La Palma is one of the Canary Islands, an archipelago of Spanish islands in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa. It is one of the most scenic and underrated destinations in the Canaries with its contrasting landscapes including black sand beaches, volcanic terrain, lush forests, and dark skies.
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La Palma is a location that’s full of incredible activities, including epic volcano hikes, some of the most stunning beaches, and a selection of viewpoints that will leave you breathless. Read on for my guide to the best things to do in La Palma, no matter what your travel style is.
How to get to La Palma
La Palma is served by some of the major airports in the UK with Jet2 offering flights to La Palma on a weekly basis. We got direct flights from Manchester Airport to the island’s main airport, La Palma Airport (SPC).
The flight takes around four hours. Be sure to book a window seat if you can, as the views coming in to land on the island are quite spectacular.
You can also book package holidays to La Palma with Jet2 where your flights and accommodation are included. You also get 22kg of luggage which is perfect if you’re planning on hiking during your trip as you can bring all your gear without having to worry about going over your luggage allowance.
The airport is located near to La Palma’s capital city, Santa Cruz de La Palma, and it’s easy to get from here to your accommodation on the island using private transfers, taxis, or public transport.
When is the best time to visit La Palma?
La Palma has a mild climate all year round with temperatures fluctuating between around 18°C (64°F) and the high 20s. From May to September you’ll get high temperatures and low rainfall, although the humidity is high inland.
February and March have the coolest temperatures and the wettest months are March, November and December. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are some of the best times to visit when you’ll experience pleasant temperatures that are perfect for hiking and exploring.
If you’re considering walking holidays with Jet2 then these would be the best times to visit.
Do you need a car for La Palma?
Yes, you do really need to hire a car if you want to explore everything that La Palma has to offer. Although the main towns and villages are well connected by the bus network, some of the hiking trails and view points can only be accessed by driving.
La Palma things to do
Summary – La Palma things to do
- Tajogaite volcano trail
- Black sand beaches
- Observatory and stargazing
- Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint
- Ron Aldea rum distillery
- Bodegas Carbollo winery
- Santa Cruz de La Palma
- Tazacorte
- San Antonio volcano
- Las Salinas de Fuencaliente (salt flats)
- Charco Azul pools
- Los Tilos waterfall
- Cuba de la Galga laurel forest
From volcanic landscapes and lush forests to beautiful beaches and charming towns, there are plenty of incredible things to do in La Palma. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, relaxing coastal spots or unforgettable views, this beautiful Canary Island has something to offer every type of traveller.
Hike the Tajogaite volcano trail
Out of all the things I did in La Palma, hiking the Tajogaite volcano trail was my favourite. Tajogaite is the island’s newest volcano, having erupted in 2021.
The eruption lasted 85 days and destroyed around 3,000 buildings, displacing approximately 7,000 people. The lava flow from the volcano created new land and beaches and the land immediately surrounding it was covered in a thick layer of ash.
You need a guide to hike the trail and there are a limited number of permits issues each day in order to protect the landscape. The trail itself is easy going, with a bit of uphill (depending on which way you walk) and it keeps a safe distance from the volcano, giving you spectacular views of the crater.
The landscape is amazing as lush green trees grow out of the black surroundings and it feels like you’re walking on sand. Be sure to stick to the paths and wear walking boots as it’s very dusty.
In places the ashes are so high that the signposts that marked out previous walking routes have been buried.
Explore the black sand beaches
Like some of the other Canary Islands, La Palma’s beaches are black sand, created by the various volcanic eruptions that the island has experienced. If you want a bit more of a chill during your holiday, you can spend a day relaxing on here and taking a dip in the refreshing waters.
Some of the best beaches on La Palma include:
- Playa de Nogales – often thought of as the most beautiful beach on the island. It is surrounded by high cliffs and accessed via a steep path.
- Playa Neuva – this is one of the newest beaches on the island, formed after the Tajogaite volcano eruption in 2021.
- Puerto Naos – one of the largest and most popular beaches on La Palma, there is a lively promenade here with cafes and restaurants.
I stayed near to Los Cancajos beach and spent a lovely afternoon wandering on here and paddling in the sea.
