San Miguel de La Palma) is the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands. La Palma, like the other islands of the Canary Island archipelago, is a volcanic ocean island. The volcano rises almost 7 km (4 mi) above the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. La Palma Santa cruz february 2014 La Palma has "sister city" status with El Dorado Hills, California. Its highest mountain is the Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,423 metres (7,949 ft), being second among the peaks of the Canaries only to the peaks of the Teide massif on Tenerife. There is road access from sea level to the summit at 2,426 m, which is marked by an outcrop of rocks called Los Muchachos ("The Lads"). Santa Cruz de la Palma is located on the eastern part of the island. The coastline and the valley areas are made up of farmlands, the remaining areas around Santa Cruz de la Palma and east central core are urban areas especially hotels, apartments, and colorful homes uphill northwest. Santa Cruz de la Palma has the only major port in the island, serving ferry routes to Cádiz in Spain, as well as to Tenerife. The city was founded by Alonso Fernández de Lugo on May 3, 1493. It was located between a river which is situated by a cave named Tedote (now Cueva de Carías, located north of the city). The city, originally called Villa del Apurón, served as a port that connected routes to the Americas. The city was sacked by pirates and was later reconstructed and fortified against future pirate attacks. Me in Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Me in Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Famous fortifications include the Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de la Virgen. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Me in Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014. Santa Cruz de La palma, 26 february 2014.