The Best Things To Do in La Palma, Canary Islands

La Palma is one of the most beautiful and diverse islands in the Canary Islands, and is seriously underrated. Known as ‘La Isla Bonita’, and for very good reason. Not only is it beautiful, but there are so many things to do in La Palma. Which is why it needs to be your next European destination!

Think volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, green laurel forests, incredible viewpoints and, on top of all this, it is also a fantastic place for stargazing. There really is something for everyone. I spent four days exploring the island, and so here are my top things to do in La Palma.

Where is La Palma?

La Palma is one of eight islands that make up the Canary Islands in Spain, and it is located just off the northwest coast of Africa. It is the most northwestern of the islands, and as such, receives the most extreme weather of them all. Sitting to the northwest of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, roughly 400km off the coast of Morocco and about 1,000km from mainland Spain. Despite being part of Spain, it’s actually closer to Africa than to Europe.

What To Expect When Visiting La Palma

La Palma is sometimes described as being a miniature continent, and it is easy to see why. Even though it is a small island (273 square miles), within it you can find volcanic craters, dense laurel and pine forests. As well as one of the darkest night skies in the world, protected under its Starlight Reserve status. It is an increasingly popular destination for hiking (take a look at Jet2 walking holidays), with over 1,000 KM of marked paths.

Because the island’s central peaks rise so steeply, reaching over 2,400 metres, the north and south, and even the east and west coasts, can experience completely different weather conditions on the same day. It’s not unusual to leave a cloudy, cooler north behind and arrive at bright sunshine on the southern coast just an hour later. It’s worth packing layers regardless of the season.

How To Get to La Palma

In April 2026, Jet2 launched flights to La Palma. There are currently two flights from Manchester Airport a week, on a Monday and a Friday, and they operate all year round. From November 2026, there will also be weekly Friday flights from Stansted Airport.

You can also book your flights and hotel as a package with Jet2. They offer holidays to La Palma, which include 22 kg of luggage. Perfect if you want to pack the hiking boots for all the stunning trails!

There are also direct flights from mainland Spain, including from Madrid and Barcelona. Additionally, there are also direct ferry connections from the other Canary Islands of Tenerife and La Gomera.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit La Palma

One of the amazing things about La Palma is that, due to its location, it has consistently pleasant and warm temperatures all year round. In the winter months, expect temperatures of around 18°, and these rise to between 27°C and 30°C in the summer months.

That being said, the best time to visit La Palma is April to June and September to November. Particularly if you want to go hiking. During these months, temperatures average a pleasant 18°C to 25°C. Ideal for hiking without it being too hot. If you are planning to spend more time on the beach, the best time to visit would be in July and August. And if you want to stargaze, aim for late spring to early autumn.

I visited at the beginning of July, and it was great. The weather was hot, but not too hot for hiking, and we still got to visit the beach!

The Best Things to Do in La Palma

The island really has something for everyone. There are so many incredible things to do in La Palma that you are spoiled for choice. From hiking, nature, coffee shops, beaches and wine, here are the best things to do in La Palma to help you plan your trip.

Explore Caldera de Taburiente National Park

Caldera De Taburiente National Park is located right in the centre of La Palma, and contains the Caldera de Taburiente, which dominates the northern part of the island. This is a massive volcanic crater surrounded by high peaks, making it a stunning place to visit.

Start at the Visitor Centre, just outside the park, where you can pick up maps, check trail conditions, and get a good introduction to the park’s geology and history before heading in. It’s a useful first stop, especially if you’re planning to hike, as trail difficulty and length vary a lot depending on which route you take. It also has tons of information on the island, including a really interesting topographic relief model, which shows just how impressive the island’s geology is.

The park itself is best explored on foot, with trails ranging from easy, short walks to full-day hikes for more experienced walkers. Even if you don’t have time for a long hike, the drive up offers some incredible viewpoints over the crater.

Enjoy the Stunning Viewpoints

With such dramatic landscapes, there are plenty of viewpoints in La Palma. Here are some of the best to visit:

• Mirador de la Cumbrecita. Located in the Caldera De Taburiente National Park, at Mirador de la Cumbrecita, you take in the views down the Caldera. From here, you get one of the best panoramic views of the entire crater, with its steep, forested walls stretching out below you.

Note: You must book a free permit in advance or arrange a shuttle bus to drive up. Parking is limited, so plan. Find your options here.