The current can be strong in the sea around the island so be sure to pay attention to warning flags and only swim where it’s safe to do so. Also be careful of the black sand in the afternoon sun – it can get very hot. I learnt the hard way!
Visit the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory and go stargazing
If you’re looking for unique things to do in La Palma then stargazing should be top of your list. The Canary Island is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its high altitude, clear skies, and strict laws that limit light pollution.
Sitting at almost 2,400 metres (7,874 feet) above sea level, the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is home to some of the world’s most advanced telescopes and attracts renowned astronomers from all over the world. You can visit the observatory to find out more about space and what the telescopes see here.
Even if you don’t visit, it’s a great place to watch the sunset or admire the stars. Just be aware that cars are prohibited from driving up there after dark, to protect the dark skies.
On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and even distant galaxies with the naked eye.
Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint
Continue upwards from the observatory and you’ll get to the highest point on La Palma, the Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint. The mountain is part of the Caldera de Taburiente national park and you can spend a day hiking here.
There are hikes in the national park to suit every ability, from family-friendly strolls, to more challenging uphill trails.
At the viewpoint, you can see right over the crater of the extinct volcano and walk around to its edge. You’ll also get fantastic views of the telescopes from here.
Go rum tasting at Ron Aldea
If you fancy a little tipple during your visit, head to Ron Aldea rum distillery to try some rums made on the island. You can take a little tour of the family-run distillery and try some of the delicious rums made from the sugar cane that grows on La Palma.
Some of the rums were a little strong for me but I enjoyed tasting the more sweet flavours like honey and banana. The distillery has been running on the island for 90 years.
Try the local wines at Bodegas Carbollo
If rum isn’t you thing then maybe you could be tempted by a glass of wine instead? Bodegas Carbollo is a small family-run winery that produces just 10,000 bottles of wine each year.
La Palma has a wine making tradition dating back to the late 19th century and wines here are produced using traditional methods.
We tried three wines – a white, a red, and a dessert wine – and they were all very good. It’s a lovely authentic experience and a must-do for food and drink lovers.
I was actually very impressed with all of the local wines that we tried throughout our stay La Palma. I had no idea it would be so great for wines!
Wander around Santa Cruz
La Palma’s capital city is the pretty Santa Cruz de La Palma. It’s a beautiful place to spend a few relaxed hours wandering through the colourful cobbled streets.
Santa Cruz is known for its traditional wooden balconies and pretty plazas filled with cafes and local boutique-style shops. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the famous Balconies de la Avenida Maritima, and visit the impressive churches.
It’s the perfect blend of history, culture, and seaside charm.
Visit Tazacorte
Situated on La Palma’s sunny west coast, Puerto de Tazacorte is a colourful seaside village with a beautiful black sand beach. There’s a relaxed atmosphere here and a pretty marina to explore.
Spend time chilling on the beach, eat at one of the seafront restaurants, or watch the fishing boats sailing by. We ate at Kiosco Teneguia where we enjoyed some delicious fresh fish.
See the San Antonio volcano
A visit to La Palma wouldn’t be complete without exploring more of the island’s volcanos. The San Antonio volcano erupted in 1677 and the crater is now one of the island’s most accessible volcanic landscapes.
There is a visitor centre at the start of the trail where you can learn more about the volcano and the geology of the island, then it’s a short walk to the crater itself, taking around 20 minutes. The view over the crater is spectacular and you can also see over the island’s coastline and out to sea.
Visit Las Salinas de Fuencaliente salt flats
Las Salinas de Fuencaliente, in the south of La Palma, is one of the island’s most unique and photogenic landscapes. These traditional salt pans have been producing salt on the island since 1967 using naturally evaporated sea water.
There is a self-guided walking tour that you can take around the salt flats to learn more about how salt is harvested. The pools are various shades of blue, green, and even pink, thanks to the algae that grows in them.
There are also two lighthouses and the whole area is backed by volcanic mountains, making it really picturesque.
There’s also a restaurant here called Jardin de Sal, a salt-themed restaurant serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes with a twist. The restaurant has panoramic windows so you can enjoy views over the ocean as you dine.
