Balcones Típicos – La Palma’s Wooden Landmarks

Along the Avenida Marítima in Santa Cruz de La Palma stand the most famous facades in the Canary Islands: a row of historic colonial houses with elaborately carved wooden balconies – the Balcones Típicos.

The variety of Balcones Típicos along the Avenida Marítima in Santa Cruz de La Palma

What makes them special is their combination of craft quality, historical depth and sheer number. Nowhere else in the Canary Islands does such a dense ensemble of traditional wooden balconies survive.

History and Function

The Balcones Típicos date back to the 16th to 18th centuries, when Santa Cruz de La Palma was one of the most important ports in the Atlantic. Wealthy merchants had the balconies built as storage space – goods were stored up high, away from the humidity.

The earlier balconies were fully enclosed: fine wooden latticework from top to bottom, sometimes reaching over two floors. This allowed the inhabitants to look out while remaining unseen from the street.

The historic wooden balconies along the Avenida Marítima are considered a landmark of Santa Cruz de La Palma. — Traditional wooden balconies in diverse styles along the Avenida Marítima in Santa Cruz de La Palma

The Portuguese Carpenters

The Balcones Típicos were significantly shaped by Portuguese immigrants who brought their joinery traditions to La Palma. The elaborate decorations – turned balusters, carved cornices, lattice panels – reflect Iberian craftsmanship of the early modern period.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Combine with a Stroll Through the Old Town

The Balcones de la Avenida Marítima are right in the historic centre. They are just a few minutes’ walk from the Plaza de España, the Iglesia El Salvador and the Castillo de Santa Catalina.

A Living Cultural Heritage

The characteristic wooden balconies are maintained by their owners and heritage authorities. Many have been restored with original materials – Canarian pine, traditional joinery methods.

UNESCO Recognition

The Canarian Balcones Típicos – with La Palma as their most significant ensemble – are recognized by UNESCO as part of the Canary Islands’ Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Wooden balconies of the Avenida Marítima — landmark of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

The Best Photo Spots

The best light is usually in the morning through early afternoon. Stand on the seaside promenade and photograph the facades from across the street – this gives the full line of balconies.

The highest concentration is on Avenida Marítima – the seafront promenade that runs parallel to the harbour. The most photographed section is between the Plaza de la Alameda and the Castillo de Santa Catalina.

Best light for photos: early morning, when the sun hits the facades from the east and the green paint glows.

Insider tip for photographers: After sunset the balconies are beautifully lit. The combination of the illuminated row of houses and the waterfront promenade creates particularly atmospheric shots during the blue hour.

Best Angle	From the harbour / ferry terminal (entire row)
Best Light	Morning (east light on the facades)
Location	Avenida Marítima, Santa Cruz de La Palma
Accessible	Open 24/7, free admission
Combine With	Castillo de Santa Catalina + Castillo de La Virgen
Parking & Getting There	Harbour car park, Avenida Marítima

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are the balconies usually painted mountain green?

Mountain green is the traditional colour of the Canarian wooden balconies – it blends with the surrounding natural greenery and protects the timber thanks to its copper-based pigment. Some houses deviate from this (blue, red, brown), but mountain green is the classic and most common colour.

Can you view the balconies from the inside?

No, most balconies belong to private residences and are not open to the public. However, the island museum (Museo Insular) in Santa Cruz occasionally offers guided tours of historic buildings with original interiors—check with the museum for upcoming dates.

When do you get the best photos of the Balcones?

The best time to visit the Avenida Marítima is in the morning or early afternoon. From the waterfront promenade at the Playa de Santa Cruz de La Palma you have a particularly fine view of the complete row of houses with their historic wooden balconies.

Why do the houses have such large wooden balconies?

The balconies, made of pine wood, were not just decorative elements in the past. They provided shade, improved airflow throughout the living areas and offered a sheltered view of the bustling life in the harbour and old town.

Can the Balcones be combined well with other sights?

Yes. The Balcones fit naturally into a walk through the old town of Santa Cruz de La Palma. From here you can easily reach the Plaza de España, the Plaza de la Alameda, the Naval Museum (Barco de La Virgen) and numerous cafés, shops and further historic buildings.

From Wood to Landmark – The Transformation of the Balconies

During the 19th and 20th centuries the balconies lost their original storage function. The refrigerator, solid walls and changing lifestyles made them superfluous as practical spaces. What remained was their aesthetic value.

Listed balcony houses — colonial heritage of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Today the remaining original balcony houses are listed by the municipality and the island council and carefully maintained. New constructions in the historic zone must conform to the traditional style.

Other Places with Beautiful Balconies on La Palma

The densest row of balcony facades is on the Avenida Marítima in Santa Cruz de La Palma – but other towns and villages on the island also have fine examples: Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso and Tijarafe all have traditional wooden balconies worth seeking out.

This article is based on the on-site knowledge of the Gequo editorial team – publishers of the Reisezeit Hiking Guides and operators of Sunhikes.com. As of: May 2026