• Mirador El Time: A popular viewpoint offering incredible vistas over the Aridane Valley’s banana plantations all the way to the coast. It features a small café famous for barraquito. A local layered coffee with liqueur.
• Mirador de Izcagua: Located in Puntagorda, this viewpoint features large glass walkways that jut out. It provides a unique perspective of the cliffs and valleys below, giving the sensation of stepping over the edge. At the weekends, there is also a nearby popular farmers’ market.
• Mirador de la Montaña: An ancient 565m volcanic cone on the east of the island. Unfortunately, it was a little cloudy on the day I visited. But on clear days, you can see Mount Teide and the island of La Gomera with its famous cliffs.
• Mirador de la Concepción: Situated at 600m, this stunning viewpoint offers dramatic views over the coast, the capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma, and the Caldera.

Visit The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

This was one of my favourite things to do in La Palma. At 2,426 M, the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is located at the highest point on the island. Due to La Palma’s dark skies, it has been named a Dark Sky Reserve and is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. It is also the site of one of the most important astrophysics observatories in the world.

Begin at the visitor centre. The interactive displays explain all about the telescopes and the work that happens in La Palma. You can then drive to the highest point on the island for another spectacular viewpoint. You will also be able to see the 18 operational telescopes on the island. Including the Gran Telescopio de Canarias, which is the world’s largest single-aperture optical-infrared telescope.

Go Stargazing In La Palma – Things to do in La Palma

As mentioned above, this is one of the best places to go stargazing, so it is definitely one of the top things to do in La Palma. Its status as a Starlight Reserve has been given to protect the island’s exceptionally dark, clear skies from light pollution. It’s one of the reasons the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory was built here in the first place.

You don’t need to be an astronomer to appreciate it, though. On a clear night, away from the main towns, it’s possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Several companies on the island run guided stargazing tours, complete with telescopes and expert guides who can point out constellations, planets, and even distant galaxies. Don’t look at your phone during the experience! It takes 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust, and looking at a phone light completely resets this!

Top Tip: This trip combines stargazing and sunset with a glass of wine, for the perfect evening in La Palma:
Sunset and stargazing tour

Hike The Tajogaite Volcano Trail – Things to do in La Palma

Of all the things to do in La Palma, hiking the Tajogaite Volcano Trail is one of the best! This is Europe’s newest volcano, which erupted in September 2021. The 85-day eruption destroyed nearly 3000 buildings, and the lava flow added a brand-new 47-hectare peninsula to La Palma.

This 7 KM takes around 2.5-3 hours to complete. It is classed as a moderate hike and is mainly downhill. But the volcanic ash makes it more of a challenge to walk through. And, as I discovered, your shoes get full of black ash! Because of this, I would recommend wearing proper hiking boots.

The landscape is so dramatic and varied, and it really feels like you have arrived on another planet! The trail starts by running through old pine forests. You can clearly see how the trees have survived the eruption, buried in layers of ash. As you get closer to Tajogaite, the crater comes into view and is incredibly impressive. Dead trees frame the volcano, and it gives it a very eerie feel.

To protect the environment, the hike can only be undertaken on a guided hike with an authorised tour guide. It cannot be done independently, and there are cameras along the trail for surveillance. Make sure to book your hiking tour of Tajogaite Volcano in advance.

Have Lunch And Swim At Puerto de Tazacorte

Puerto De Tazacorte is a little town found on the west of the island. The colourful little town has charming, bright buildings as you walk through, and the centre, the Charco neighbourhood, has a heritage of great historic and artistic value. This can be seen in the stately homes dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is often a sunny town, and therefore an excellent place to head for a swim in the sea and a spot of lunch. Enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the sea; we ate at Kiosco Teneguía, which offered a range of meat and fish dishes. Afterwards, take a dip in the sea at the nearby black sand beach.

If you have some more time, Tazacorte is also home to a one-of-a-kind museum in Europe dedicated to bananas, where you can learn about the history of bananas and their impact on society.

Visit San Antonio Volcano – Things to do in La Palma

The San Antonio volcano is over 3,000 years old and is a striking, 633 M tall volcanic cinder cone which can be found in Fuencaliente on the southern ridge of Cumbre Vieja. It consists of a visitor centre, with information on volcanic activity in La Palma, and then a boardwalk around half of the rim of the crater, which ends in stunning views over the coastline.

On the day I visited, it was a little overcast, and the low clouds were sweeping across the crater, offering incredibly atmospheric views. A very beautiful and dramatic spot, and definitely needs to be top of your list of things to do in La Palma.

Sample Wine At Bodegas Carballo – Things to do in La Palma

Just across the road from San Antonio Volcano is Bodegas Carballo, which is a 6-generation family-owned winery. You can book guided wine tours and tastings, and are shown how they produce the wine using traditional methods, including crushing the grapes with their feet. Afterwards, you can sample some of the delicious wine – red, white and dessert. It is all produced using grapes grown on the island, unique varieties found nowhere else in the world.

