Known as the greenest of the Canary Islands and a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, La Palma offers plenty of scope for adventure. With a rental car you can explore the tranquil coastline before heading inland to find a lush national park that’s home to the huge volcanic crater, Caldera de Taburiente.
Colonial culture
Make your way to the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma to begin your vacation on the island. Once one of the Spanish Empire’s most important maritime trading hubs, today it has a Caribbean-like charm thanks to its colonial-style architecture and tropical palm trees.
Get a taste for it as you wander along the main street, Calle Real, and admire the pretty homes with traditional wooden balconies. For some of the best views of the city, head to Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, a pilgrimage site that’s home to the oldest religious statue in the Canary Islands.
Drive into the hills north of the city to reach the vantage point and discover the 14th century sculpture of the Virgin Mary inside the historic church.
If you want a break from sightseeing, there are plenty of spots around the city where you can sample the island’s traditional cuisine. Enriclai is one of the best places to dine – it may only be tiny, but the food packs a punch. Feast on fresh salads, grilled tuna steak and spinach soufflé, then finish with the legendary chocolate mousse.
Natural treasures
Travel into the heart of the island to experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Caldera de Taburiente National Park. It’s named after its star attraction, the Caldera de Taburiente, an enormous volcanic crater surrounded by pine forest and dramatic peaks.
More than 600 miles’ worth of hiking routes stretch throughout this enormous national park, taking you past mesmerizing waterfalls and craggy ravines. But one of the best places to head for is Roque de los Muchachos, the highest point of the island. From here, you’re perfectly placed to soak up the panoramic views across the island.
At Roque de los Muchachos you’ll also find an observatory from which you can head out on an astronomy safari trip. Set off on an expedition under the cover of night and go stargazing – you’ll experience incredible vistas of bright stars twinkling against the inky night sky.
Volcanic beaches
No stay in La Palma would be complete without a trip to at least one of the island’s beautiful beaches. You’ll find spots all around the coastline, with volcanic black sand giving the resorts their distinct appearance.
Drive along the east side of the island to seek out Los Cancajos. The calm sea and diverse marine life make it a much-loved destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. After a day exploring the waters, stop off at one of the nearby fish restaurants, such as Casa Goyo, to enjoy the island’s fresh seafood.
Venture further up the coast to find Playa de Nogales, close to the town of Puntallana. Enjoy the views of the glittering sea before heading down the path to the beach. Surrounded by impressive cliffs, it’s an idyllic place to soak up the sunshine.
With a rental car from La Palma you’ll have the freedom to enjoy all this and more during your time on this spectacular island.