La Palma

La Palma, affectionately known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (The Beautiful Island), is the northwesternmost of Spain’s Canary Islands. This pristine volcanic island combines dramatic landscapes with lush forests, black sand beaches, and some of the clearest skies in the world, making it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Starlight Reserve.

La Palma is a remarkable island that showcases nature at its most spectacular. The island spans approximately 708 square kilometers, featuring the massive Caldera de Taburiente National Park at its heart, with its distinctive crater-like formation reaching 2,426 meters above sea level. The island’s terrain is characterized by deep ravines, dense laurel forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the Cumbre Vieja ridge that experienced significant volcanic activity in 2021. The island’s western coast features steep cliffs, while the eastern side offers gentler slopes dotted with banana plantations, a crucial part of the local economy. The combination of high mountains and trade winds creates a unique microclimate, resulting in lush vegetation and earning La Palma the nickname ‘La Isla Verde’ (The Green Island). The island’s natural beauty is complemented by charming colonial architecture, particularly in the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma, where colorful historic buildings line cobblestone streets. Traditional villages scattered across the island maintain their authentic Canarian character, offering visitors a glimpse into local life largely untouched by mass tourism.

Local traditions are deeply rooted in Spanish and Canarian culture, with strong emphasis on religious festivals, traditional music (particularly the timple), and folklore. The island maintains strong agricultural traditions, especially in wine-making and banana cultivation.

Nightlife is relaxed and centered around local bars and restaurants, particularly in Santa Cruz and Los Llanos. The focus is more on traditional bars and live music venues rather than nightclubs.

Visit Caldera de Taburiente National Park
Stargaze at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
Explore the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge
Walk through the Los Tilos laurel forest
Visit historic Santa Cruz de La Palma
Relax on black sand beaches
Hike the extensive network of trails