Swim At Playa de Zamora – Things to do in La Palma

Playa De Zamaroa is in Fuencaliente, and is divided into two areas by a rocky outcrop in between them – Zamora Grande and Zamora Chica. At low tide you can walk between the two. The beach is found between a cliff, and is reached by steps leading down to the beach. Due to its depths, it is also a popular spot for diving. And, particularly at high tide, there is often a large swell which makes it an excellent spot for surfers. A lovely spot to relax and dip in the sea.

See The Salt Flats At Salinas de Teneguía

One of the more unique things to do in La Palma is visit the Salt Flats at Salinas de Teneguía. These are a family business that has been growing since the 1960s. The contrast of the sea against the white and pink salt flats, with the black of the lava, makes it such a striking place to wander around. There are information boards dotted around the area, which can take you on a self-guided tour of the flats, learning about the history and the importance of the salt industry to the island.

While you are there, stop to have lunch at Jardín de la Sal, the restaurant which overlooks the salt flats. The meal starts with bread and various delicious, flavoured salts produced right at the source!

Explore Santa Cruz de la Palma

The charming capital of the island, Santa Cruz De La Palma, is well worth an afternoon of wandering. During the 16th century, Santa Cruz de la Palma was considered the third most important port in the Spanish Empire and Europe. As such, it has a wonderful and rich history, which is evident in its colourful and interesting streets.

Start your visit by stopping by the famous balconies of the Avenida Marítima. These are two- or three-storey houses, which began being built in the 15th century, and are made from teak wood, which is extracted from the Canarian pine. They were designed as intimate, enclosed spaces, where families, especially women, could observe street life without being seen. The balconies evolved into open structures, with pots and vibrant colours that now give them the picturesque and cheerful appearance.

Also, while in Santa Cruz, make sure to grab a coffee from the stunning El Café de Don Manuel. Wander the hidden cobbled streets. Check out the famous Plaza de España, and the church and convent of San Francisco.

Top Tip: If you are looking for a tour of Santa Cruz De La Palma, why not try this walking tour which adds a layer of local knowledge!

Hike to Playa de Nogales – Things to do in La Palma

One of the more remote and harder to access beaches in La Palma, Playa de Nogales can be accessed by a 15-minute hike down a steep path from the car park at the top of the cliff. It is often known for having moderate waves and a strong current, so perfect for surfers, although it is advised to swim with more caution.

Because of the access, it is unspoilt, undeveloped and often very quiet, which makes it the ideal place to head to unwind and relax. However, if you don’t fancy the hike, like I didn’t! I would still highly recommend heading over to take a look at the beach from the viewpoint. It was one of my favourite views on the island, and I was mesmerised by the waves hitting the shore.

Visit San Andrés – Things to do in La Palma

One of the most photogenic villages I found in La Palma! San Andrés is a little village in the Northeast of the island, and is home to the largest single-arch bridge in all of Spain. Its cobbled streets remain as they have been for centuries, and wind through pretty squares and colourful buildings. It is right on the edge of the sea, so as you walk down the hill you always have seaside views. It was once the capital of this region of La Palma, and so is home to centuries-old mansions from wealthy merchants. Well worth a wander with your camera.

Swim At Charco Azul – Things to do in La Palma

At the end of your walk through San Andrés, you will reach the famous Charco Azul swimming pools. These are natural pools, popular with locals and tourists alike, that have been developed with the addition of steps, handrails, showers and changing rooms. There are numerous pools to swim in, including a children’s pool, and they are filled with water from the sea. Additionally, there are parasols and spots to relax by the water.

As it is right by the edge of the ocean, there are occasions when the red flag is raised, and the pools are closed for safety reasons when the waves are crashing over the edge. This was the case on the day I visited, although it was being opened up with a yellow flag (caution required) as we were leaving.

Taste Local Rum At Ron Aldea – Things to do in La Palma

Found in San Andrés is the Ron Aldea rum factory, which has been producing rum in La Palma since 1960. Sugar cane was introduced to the Canary Islands in the early 16th century by Flemish, Portuguese and Andalusian colonists, and this local product is now used for the production of the rum at Ron Aldea.

We had a guided tour of the factory and learned how the rum was produced. It culminated in trying samples of the different flavoured rum. My top tip would be to ensure you have had breakfast before this, unlike me! 11 rums at 11 am on an empty stomach was a little interesting. I particularly enjoyed the caramel-flavoured rum, which wasn’t quite as fiery as some of the others. You can purchase bottles at the shop, and it is incredibly reasonably priced, making for a perfect souvenir to take home.

