On Thursday, I journeyed by road to the summit of Cumbre Vieja, the towering volcano on La Palma. Rising to 2,426 metres, its peak is above the clouds, creating the perfect environment for the internationally funded astronomical telescopes there.
In 2021 the volcano erupted. There were no fatalities, but over 3,000 properties were destroyed and 7,000 people had to be evacuated.
The crater shown below is where the 2021 eruption occurred and where it remains active to the present day.
It was an exceptionally clear day and in the distance we could see peaks on other Canary islands, including Teide, the high mountain on Tenerife, which I visited at the start of this cruise, https://alanscruiseblog.uk/2025/01/13/11th-jan-2025-tenerife/. Tenerife is 130 Km from La Palma.
Before making our way back down to the ship, we explored the visitors centre, which features fabulous images, interactive displays and an impressive video theatre, with insights into the work conducted at the observatories.
Just one final port of call to go, Funchal in Madeira on Friday, where I will be doing a lavada walk. (And that is not one of Monty Python’s ‘silly walks’.)
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