La Palma

THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND

Yes La Palma were it a colour, it would be green, in all its range of shades. It is that of the Canary Island pines and also the green of the different species of laurel forest that have taken refuge on the Isla Bonita. Forests that cover the slopes of deep ravines that we can enter through a complete network of paths.

End of the Cumbre Vieja volcano eruption

The last eruptions in the last century enlarged the surface of the island, creating new volcanic landscapes that give us an added beauty. Volcanic cones, mantles of small rock fragments, lava fields, black, ochre and reddish colours, silence... create a thrilling atmosphere that connects us with the powerful energy of this untamed nature.

At La PalmaThe traditional paths used for centuries by the inhabitants of the Isla Bonita have been used to create a network of trails consisting of about a thousand perfectly signposted kilometres.

And if we look at the sky? Indescribable. La PalmaThe Starlight Reserve is one of the best places in the world to observe the sky. And if we dive under the water? Surprising. The island is home to one of the three Marine Reserves of the Canary Islands, an underwater volcanic landscape of great beauty with an abundance of caves, arches and reefs, home to different species, some of which are unique in the world. 

Back to the surface, but without leaving the crystal clear blue waters surrounding the rugged coastline of La PalmaWe can relax in one of the marvellous natural pools protected from the waves by the lava flows that reached the sea.

And the best thing of all? That you can enjoy this marvellous island, a Biosphere Reserve, intensely any day of the year. That's what it means to be one of the Canary Islands and to be blessed with the best climate in the world.

Visiting the Caldera de Taburiente National Park

The Caldera de Taburiente is one of the most spectacular natural areas of the Canary Islands and without a doubt, the greatest treasure of the Canary Islands. La Palma. To look out over this immense cirque from one of its viewpoints and contemplate its imposing walls rising to an altitude of over 2000 metres is an experience hard to forget. 

But the park is not only to be seen, it is also to be experienced. And the best way to experience it is to enter it on one of the trails provided. As you walk through the leafy Canary Island pine forest, all the senses are activated, which are grateful for the peculiar smell of this species, exclusive to the archipelago, and the pleasant sound of the birds that live there. Reaching the interior of the Caldera on foot involves a certain amount of effort, but the reward along the way is incredible, as it allows us to discover marvellous corners and, at the end, enjoy the reward of being able to refresh ourselves in its permanent streams of fresh, crystal-clear water surrounded by an absolutely virgin environment. 
To get an idea of the grandeur of this space, it is essential to visit the summits of the Park, where the world-famous Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory is located, to look out over the great caldera and have the sensation of being suspended in the void.

It is also one of the four National Parks of the Canary Islands, La Palma is home to a total of 19 protected natural spaces. The whole island is a Biosphere Reserve and has one of the three Marine Reserves of the archipelago.

Some animal species that will surprise you in the Islands

In the Canary Islands there are more than 9,500 species and subspecies of terrestrial animals and more than 4,000 marine species and subspecies.

Hiking trails between volcanoes, pine forests and laurisilva forests

One of the greatest attractions of this Canary Island is to walk along the extensive network of trails that cross a surprising variety of landscapes, each one more beautiful than the next: from the sobriety of the volcanic environments to the lushness of the pine and laurel forests, as well as crests, deep and steep ravines, steep coastal cliffs...

There is so much to choose from! 

With the permission of the trails leading into the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the Volcanoes Route is one of the most famous in the world. La Palma. It is considered one of the most beautiful on the planet due to the infinite number of attractions that we discover along a demanding route that runs from the summit to the coast, crossing incredible landscapes that are sure to compensate for the effort.

The laurel forest is made up of different species that have disappeared from most of the planet millions of years ago.

In addition to volcanic landscapes and pine forests, the great secret of the Isla Bonita lies in the lush laurel forests such as Los Tiles. The species that make up this plant formation typical of the Tertiary period disappeared millions of years ago from most of the places where they were found, but here they found a refuge. A walk through the paths of this dense, damp, ghostly forest, like something out of a fairy tale and elves, takes us back to remote times when humans did not even exist.

Dare to explore La Palma by bike

There are wonderful routes on the island for those who love to discover the world on their bikes.

Being close to the stars

At sunset on the island of La Palma the magic begins. The stars invade the sky and capture anyone who looks up at this clean and transparent sky, one of the best in the world for observing the universe. Proof of this is that scientists from all over the planet come to this island in the Atlantic to scrutinise our solar system and beyond, thanks to the powerful telescopes of the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory.

La Palma was the first Starlight Reserve in the world thanks to the exceptional quality of the sky, which has also earned it the Starlight Tourist Destination certification.

But you don't have to be a scientist to enjoy the spectacle offered by this sky protected by a specific law. The island was the world's first Starlight Reserve, and is also a certified Starlight Tourist Destination. So during our stay in La Palma at least one night should be reserved for stargazing during a guided tour or a stargazing session from one of the viewpoints.

Oh, and don't forget to make a wish!

Astrotourism: the tourism of the future goes through La Palma

Walking in the darkness of La Palma provides an experience that sets this tour apart from any other in the world: the stars. The quality of the sky puts them not only within reach of the eye, but they can almost be touched with the fingers. Those who contemplate them end up feeling that perhaps they can understand the universe, or at least understand themselves a little more. 

Diving into the clear waters of the ocean

Not only the sky of La Palma is transparent. So are the waters that bathe the island's coasts, exceptional for scuba diving. There are beautiful beaches of volcanic sand where you can enjoy a relaxing day of sun and sea at any time of the year. There are quiet and safe beaches, perfect for the whole family, such as Puerto Naos and Los Cancajos, but there are also solitary and wild beaches, such as Nogales, where special care must be taken due to the strong currents.

Another magnificent option are the marvellous natural pools and puddles, protected from the waves thanks to the volcanic rocks that, like lava flows, reached the sea after the eruptions. The best known are the pools of Charco Azul and La Fajana, which are also equipped with services such as restaurants and toilets for a perfect day out, especially if you are travelling with children.

Water and rock paradise: The natural spas of La Palma

Sometimes nature gives us the greatest treasures, such as these water and rock spas that make La Palma an even more special place.

Don't leave without trying it:

Almonds and Prince Albert are the most famous desserts in the country. La Palmaa sweet spot at the end of the meal.