Swim in the Charco Azul pools
Another stunning spot on La Palma’s coastline, the Charco Azul natural swimming pools are one of the island’s most beautiful places for a refreshing swim. These pools are made by volcanic rock, shaped by the Atlantic Ocean, creating calm swimming areas surrounded by rugged lava formations.
It’s a great place to cool off, relax, or simply enjoy the dramatic views of the coastline.
See the Los Tilos waterfall
Hidden within the lush greenery of La Palma’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Los Tilos waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction that feels worlds away from the island’s volcanic landscapes. Surrounded by ancient laurel forests, this picturesque waterfall can be reached via a short and easy walk through the dense woodland, making it a great stop for visitors who want to experience La Palma’s wilder side without a challenging hike.
The cool, shaded trail, dramatic cliffs and sound of rushing water create a peaceful atmosphere, and it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers looking to discover one of the island’s most enchanting corners. You can walk underneath the waterfall or climb the steps next to it for a great view of the cascade.
Hike in the Cubo de la Galga laurel forest
Step into a fairytale-like landscape at the Cubo de la Galga, one of La Palma’s most enchanting hiking areas. Located in the northeast of the island, this lush laurel forest is filled with ancient trees, giant ferns, moss-covered paths and misty woodland scenery that feels completely different from the island’s volcanic landscapes. In fact, it feels more like hiking in the UK than in La Palma!
The circular hiking route takes you through a peaceful green valley, with viewpoints offering incredible views across the forest and towards the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a beautiful walk surrounded by nature, exploring Cubo de la Galga is one of the best things to do in La Palma for experiencing the island’s wild and untouched beauty.
Where to stay in La Palma
I stayed at H10 Taburiente Playa with Jet2holidays on the east of the island. The hotel is really close to the airport and the transfer time is just over 10 minutes.
The hotel offers all-inclusive and half-board options and I thought the food was good with a variety of dishes to try. The rooms are spacious and comfortable – I stayed in one of the suites with a large balcony overlooking the pool area with a sea view beyond.
The pool area was gorgeous with plenty of different places to choose from if you fancy a swim and a sunbathe.
FAQs
Is it worth going to La Palma?
Absolutely without a doubt, yes – it is worth going to La Palma. If you’re looking for some great weather and an active holiday exploring hiking trails and natural attractions then add this beautiful Canary Island to your list.
Is there a lot to do in La Palma?
There is plenty to do in La Palma, whether you prefer a laidback beach holiday or an active holiday. There are charming towns and villages, epic volcanic hiking trails, and spectacular viewpoints to explore.
Is La Palma as warm as Tenerife?
La Palma is usually slightly cooler than the other Canary Islands, including Tenerife. The island enjoys a mild climate with temperatures between the high teens and high 20s all year round.
What is the most beautiful part of La Palma?
There are so many beautiful parts of La Palma that it’s hard to choose just one. Some of my favourites include:
- Mirador de la Cumbrercita viewpoint in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park
- Tajogaite volcano trail
- Playa de Nogales
You’ll also see so much incredible scenery by driving around the island. I especially loved the contrasts between the dramatic volcanic landscapes and the lush green forests.
Is La Palma safe to visit now?
Yes, La Palma is safe to visit now. There are no signs of subsequent volcanic activity following the eruption in 2021, but you should always check before you travel.
Why is La Palma so cheap?
Although a holiday to La Palma isn’t necessarily cheap, food and drink on the island is quite often cheaper than the other Canary Islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria. This is because it is smaller, more difficult to get to (there are fewer direct flights from the UK), and less touristy.
Is La Palma crowded with tourists?
No, La Palma isn’t crowded with tourists. La Palma feels a lot more undiscovered than some of the other Canary Islands like Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
The hotel that I stayed in didn’t have many British tourists at all and I didn’t hear many British accents as I was exploring the island.
Has La Palma got a beach?
Yes, La Palma has got around 20 black sand beaches.
Can you drink tap water in La Palma?
Yes, tap water in La Palma is safe to drink. I drank the water during my stay and found that it tasted absolutely fine.
