The lush tropical island of La Palma is one of the greenest of the Canary Islands, as its name ‘The Palm’ suggests. Sitting off north west Africa, it is home to thriving rainforests, volcanic craters and gleaming, black sands.
Must sees for free
Take time to relax on the black sand of Tazacorte Beach. There is a promenade lined with fish restaurants which serve the catch of the day and a harbour where dolphin and whale-watching tours can be booked.
La Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a vast park with many streams and waterfalls, surrounded by a circle of rocky peaks covered in a dense pine forest.
It is ideal for hiking and the telescopes of the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory is situated very close to the summit of the hill of the same name.
Go for a walk through the old town of La Palma. It remains largely unchanged from its original colonial layout, with stone streets and manor houses aplenty.
La Palma holds a unique carnival called La Fiesta de Los Indianos (Festival of the Indians).
On the Monday before Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras, locals dress in white suits or colonial costumes and throw talcum powder over each other to celebrate the people who emigrated from the island many years ago.
There is also a parade through the city, backed by Latin music.
Top sees for a fee
La Zarza Cultural Park is a cultural park which provides an insight into the life of the Benahoures, the people who inhabited La Palma before the Spanish arrived in the 15th century. The rock carvings are a highlight. Open 11am to 5pm in winter, 11am to 7pm in summer. Entry costs €1.80.
Stargazing is a popular activity in La Palma and scientists flock to the island to enjoy its clear skies, thanks to low levels of air and light pollution. Ad Astra runs stargazing tours for €25 for adults or €15 for children.
Head out onto the water in a catamaran for a spot of whale watching. As well as whales, turtles, dolphins and other marine life can be seen off the coast. A company called Fancy runs two and a half-hour whale-watching trip for €35 for adults, €20 for children.
Getting around
Renting a car is a good idea to explore La Palma and prices are low for both rentals and petrol.
Buses, referred to a ‘gauhua’ link the main towns, but do not reach all points on the island, such as the Roque de Los Muchachos. For information on bus schedules, email [email protected].
Eating out
Typical Canarian food is homely and hearty, and prices are very reasonable. A staple is ‘papas arrugadas’ - potatoes boiled in seawater until the liquid evaporates and a crust is formed.
This is usually accompanied by ‘mojo’, a sauce made from garlic, peppers, spices and olive oil. Head to Casa Osmunda, on Subida Mirador de La Concepcion, a cosy cellar restaurant serving traditional Canarian food.
There is a choice of Spanish wines, which accompany dishes such as braised duck breast and tuna on avocado. Meat-lovers will enjoy Bodegon Tamanca in Las Manchas, which offers a meat platter, steak dishes, and a range of tapas.
Going out
Nightlife in La Palma is low key. Hotels may offer their own in-house entertainments, and some bars offer live music as an accompaniment to an after-dinner glass of wine.
Hotels
LUXURY:Hotel Hacienda De Abajo: Situated in a 17th century villa on a former sugar plantation, the rooms in this adults-only hotel contain antiques. There is also a heated outdoor, sauna, hot tub and day spa. Calle Miguel de Unamuno, Tazacorte. From £216 per night.
MID-RANGE:H10 Taburiente Playa: A grand seafront hotel with a buffet restaurant, terrace, bar with live music, tennis court and two outdoor pools. Travesía de los Cancajos, Breña Baja. From £93.
BUDGET:Hotel Benahoare: A modern hotel with airy rooms, free wifi, a cafe-bar and a roof-top terrace. Calle las Adelfas, Los Llanos. From £67.
Fact file
CURRENCY: Euro (€) - £1 = €1.12
THE FLIGHT:Thomson flies direct from Manchester to La Palma. Flight duration: 4hrs 30mins. From £338 return
TIME ZONE: GMT (UK time)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and autumn offer mild conditions, ideal for hiking, with generally clear skies and warm temperatures. Winters can be rainy. Go in February to experience the Fiesta de Los Indianos.
VISAS, INJECTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS: British citizens can enter La Palma without a visa and only routine vaccines are required for most travellers.
