Our journey begins with two impressive fortifications that have guarded the coast of La Palma for centuries. The first stop is Castillo de La Virgen, a majestic fortress perched high above the city of Santa Cruz de La Palma. Built in 1820, it served as the island's key defense post. Today, after a major renovation in 1995, it offers visitors not only a history lesson, but also breathtaking views of Santa Cruz and the Atlantic. Entrance to the castle is free, making it an attractive option for families with children. The short climb up the small paved road from the Santa Maria museum-ship to the Plaza de la Alameda is absolutely worth the effort. The castle is only open for tours in the mornings, so consider this when planning your visit.

The next point on our trip is the Real Castillo de Santa Catalina, located a bit closer to the coast. This smaller but equally fascinating fortification was built to protect the city from pirate attacks. Despite its small size, the castle successfully served its function for many years. Today, its walls can be viewed free of charge, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of piracy in the Canary Islands. The castle is open until early afternoon, giving you flexibility in scheduling your visit.

Comparing the two castles, Castillo de La Virgen offers more sweeping views and a richer history, while Real Castillo de Santa Catalina impresses with its location close to the ocean and more intimate atmosphere. Both sites are easily accessible and don't require a long tour, making them ideal highlights for families with children of all ages.

It is worth noting that parking spaces can be found at both castles, making access easy for those traveling by car. Castillo de La Virgen has a higher rating (4.4 compared to 4.2 for Real Castillo de Santa Catalina), which may suggest a slightly better visit experience. However, both sites are highly regarded by tourists for their authenticity and the opportunity to experience the island's history firsthand.

By visiting these two castles, we not only learn about the fascinating history of La Palma's defenses, but also have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the island's landscape from different perspectives. This is an excellent way to begin our journey in the footsteps of the cultural heritage of this unique Canarian island.

Continuing our journey through La Palma's historical treasures, we move on to two exceptional museums that offer a deeper understanding of the island's culture and history. The first is the Museo Insular de La Palma, located in the heart of Santa Cruz de La Palma. This place is a true treasure trove of knowledge about the island, housed in a beautiful old post-Franciscan convent.

The Museo Insular de La Palma impresses with its rich collection of artifacts that tell the story of the island from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. There is an impressive collection of old maps of the Canary Islands, tools and paintings illustrating the life of the ancient inhabitants, as well as a rich natural history collection. For art lovers, there is a gallery of paintings by local artists. Importantly, there is a fee to enter the museum, but the ticket price is affordable - 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for residents, making it an attractive option for families. Visitors praise the museum for its friendly staff and wealth of exhibits, emphasizing that one can spend up to 1-2 hours here, discovering fascinating details of La Palma's history.

Our next stop is the Museo Naval - Barco de la Virgen, a unique museum located in a replica of Christopher Columbus' sailing ship Santa Maria. This place combines elements of maritime history with architectural beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. The museum, although small, surprises with its wealth of exhibits related to the maritime history of the island. There are maps, ship models and other fascinating artifacts.

Comparing the two museums, the Museo Insular de La Palma offers a broader thematic spectrum, covering the entire history and culture of the island, while the Museo Naval focuses on maritime and exploratory aspects. Museo Insular has a higher rating (4.3 compared to 4.3 for Museo Naval), which may suggest a slightly better overall visit experience. However, the Museo Naval's unique location in a replica ship is a definite asset, especially attractive to the youngest visitors.

Both museums not only offer an opportunity to learn about history, but also provide great views - the Museo Insular from its historic building, and the Museo Naval from the deck of the replica ship. This makes them ideal places to take souvenir photos.

It's worth noting that both museums have their own time limits. The Museo Insular may require more time for a thorough tour, while the Museo Naval can be viewed in less time, which may be beneficial for families with young children. However, both sites are well suited for family visits, offering interesting exhibits and interactive elements that will interest both adults and children.

Visiting these two museums not only deepens our knowledge of La Palma's history and culture, but also gives us the opportunity to experience its heritage in a unique and engaging way. These are excellent places to understand how the past has shaped the current character of this fascinating island.

Our journey through La Palma's cultural heritage would not be complete without a visit to one of the island's most iconic sites - Balcones de la Avenida Marítima in Santa Cruz de La Palma. It's a place that perfectly combines history, architecture and daily life of the islanders.

Balcones de la Avenida Marítima is a string of colorful, richly decorated balconies that stretch along the seaside promenade in the island's capital. These architectural gems are not only beautiful, but also full of history. The balconies, an example of typical Canary Islands architecture, once served as... toilets! Today, transformed and restored, they are one of La Palma's most photogenic attractions.

What sets the Balcones de la Avenida Marítima apart is their unusual colors and richness of detail. Each balcony is different, decorated with flowers and plants, creating a beautiful, vibrant mosaic of colors against the blue ocean. This place is especially charming on sunny days, when the light reflects off the colorful facades, creating a magical atmosphere.

A walk along Avenida Marítima is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a great opportunity to learn about the daily life of La Palma's residents. We can watch the locals enjoying these beautiful balconies, which adds to the authenticity of the whole experience.

Balcones de la Avenida Marítima has a high rating of 4.6, a testament to its popularity among tourists. Visitors praise the place for its unique character, architectural beauty and the opportunity for great photos. It's the perfect place for a family stroll, where children can play at discovering the most beautiful balconies, while adults admire the architectural craftsmanship and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.

Importantly, the Balcones de la Avenida Marítima tour is completely free and available at any time of the day. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight illuminates the colorful facades most beautifully. This is also a good time to find less crowded places to take souvenir photos.

Compared to previously visited castles and museums, Balcones de la Avenida Marítima offers a more casual and relaxing experience. It's a place where history mixes with the present, creating a unique atmosphere typical of La Palma. It is also an excellent starting point to further explore the charming streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

To sum up our tour of La Palma's five key heritage sites, we can say that each offers a unique experience. From majestic castles to artifact-rich museums to charming balconies, each site tells a different part of the island's fascinating history. Together, they form a comprehensive picture of La Palma's cultural richness, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its unique character.

Exploring these places is not only a history lesson, but above all an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Each of the places described offers something unique, from panoramic views and fascinating artifacts to charming corners full of color and life. Whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for beautiful places to photograph, La Palma will certainly not disappoint you.

When planning a trip to La Palma, you should include these five places in your itinerary. They will allow you not only to learn about the island's rich history, but also to experience its unique atmosphere and beauty. Remember that La Palma is an island that has much more to offer than just beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes - it's a place where history comes alive at every turn, waiting to be discovered by curious travelers.