Black sands & turquoise sea of Puerto de Tazacorte in La Palma

La Palma holidays

Although often overshadowed by its neighbour Canary Islands, don’t be fooled. La Palma is considered one of the Atlantic’s best-kept secrets, its landscapes are volcanic, its sand spots black and its 46.9 square kilometres of pine forest is full of natural wonders. Holidays to La Palma are year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C, making it a tropical oasis for beach lovers. This under-the-radar island is one of the best destinations in the world for stargazing – in fact, UNESCO declared the entire country a World Biosphere Reserve for its idyllic vistas. Make the most of your surroundings in Brena Baja, your all-access pass to the island’s rolling hills and rugged peaks. Or explore the underwater world in Los Cancajos, where Blue Flag shores tempt you into the ocean. Regardless of the resort you choose, this archipelago island will impress.

La Palma information

Plane

Average flight time

4h 30m

Clock

Time difference

GMT +0h

Wallet

Currency

Euro €

Language

Language

Spanish

A guide to La Palma holidays

Food & drink in La Palma

Luckily for foodies, La Palma is a Spanish island so tapas, sangria and paella are aplenty. However, there’s more to this hidden gem than fruity wines and rice-mixed dishes, it’s a seafood haven for lovers of prawns, lobster, sea bass and beyond. The local delicacy is papas arrugadas, spice-filled jacket potatoes served with a hot sauce. On top of that, you’ll always find pork dishes on the menu or soups bursting with chorizo sausage. The restaurants in La Palma ooze a calm ambience and often serve a wide variety of international dishes, alongside home favourites – making them extremely family-friendly. The Canary Islands are renowned for their sweeping vineyards and La Palma is no exception, with a wine growing history dating back to the 16th century. Vinos de Tea is one of the top wines made from tinta negra mole grapes and ages in pine barrels – accompany this with garlic soaked prawns for a next-level meal.

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Beautiful beaches in La Palma

With a coastline decorated with banana plantations, beaches in La Palma are rare. However, the ones that do exist have been awarded for their high standards and top-quality features – making them all the more spectacular. Made up of volcanic sand, Los Cancajos is the best stretch for its natural beauty, while the Tazacorte coast is ideal for whale watching. The most popular is Puerto Naos Beach, where holidaymakers soak up the never-ending sun and surfers flock from across the globe to catch its wild waves.

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Things to do in La Palma

Tackle the intense walking trails placing you in reach of the clouds or delve deep into island culture with a stroll through the capital, Santa Cruz. This Spanish delight also offers the chance to swim in natural rock formations, or scuba dive the nearby coral reefs – leaving thrill-seekers overjoyed.

Stargazing: Scientists swarm to catch a glimpse of the bright starlit sky, it comes as no surprise that it’s one of the top things to do in La Palma. In fact, the world’s largest telescope sits on the top of Roque de Los Muchachos – the highest peak on the island, so holidaymakers can make the most of this magical natural wonder. For those who wish to hike to the top, trails are available or you can book a tour where transportation will be provided. We’d recommend a tapas and stars excursion, where you can feast on a selection of meats, cheese and wine under a ceiling made of stars.

La Caldera de Taburiente National Park: Check out one of the island’s top attractions, this volcanic crater is the biggest in the world at an astonishing 2,000 metres in depth. The landscape is surrounded by waterfalls and lush pine forests waiting to be explored. Follow the river through the Barranco de las Angustias and find a saltwater pool, the perfect spot for a refreshing dip after you’ve taken on the 60-minute enchanted forest paths. Nearby there’s a beach made up of pebbles, where snorkeling is encouraged. Find a patch of sand, or situate yourself among the flora for a delicious picnic – spending the day here will be unforgettable.

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Map of La Palma

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