La Palma volcano has gained attention in the highly anticipated Netflix series La Palma, released on December 12, 2024. La Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain, were used to film the stunning volcanic landscapes in the series.
Dramatic mountain ranges, lush forests, and picturesque coastal views were used to film the intense drama. La Palma volcano is situated on La Palma Island, 300 miles off Morocco and Western Sahara.
La Palma follows a Norwegian family as they face a massive eruption in a volcanically active region. The realistic depiction of the volcano's potential eruption adds suspense and urgency as the characters face personal and environmental challenges. The series relies on La Palma Volcano because local towns like Santa Cruz de La Palma add authenticity.
Out of respect for the local population, La Palma's production halted during the Tajogaite Volcano eruption. Filming resumed after the situation stabilized, showing the island's natural beauty and geological significance. The series emphasizes the Canary Islands' dramatic landscapes and the economic and cultural impact of volcanic activity.
Where is La Palma Island located?
This basaltic shield volcano is 300 miles off Morocco and Western Sahara. La Palma is 47 kilometers long and has two volcanic centers: the collapsed Caldera de Taburiente and the active Cumbre Vieja.
Over the past 7,000 years, La Palma volcano's Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted in 1585, 1646, 1712, 1949, and 1971. A new eruption in 2021 shows the volcano's ongoing activity.
This volcano has frequent small explosions and large lava flows. Some of these eruptions have reached the sea and damaged natural and inhabited areas. Its rugged terrain and volcanic features make the island dramatic for natural and film events. La Palma volcano's lush forests, dramatic mountain ranges, and active volcanoes make it interesting.
All major filming locations for Netflix's La Palma
The Netflix series La Palma was shot in La Palma volcano and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. These stunning volcanic landscapes and authentic settings match the series' disaster narrative. Volcanic areas, coastal views, and charming towns like Santa Cruz de La Palma were used to film the series' realistic atmosphere.
Filming also took place on Tenerife, another major Canary Island. Tenerife, home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, has vast volcanic plains, lava formations, and rugged terrain perfect for depicting volcanic eruptions' danger. Teide National Park provides the expansive and dramatic landscapes needed for the series' intense and suspenseful moments.
All about La Palma volcano eruption
Starting on September 19, 2021, the Cumbre Vieja volcanic center caused a big eruption at the La Palma Volcano. Two fissures and several vents opened during this eruption, sending out large lava fountains, flows, and ash plumes.
The La Palma Volcano erupted very strongly between October and December 2021. There were more than 3,000 earthquakes recorded in October alone, and ash clouds rose up to 5.5 kilometers into the air.
Reportedly, lava flows got bigger quickly, damaging more than 3,000 buildings and destroying almost 2,900 of them. By the end of the eruption, the lava flow field had grown to cover more than 12 square kilometers. Multiple crater wall collapses and vent activity made the area around the volcano unstable and dangerous.
Furthermore, La Palma's eruption had important effects on the economy and the environment. The air quality was affected by ash plumes, which caused aviation advisories and temporary airport closures.
Lava deltas and moving lava flows caused problems with the area's infrastructure, hurting roads and utilities. Furthermore, sulfur dioxide emissions were consistently found to be a part of air pollution that reached as far as the Caribbean and Europe.
The Spanish Instituto Geográfico Nacional and the Canarian Instituto Volcanológico both helped to keep an eye on and control the eruption. At the height of the eruption, thousands of people had to leave their homes to stay safe, and evacuations were necessary.
Geological activity at this volcano is still going on, and the eruption showed how much it can change the island's landscape. The series entertains and educates viewers about volcanic activity and its effects on communities by highlighting this volcano's real-life eruption history and dynamic environment.
La Palma is available to stream on Netflix.