What to do in La Palma

La Isla Bonita (the pretty island), La Palma’s nickname, is not enough to describe just how impressive the landscape of this Canarian Island is. A thriving spot for adventure seekers, it separates itself from the massive tourism of its sisters, yet it’s as welcoming as them!

Known as "the pretty island", La Palma is home to outstanding and breathtaking landscapes. Originating from a volcanic eruption almost 2 million years ago, the island offers panoramic views of magnificent volcanos, deep green forests, and volcanic beaches.

Declared an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002, the island has a strict light pollution policy which allows La Palma to be one of the most impressing sky gazing spots to visit in the world. Such a night-sky is located over La Palma, that it has won the Starlight award, which celebrates the spots with the cleanest and clearest night skies around the globe.

Also known as the green island, La Palma is home to contrasting ecosystems. Walking among more than 1,000 km of hiking trails, you will be able to discover an eternal green forest at Los Tilos Forrest. A martial-like trek will take you among volcanoes and lava remains at Cumbre Vieja National Park. The most popular of all outings at La Palma allows you will discover the jewel of the island, its very heart: La Caldera de Taburiente National Park. There you’ll discover a majestic mountain that has collapsed on itself forming a rock formation that resembles a caldron (in Spanish caldera), from where it takes its name. Hike over to Mirador de la Cumbrecita, where a group of pine trees hold their ground against an ever-eroding soil.

Though La Palma can be considered a hiker’s paradise, the volcanic scenery attracts fuel junkies who crave riding their 4x4 or quad bikes on raw nature. Cruising through green forests, volcanic hills, and black sand beaches you will feel the warm breeze on your face while contemplating La Palma’s majesty. Mountainbiking is also popular holiday activities on La Palma. The before mentioned hiking trails also allow rides to enjoy the rather small island, other trails go along old royal tracks which Guanaches, ancient Canarians, used, most of mountain biking options go from level 2 to 5 in difficulty.

Other Canarian Islands, like Fuerteventura, steal the spotlight for surfing, yet La Palma has an ace up its sleeve. The locals have kept almost a secret Playa Nueva, there waves arrive with all their strength from the northern Atlantic Ocean since La Palma is the most western island in the archipelago. The advice is, as with most surf spots, respect the locals and the spot. Also, the volcanic sea bottoms are appealing to scuba divers and freedivers who come to benefit from the deep waters around Puerto Naos.

Near to Puerto Naos, you will be able to discover contemplate La Palma from the sky. Parting from a height of 230 meters, a smooth flight will take you to the southwestern part of the island. On a good day, the thermals can take as high as 1,000 meters.

A mixture of night-skies, volcanic landscapes and immense forests, make La Palma an interesting destination for anyone looking to find itself in nature.