Visit Los Tilos Waterfall

La Palma is undoubtedly an island of variety, and, in stark contrast to the dramatic volcanic landscapes, you can find lush laurel forests in the north of the island. Los Tilos is one of the world’s last remaining laurel forests, which once covered much of the planet, and was therefore declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1983.

Undoubtedly the star of the show is the Los Tilos Waterfall. It is a 10-minute easy walk to get there from the visitors centre along a marked path that has been carved into the rock. The waterfall itself is a stunning 50 M cascade that sprays down from the rocks through the forest.

After visiting the waterfall, stop to have lunch at Restaurante Casa Demetrio, where you can enjoy outdoor dining under the canopy of the forest.

Wander The Cubo de la Galga Laurel Forest

To further explore the Laurel Forest, head to Cubo De La Galga. There are two options to hike through this forest: a 12 km circular hike through the most scenic part of the forest. Or there is a longer route that connects the trail with the mountain of La Galga, with the San Bartolomé viewpoint, and to continue to Puntallana or San Andrés y Sauces. The Cubo de la Galga trail starts at the parking area near the information cabin and ends among beech and heathland vegetation.

Visit Las Nieves Church

A pretty little church that is worth popping your head in to when you are nearby. Las Nieves is a 16th-century temple dedicated to La Virgen de Las Nieves, who is La Palma’s patron. It is home to the oldest religious statue in the Canary Islands, a 14th-century sculpture of the Virgin Mary, brought to the island by merchants before the arrival of the Spanish. Every 5 years, there is a grand procession where she is carried down to Santa Cruz.

The church is set in a peaceful spot, surrounded by hills and greenery and inside is an incredibly ornate altar. Outside in the courtyard, there is a cafe/bar and a little souvenir shop.

Go Whale Watching

Sadly, the weather wasn’t offering the right conditions to be able to do this when I visited La Palma; however, the island has some of the best water to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The best time to see the whales is in the spring and summer, but there are chances of seeing dolphins all year round.

The Canary Islands are home to, and also a migratory route for, a third of all whale and dolphin species. Around 28 species either live permanently in the waters around La Palma or regularly pass by. These range from bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales to fin and sperm whales.

Top Tip: Book a tour such as THIS ONE, which provides information and guidance from a marine biologist, to understand more about these magnificent creatures.

FAQs about Visiting La Palma

Is La Palma worth visiting?

Absolutely! La Palma has such a diverse and wide range of activities that there really is something for everyone.

How many days do you need in La Palma?

You can see all the main sights in La Palma in 3-4 days. However, if you want to embark on hiking, I would allow at least a week to give you time to tackle some of the longer hikes as well.

Is La Palma expensive?

La Palma is one of the most affordable Canary Islands, and significantly cheaper than mainland Spain. A typical daily budget ranges from €40 to €115, covering budget accommodations (from €15–€45) up to standard hotels (€50–€130), local food, and daily excursions.

Do you need a car in La Palma?

Having a car is the best way to explore the island, and the only way to reach some of the viewpoints. Be aware that the roads can be narrow and windy. If you choose not to hire a car, you would need to book excursions to see key sights. If you only plan to stay in the capital or move only between major towns, you can rely on the island’s bus system.

Is La Palma safe for solo travellers?

Incredibly safe for visitors, with one of the lowest crime rates in Spain. The island is widely recognised as very safe for solo female travellers.

Is it safe to visit La Palma after the volcanic eruption?

Yes, the last eruption was in 2021 and is long over, and daily life, tourism, and travel across the island function normally. The only area that is restricted is the Tajogaite hike.

Is La Palma good for hiking?

It is renowned as a hiking destination! There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails, which are well maintained and signposted.

Where I stayed in La Palma

When I visited La Palma, I stayed in H10 Taburiente Playa, which is a Jet2holidays hotel, in Los Cancajos. It is very conveniently located given its proximity to the airport as well as providing very easy access to get to most parts of the island. It is right next to Playa de Los Cancajos, and there are also two good restaurants nearby. La Rumana, which is a family-run restaurant and La Tasca de Santi, which is very popular with locals.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things To Do in La Palma

La Palma ended up being a real unexpected European find. It was my first visit to the Canary Islands, and I was amazed by how much the island had to offer. If you are looking for an active, otherworldly trip, then this is the destination for you. From incredible volcanic hikes, black sand beaches, lush forests and vibrant historic architecture, there is so much to see and do. A perfect, unique European destination.

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This itinerary was written as part of a collaboration. A huge thank you to Jet2 and Visit La Palma for this trip, and for showing me the best things to do in La Palma. My trip was a complimentary PR press trip, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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