Is ‘La Palma’ On Netflix Based On A True Story? What’s Real Vs. Fake

Netflix’s new disaster series La Palma is currently the No. 1 show in the U.S. While watching, you might find yourself wondering if La Palma is based on a true story and whether the highly active and dangerous Cumbre Vieja volcano actually exists.

The four-episode limited series is set on the island of La Palma and follows a young scientist, a team of geological researchers, and a family of four as they face a volcanic eruption with the potential to trigger a global catastrophe.

Despite warning signs—including a deadly boat accident and a series of earthquakes—geologists Marie and Haukur uncover evidence that an imminent eruption could cause devastation far beyond the island. Now, they must convince their boss, Álvaro, to take their findings seriously before it’s too late. So, how much of La Palma is real, and what is fiction? Here’s what to know as you watch.

Is La Palma Based On A True Story?

No, La Palma is not based on a true story. However, La Palma is a real place—one of Spain’s Canary Islands, situated off the west coast of Africa. This Spanish territory is home to the Cumbre Vieja, the most active volcanic ridge in the Canary Islands.

The Cumbre Vieja has experienced multiple eruptions, with the most recent occurring in 2021. The eruption lasted for three months and caused extensive damage, destroying “around 3,000 buildings, entombed banana plantations and vineyards, ruined irrigation systems and cut off roads,” NPR reported at the time.

Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were directly attributed to the eruption. Before 2021, the Cumbre Vieja last erupted in 1971 and 1949.

Could Cumbre Vieja Trigger A Tsunami In The Atlantic Ocean?

The theory that Cumbre Vieja on La Palma could trigger a massive tsunami in the Atlantic Ocean originates from a 2001 study published in Geophysical Research Letters. However, the majority of scientists agree that such a catastrophic event is highly unlikely.

The hypothesis suggests that during a major volcanic eruption, a large portion of the western flank of Cumbre Vieja could collapse into the Atlantic Ocean. This landslide could generate a mega-tsunami, potentially affecting the eastern coasts of North America, parts of Europe, and West Africa.

However, studies published after the 2001 journal diminished the threat emphasized in the paper. George Pararas-Carayannis, editor of the journal Science of Tsunami Hazards, wrote in a study the following year: “The threat of mega tsunami generation from collapses of oceanic island stratovolcanoes has been greatly overstated. No mega-tsunamis can be expected.”

Where Was La Palma Filmed?

The Netflix series La Palma was filmed on location in the real-life La Palma, the westernmost of Spain’s Canary Islands. Known as the “Isla Bonita,” La Palma is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering scenic hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and gorgeous beaches that attract tourists from around the world.

In addition to La Palma, some scenes were filmed on the nearby island of Tenerife, according to The Direct. Tenerife is the most visited island in the Canary Islands archipelago, attracting over five million tourists annually.

The series also features the interior of the luxury resort Isla Bonita and the H10 Taburiente Playa, which serves as the backdrop for many exterior shots. For the beach scenes, viewers will see Playa de la Arena, while La Palma Airport also plays a key role as a hub for visitors and emergency crews arriving and departing the island.

La Palma was created by Martin Sundland, Lars Gudmestad, and Harald Rosenløw Eeg, and directed by Kasper Barfoed. The show was co-written by Gudmestad and Rosenløw Eeg and stars Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Alma Günther, Bernard Storm Lager, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Jorge de Juan.

La Palma is streaming on Netflix. Watch the official trailer below.