La Palma – relaxed silence and pure nature

San Miguel de la Palma, or La Palma for short, is the westernmost of the Canary Islands and the little sister of Tenerife. Volcanoes, pine forests and rugged rocky coasts contrast with the deep blue of the Atlantic water, which is particularly clear here. The lush subtropical vegetation gives the island its nicknames “Isla verde” and “Isla bonita”, i.e. the green and the beautiful island. It is therefore mainly visited by hikers and outdoor activists or by people who appreciate the silence in nature.

The volcanoes

La Palma is a young island, by geological standards, and hot fumaroles are still steaming at its southern tip. The last eruption for the time being gave birth to the Teneguia volcano in 1971 under spectacular fountains of glowing lava. In the meantime, vines thrive on its barren, dark slopes, allowing the “Listan blanco”, an excellent grape variety, to ripen. Further north, the volcanic chain of the “Cumbre vieja” divides the island into a rather dry western and an eastern half, where the trade wind clouds rain down and lush vegetation sprouts. The northern part of the island is dominated by a huge crater, the “Caldera”, formed millions of years ago in a huge explosion. The highest point of the crater rim at 2,426 meters is called “Roque de los muchachos”. A very special place, because here, above the cloud cover, the air is extremely clear. For this reason, European astronomers have built more than a dozen observatories around the “Roque”. They offer the visitor an alien panorama, he feels transported into a bizarre fantasy world, between lonely nature and futuristic buildings.

What can visitors expect?

In contrast to the larger Canary Islands, La Palma was spared from mass tourism. Hotels are rather rare, but you can find small guesthouses spread over the island. Several operators offer direct flights to La Palma, but there are also several daily flights to the main islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. From the airport, you can quickly reach the beach of Los Cancajos with its island-typical black volcanic sand. The capital Santa Cruz is also nearby, where you can sniff the flair of the typical Spanish churches, buildings and alleys. To reach the west, you drive over the mountains and through a long tunnel. There, the weather is mostly sunny, and near Puerto Naos you can find beaches, even with light sand. There is also a small tourist center with a few hotels. The underwater world that is still intact here can also be explored. But no matter where you stay, a rental car is recommended to explore the island. Everywhere there are pretty, picturesque villages with their festivals and many cultural events, which are still organized here for the locals and not for tourists. Nevertheless, strangers are always welcome.

La Palma – An El Dorado for hikers

The sea around La Palma is a pleasant addition for the holidaymaker, but here the mountains and forests play the main role. La Palma is the island of hikers, for whom a well-developed network of paths offers orientation and safety. The paths are steep at times and the views breathtaking.

To the northeast lies the “Barranco” of Los Tilos, one of the many gorges that the streams have carved into the volcanic rock everywhere. Here, the trade wind clouds particularly like to rain down, and so the hiker will find lush green vegetation with man-sized ferns under the canopy of tall trees. After the change, a refreshing swim in the natural seawater pools of “Charco Azul” is recommended. A spectacular and longer hiking tour goes over the Cumbre Vieja from the pass road to the southern tip to the volcanoes Teneguia and San Andres. The place is now called “Los Canarios”, but the old name “Fuencaliente” is still in use. There you can visit a traditional saltworks, where sea salt is still extracted today and the coveted delicacy “Fleur de Sal”. Two other hikes lead into the huge forested crater of the caldera or at the very top of the ridge around it.

Specialties of Palmerian cuisine

On La Palma you will find the typical, hearty Canarian cuisine with fish and seafood or grilled meat and rustic salad. As a starter, there are usually “garbanzas”, a stew made from chickpeas. “Papas arrugadas” are delicious local potatoes that are served with a salt crust after cooking. It is eaten as well. The “Queso asado” comes especially from La Palma: fried goat’s cheese, garnished with “Mojo”, a sauce that is served either red, i.e. spicy, or green with herbs. For dessert, there are fruits or “flan casero”, a homemade caramel pudding. You should definitely try “Bienmesabe”, a delicious calorie bomb made from almonds and honey. Translated, this means “it tastes good to me”.

A very special destination

Visitors will not miss anything on La Palma of what travellers expect from a holiday in the Canary Islands. But he will find some things that you have to look for on the other islands in this quality. It is above all the originality of nature, hardly touched by the modern world, the impressive rugged volcanoes, which you can still see the elemental force of their formation, but which today radiate silence and loneliness. They are the old houses, surrounded by colorful and fragrant flowers, fruit trees and vines. It is also the small and winding country roads where you will encounter only a few cars. And it is the people who convey peace and serenity. A dream world for all those who like to dream and who want to discover for themselves. La Palma offers such visitors an experience that will have a long lasting effect. https://youtu.be/UmL3O7mTj_0

La Palma: The 7 most important sights

La Palma, the greenest of the Canary Islands, is a true natural paradise with breathtaking landscapes, spectacular hiking trails and a fascinating volcanic landscape.
Here are the seven main attractions that you should not miss during your visit to La Palma.

