In contrast to larger and busier islands, La Palma is a favorite destination for those seeking to escape the crowds and enjoy spectacular nature.
Referred to as La Isla Bonita (¨The Beautiful Island¨), La Palma is home to roughly 85,000 residents and retains a more traditional Canarian character than its larger neighbors. Visitors spend their days admiring colorful colonial buildings in Santa Cruz de La Palma, hiking the island’s extensive trail network and enjoying peaceful nights under clear, starry skies.
In 2021, La Palma experienced the Canary Islands’ most recent volcanic eruption, lasting 85 days. Tourism has since recovered in the affected area and guided tours to the cooled lava flows provide first hand insight to how local communities manage life alongside powerful volcanic forces.
Unsure where to stay on the island or what to do? Continue reading for the full beginner’s guide to La Palma.
Things to See and Do in La Palma
Visit Caldera de Taburiente National Park
The twisting roads up to Caldera de Taburiente National Park are just the beginning of this breathtaking adventure. Visitors pass through pine forests and enjoy panoramic viewpoints as they make their way to the huge volcanic crater. Once arrived, the best way to explore the park is on foot via the park’s impressive trail network. With a variety of hikes available, visitors of all levels can find a path fitting their needs.
Discover La Palma´s New Volcanic Landscape
The 2021 Tajogaite eruption dramatically reshaped the western side of La Palma, forming new landmasses that expanded the size of the island. A visit starts at the Volcanic Interpretation Center and ends with a guided walk on the newly formed lava fields.
Explore Santa Cruz de la Palma
La Palma’s capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, is the second largest community on the island but feels more like a quaint town than an administrative hub. Stroll the waterfront promenade, grab lunch and stop for a photo of lovingly conserved historic houses with traditional wooden balconies.
Stargaze at Roque los Muchachos
La Palma is one of the world’s premier stargazing destinations thanks to limited light pollution and stable atmospheric conditions. Get up above the clouds and enjoy an incredible clear night sky filled with stars.
If interested in astronomy, the nearby Roque de los Muchachos Observatory offers guided tours of their facilities.
Swim at Charco Azul
Charo Azul’s natural seawater pool is the island’s most famous swimming spot. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon nestled among banana plantations in this clear blue seawater swimming pool.
Where to Stay in La Palma
Don’t let La Palma’s smaller size fool you. Winding mountain roads slow down car travel, and it can take longer than expected to get from point A to point B. Choose accommodation close to sights and activities at the top of your itinerary to make the most of your time.
Santa Cruz de la Palma
Charming and central, Santa Cruz de la Palma is a great spot for first time visitors interested in a walkable small town experience. Find a table next to locals at its coffee shops, bars and restaurants and cool off at the urban black sand beach. As the island’s transport hub, this is the place to stay for those travelling without a car. It’s less than 15 minutes away from the airport and also the entry point for ferries from other Canary Islands.
Los Cancajos
Just ten minutes south of the island’s capital is Los Cancajos, the closest thing La Palma has to a traditional resort area. However, here you’ll find a mix of hotels, holiday rentals and holiday apartments rather than large resorts. The self-contained area is peaceful and equipped with everything you might need: restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, beaches and a seaside walking path. Its central location is best for those wanting to explore both the east and the west sides of the island.
Puerto de Tazacorte
Located on the sunny west coast of La Palma, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere, lovely sunsets and stunning panoramic views. The town is centered around a beautiful black sand beach and a small harbor from which whale and dolphin watching excursions depart.
Los Llanos de Aridane
The island’s largest town, Los Llanos, offers a peek into the everyday life of its roughly 20,000 inhabitants. Here, expect more locals than tourists in the plazas, shops, restaurants and cafes.
With easy access to Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Los Llanos is a convenient location for those who want to be close to both amenities and epic hikes.
Puerto Naos
Puerto Naos has long been a popular destination for beach holidays. However the town was closed following the 2021 volcanic eruption and only reopened in June 2024. Tourism has gradually returned to the area as visitors excitedly make their way back to sunbathe on the island’s largest black sand beach.
How to Get Around La Palma
Car Rental: A rental car is recommended to reach hiking trails, the national park and explore smaller towns.
Public Transport: The island has a reliable but sparse public bus network. It is easiest to use for moving between larger towns.
Taxi: Best for shorter journeys and airport transfers.
Best Time to Visit La Palma
La Palma can be enjoyed year round.
Spring (March – May): Best time to beat the crowds, explore volcanos and hike.
Summer (June – August): Ideal conditions for stargazing, diving and beach holidays. Expect the hottest temperatures in July and August.
Autumn (September – November): Excellent time for general sightseeing as summer tourists head back to work and kids go back to school.
Winter (December – February): Peak high season on the island as Northern Europeans escape winter and look for sunshine.
Note: La Palma celebrates Carnival during February or March depending on the year. Expect less availability and higher prices for accommodation during this period.
Average Daytime Temperatures
| Season | Coast | Caldera de Taburiente (Inland) |
| Spring | 21–24°C (70–75°F) | 16–20°C (61–68°F) |
| Summer | 25–27°C (77–81°F) | 23–27°C (73–81°F) |
| Autumn | 23–26°C (73–79°F) | 18–23°C (64–73°F) |
| Winter | 20–22°C (68–72°F) | 12–16°C (54–61°F) |
Travel Tips
- Choose your base carefully. La Palma may look small, but travel times can be longer than expected due to mountainous terrain.
- Rent a car for the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
- Hiking? Bring layers and expect lower temperatures at higher altitudes.
- Embrace the slow pace of life. Smaller islands move at their own pace.