In La Palma it’s not only possible to hike among volcanoes, walk through lush forests or bathe in crystal clear waters, but also, thanks to its weather conditions, visitors who wish to do so can walk above a real Sea of Clouds. This natural phenomenon, which can be observed throughout the archipelago, reaches extraordinary levels in the so-called Isla Bonita, where its orography and the trade winds produce dreamlike landscapes.
These are the places where you can enjoy a real passage through the clouds.
A Unique Meteorological Phenomenon
In order to understand why the Seas of Clouds are common on the island of La Palma, we must first explain the natural phenomenon itself. As explained in the RRSS by doctor in Physics and Senior State Meteorologist, J.J González Alemán, for a Sea of Clouds to form, it is necessary for a "thermal inversion" to occur, in which the temperature rises with altitude instead of falling, as is normal. That is to say, it is necessary for the temperature to be warmer at higher elevations than at lower elevations.
On the island of La Palma the seas of clouds are determined by the trade winds. These push the clouds against the mountains, so that the humidity condenses in the northern and northeastern midlands between 600 and 1,800 meters in altitude. The winds of the higher areas, drier and warmer, prevent the ascent of the clouds, which means that, once over 1,800 meters of altitude, we can see how they remain below us.
If they are lucky, visitors to the Isla Bonita will also be able to see another phenomenon that usually occurs on the western slope of the island, when the sea of clouds overflows the mountain and it looks like a cascade of clouds flowing down the mountainside.
Where to Watch the Sea of Clouds
One of the most recommended spots to watch the Sea of Clouds is undoubtedly El Roque de los Muchachos. Located to the north of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, between the municipalities of El Paso and Garafía, it is the highest point on the island, at 2,420 meters above sea level. Roque de los Muchachos also houses the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory (ORM).
For astronomy lovers, this area is home to the Roque de Los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory,, composed of telescopes from several countries, one of the most important windows to the universe in the world.
Climbing the road leading to the viewpoint of the same name is a sensory experience that will only be surpassed by the wonderful view that will extend past our feet. If a Sea of Clouds has been created, the visitor will believe that he/she is almost flying over the sky.
For photography lovers, the image of the cascades of clouds descending over the mountain slopes is one of the most beautiful that can be captured on the island of La Palma. This phenomenon is common in the El Paso area, specifically near the Caldera de Taburiente National Park Visitor Center..
This space, where you can obtain information about the trails that comprise the park, also has a botanical-educational garden about the endemic plants that can be found, as well as a large terrace where you can enjoy the view of the cloud cascades.