La Palma
“The beautiful island” and the greenest of the Canary Islands: the crater of the Caldera de Taburiente and its forests, the Roque de los Muchachos above the clouds with its observatories, the humid Los Tilos forest, and the volcanoes of the south. One of the best places in the world for stargazing.
- When to go
- April to October
- How long you need
- 4–5 days
- For whom
- Lovers of nature, walking and astronomy, and couples
Chapter One
The story of La Palma
“The Beautiful Island” (La Isla Bonita) was the last of the Western Canaries that Castile conquered, in 1493 CE. Its skies are among the clearest in the world, home to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory. Its town, Santa Cruz de La Palma, was one of the empire's most important ports in the 16th century.
Figures of La Palma
- d. 1494
Tanausú
The last of the island's native leaders, who resisted the conquest in the Caldera de Taburiente.
- 1456–1525
Alonso Fernández de Lugo
The Castilian commander who conquered La Palma in 1493 CE.
- 1540–1596
Francis Drake
The English privateer who attacked Santa Cruz de La Palma in 1585; its artillery drove him off.
Chapter Two
Places in La Palma
6 places I chose, arranged in chapters. A gold star marks one of my favourite picks.
Roque de los Muchachos
· Garafía
The highest peak on La Palma (2426 m), overlooking the Caldera de Taburiente crater above a sea of clouds. Next to it is one of the most important astronomical observatories in the world.
My tip
The road closes at night (around 19:00–7:00). Wear warm clothes, even in summer.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park
· El Paso
A giant erosion crater 8 km across, covered in Canary pine forest. Trails and waterfalls cut through it, including the Waterfall of Colours.
My tip
Visitor centre in El Paso. Some trails require advance booking, and mornings are clearest before the clouds gather.
Recreation Area and Visitor Center Los Tilos
· San Andrés y Sauces
The humid laurel forest (laurisilva) in the north-east of the island, a remnant of prehistoric forests, with paths, waterfalls and dense greenery all year round.
My tip
Check that the trails are open after landslides. The short path to the waterfall suits families.
Volcán San Antonio
· Fuencaliente
A volcanic crater in the south whose rim you walk, with a small interpretive centre and views over lava fields, the sea and the Teneguía volcano.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- Visitor centre at the car park (entry ticket), then a walk along the crater rim for ~15–30 min over volcanic gravel in strong wind; no shade. Café and toilets at the centre. Risk of slipping near the edge. By car from Fuencaliente.
My tip
Entry costs around 8 euros and includes the exhibition. You can combine it with the Fuencaliente lighthouse and its salt pans.
Caldera de Taburiente (Los Brecitos – Playa de Taburiente)
· El Paso / Los Llanos (La Palma)
A huge crater on La Palma. You descend from the Los Brecitos viewpoint through Canary pines to the crater floor, then along the Barranco de las Angustias. A great trail for an active family.
- Hard going · needs a car
- Linear route: taxi from the Barranco de las Angustias stop to Los Brecitos (until around noon), then walk down to the car. Camping inside the caldera needs a permit.
- Distance
- 14 km · 300 m climb · 6 hours
My tip
Park at Los Llanos/Barranco de las Angustias and take the taxi in the morning to Los Brecitos, then walk down to the car.
Santa Cruz de La Palma – Balcones de la Avenida Marítima
· Santa Cruz de La Palma
The capital of La Palma. In the 16th century it was the third port of the Spanish Empire, and it keeps the most beautiful coloured wooden balconies on the seafront. Calle Real and Plaza de España are the heart of the Renaissance town.
What to see
Coloured seafront balconies · Calle Real (O'Daly) · Plaza de España · the ship “Barco de la Virgen” · Castillo de Santa Catalina
- Easy to reach
- Level spot on the seafront; suitable for strollers.
My tip
Walk along Calle O'Daly (Calle Real) to Plaza de España, then to the replica of Columbus's ship “Barco de la Virgen”. Combine it with the Caldera de Taburiente park.
Chapter Three
When to go to La Palma
My view in brief: April to October. Pick a month to see its weather and events.
Among my best months An event or holiday
January
No events listed in January. A quiet month, and prices are often lower.
Chapter Four
What to bring home
What deserves to come home with you from La Palma: the genuine article, and what carries a protected origin.
- DOP
Palmero cheese
Queso Palmero DOPGoat's cheese from the local “Palmera” breed, often smoked with almond shells and Canary pine wood. One of the most famous Canary cheeses.
- IGP
La Palma banana
Plátano de Canarias IGPLa Palma is one of the largest producers of the small, sweet Canary banana.
La Palma marzipan and almond sweets
Mazapán y almendrados de La PalmaTraditional almond sweets from the north of the island (Puntallana and Breña Alta), including “almendrados” and “bienmesabe”.
Rapaduras
A cone-shaped sweet made from gofio, honey, sugar and almonds, specific to La Palma.
La Palma honey
Miel de La PalmaIsland honey from volcanic flowers and wild herbs.
Chapter Five
Getting around La Palma
Apps that work here
Uber
Last reviewed1 October 2026