Puntos de Interés
Orography
The Risco de La Concepción
The Risco de La Concepción, located in the municipality of Breña Alta, on the island of La Palma, is a Natural Monument protected by Law 12/1994 of 19 December 1994. It forms part of the Canary Islands Network of Protected Natural Spaces (ENP) and is integrated in the Natura 2000 Network, as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
This imposing cliff has a drop of more than 300 m and closes off the city of Santa Cruz de La Palma to the south. Its hydrovolcanic formation is due to a phreatomagmatic process and a relatively recent eruption. Its origin in shallow waters, before the formation of the Cumbre Nueva, gave rise to its peculiar crescent-shaped structure. Meanwhile, the eastern flank has been sculpted by intense sea erosion, resulting in an impressive coastal cliff.
The volcanic structure and the yellowish-coloured materials make the Risco de La Concepción of great scientific, geological and geomorphological interest. Its location in the infra- and thermo-arid bioclimatic floor defines it as an area with potential thermophilic vegetation, with the presence of cardonal-tabaibal when descending in altitude. In the seeps and wetter areas there are examples of monteverde. The Risco is an attractive spot for flora and fauna observation, excursions, research and photography. On its summit, some 400 m above sea level, stands the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de La Concepción, built in the early 16th century and rebuilt in 1672. The shrine house paintings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries and there is a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Santa Cruz de La Palma.