- Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a huge eroded crater
- Roque de los Muchachos hosts one of the world's leading observatories
- The 2021 eruption reshaped the west of the island
- Few resorts and excellent hiking
- Airports
- La Palma (SPC)
- Best time to go
- April-October for hiking, all year for stargazing
- Type
- Island
La Palma, known as La Isla Bonita, is the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands and one of the greenest and steepest. Its volcanic peaks rise to over 2,400 metres, its skies are protected for astronomy, and the whole island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
In 2021 the Tajogaite eruption on the Cumbre Vieja ridge lasted for nearly three months, destroying homes and farmland in the west and adding new land to the coast. The island has been welcoming visitors again, and it remains a superb destination for hikers, stargazers and anyone looking for a quieter Canarian holiday. See our Spain guide.
Things to do
- Caldera de Taburiente National Park – a vast eroded crater with pine forests, streams and the famous multicoloured waterfall. Hikes start from viewpoints such as La Cumbrecita or from Los Llanos.
- Roque de los Muchachos – the island's highest point, with views above the clouds and an international astronomy observatory. Guided visits are sometimes offered.
- Stargazing – La Palma is a Starlight Reserve, and guided night-sky tours run from several viewpoints.
- Ruta de los Volcanes – a long ridge walk along the volcanic spine of the south, past cinder cones and craters.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma – the capital, with wooden balconies, Renaissance buildings and a replica of Columbus's Santa María.
- Los Tilos – a laurel forest in the north-east with walks to springs and waterfalls.
- Fuencaliente – volcanoes, salt pans, a lighthouse and vineyards in the far south.
- Charco Azul and the north coast – natural sea pools and wild cliffs around San Andrés y Sauces.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de La Palma | Historic capital, close to the airport |
| Los Cancajos | Small resort with a beach near the airport |
| Los Llanos de Aridane | Western town, near the Caldera and sunny afternoons |
| Rural houses in the north | Remote stays for walking and dark skies |
Getting there
La Palma airport is just south of Santa Cruz de La Palma, roughly 10 minutes away. Direct flights from the UK are limited and often seasonal, so check routes; otherwise connect via Tenerife North or Gran Canaria on short inter-island flights, or via Madrid. Ferries also run from Tenerife, taking several hours. A hire car is strongly recommended, as many trailheads and viewpoints are poorly served by buses.
Best time to visit
La Palma is mild year-round. Spring to autumn is the best period for high-level hiking, when the paths are dry and clear. Winter can bring rain and occasional snow on the summits, but it is also a lovely time for the green north and for clear night skies. The north-east is wetter and cloudier than the west.
Weather near Roque de los Muchachos can be very different from the coast, so check road conditions and take warm layers for sunset and stargazing.
Top attractions in La Palma
LandmarkAlhambra
A hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and water gardens, the Alhambra is the high point of…
LandmarkPark Güell
Gaudí's hillside park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style lodges and a famous dragon, with sweeping views over…
MuseumPrado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, the Prado holds Spain's royal collection, from Velázquez's Las Meninas to Goya's…
LandmarkReal Alcázar
A dazzling Mudéjar palace and gardens in the heart of Seville, still used by the Spanish royal family and famous as the…
LandmarkSagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with its forest-like nave and glowing stained glass, is Barcelona's must-book sight.
NatureSerra de Tramuntana
A UNESCO-listed mountain range of stone villages, olive terraces and hairpin roads along Mallorca's north-west coast.
La Palma on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit La Palma after the volcano?
The eruption ended in December 2021 and the island is open to visitors. Some areas around the new lava fields remain restricted, so follow local guidance.
Is La Palma good for a beach holiday?
Not really; beaches are mostly black sand and few in number. It is better for hiking, nature and stargazing.
Can you fly direct from the UK to La Palma?
Occasionally, on seasonal routes. Many visitors connect through Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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