1. Caldera de Taburiente National Park

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is the heart of La Palma and one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the island.
The huge crater, surrounded by dense pine forests, offers numerous hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints.

2. Roque de los Muchachos

The Roque de los Muchachos is the highest point on La Palma and offers unparalleled views of the island and the surrounding sea.
On the summit is also the Observatory of La Palma, one of the world’s leading observatories for astronomy.

3. Los Tilos

The Los Tilos Biosphere Reserve is a fascinating laurel forest and another highlight for nature lovers.
The dense, evergreen forest offers a variety of hiking trails and the opportunity to immerse yourself in an almost mystical atmosphere.

4. Cumbrecita Viewpoint

The La Cumbrecita viewpoint offers stunning views of the Caldera de Taburiente and the surrounding mountain landscape.
Some of the most beautiful hikes on the island also start from here.

5. Charco Azul

Charco Azul is a natural seawater pool on the north coast of La Palma.
The sheltered location of the pool makes it an ideal place for swimming and relaxing, especially on hot days.

6. Volcán de San Antonio

The Volcán de San Antonio is an active volcano in the south of La Palma, which last erupted in 1677.
Visitors can hike along the crater rim and enjoy the impressive volcanic landscape as well as the view of the sea.

7. Plaza de España in Santa Cruz de La Palma

Plaza de España, in the heart of Santa Cruz de La Palma, is a beautiful square surrounded by historic colonial-style buildings.
It is the perfect place to enjoy the ambience of the capital and learn more about the history of the island.

The 3 most important museums in La Palma

1. Museo Insular de La Palma

The Museo Insular de La Palma is located in the Monastery of San Francisco in Santa Cruz de La Palma and offers a fascinating collection on the history, culture and art of the island. Address: Calle de la Luz, 13, 38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Admission: 3 EUR

2. Museo Naval (Naval Museum)

The Museo Naval, also known as the “Ship Museum”, is located in a replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa María.
The museum offers interesting insights into the maritime history of the Canary Islands. Address: Avenida Marítima, s/n, 38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Admission: 4 EUR

3. Casa Museo del Vino Las Manchas

The Casa Museo del Vino is a small, charming museum dedicated to winemaking in La Palma.
It offers tastings and an insight into the long tradition of winemaking on the island. Address: Calle la Paz, 12, 38760 Las Manchas, Spain Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Admission: 5 EUR

Where to stay in La Palma

Luxury Hotel: Hotel Hacienda de Abajo

Hacienda de Abajo is a luxurious 5-star hotel housed in a former sugar cane estate.
It offers elegant rooms, a spa and a beautiful garden. Address: Calle Miguel de Unamuno, 11, 38770 Tazacorte, Spain

4-star hotel: Parador de La Palma

The Parador de La Palma is located in a quiet environment and offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The hotel has comfortable rooms and a large garden. Address: Carretera El Zumacal, 38712 Breña Baja, Spain

3-star hotel: Hotel Castillete

Located on the seafront in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Hotel Castillete offers simple but comfortable rooms with balconies and sea views. Address: Avenida Marítima, 75, 38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Budget Hotel: Hostal La Cubana

Hostal La Cubana is a budget accommodation located in the heart of Santa Cruz de La Palma.
It offers simple, clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere. Address: Calle O’Daly, 24, 38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Popular Restaurants in La Palma

1. Restaurante Chipi-Chipi

Restaurante Chipi-Chipi is a popular grill restaurant known for its hearty meat dishes.
It offers a cozy atmosphere and good value for money. Address: Camino El Llano de Las Nieves, 34, 38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

2. El Jardín de la Sal

El Jardín de la Sal is located in the south of the island and offers local Canarian cuisine with fresh ingredients.
The fish dishes and the view of the salt pans are particularly popular. Address: Carretera de la Costa, 33, 38740 Fuencaliente, Spain

3. Tasca La Fuente

Tasca La Fuente is a cozy restaurant in Los Llanos known for its tapas and creative dishes.
It offers a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. Address: Calle Real, 28, 38760 Los Llanos, Spain

4. La Gatera Gastrobar

La Gatera Gastrobar in Santa Cruz de La Palma offers a mix of traditional and modern cuisine.
The restaurant is known for its innovative dishes and wine selection.
Address: Calle O’Daly, 44, 38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Bibliography

• Information about monuments and museums: Visit La Palma
• Google Maps
• Individual hotel and restaurant websites