Discover and experience La Palma, the beautiful island of La Palma.
La Palma is located in the far northwest of the Canary Islands and belongs to the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
It has an area of some 708 square kilometres, a maximum altitude of 2,426m and a population of over 85,000 inhabitants. Divided into 14 municipalities, it has a wide variety of landscapes and climates. Rugged, beautiful, high, craggy, marvellous… these are just some of the adjectives that justify the nickname of “isla bonita” (beautiful island). An island to get lost on…
La Palma is located in the extreme north-west of the Canary archipelago. Its geographical location gives it an ideal climate and great atmospheric stability. The quality of its sky, free of pollution and extraordinarily clear, makes the island a unique place in the world for astronomical observation. This has aroused the interest of eminent scientists from all over the world, which has led to the existence of the Roque de Los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory.
It is an island of contrasts, with landscapes that range from a cliffy coastline with beaches of fine volcanic sand to high mountain scenery, as well as lush forests and natural spaces in the midlands. La Palma is, without a doubt, a destination to visit all year round. Steep, rugged, varied, green, volcanic, rural, authentic, traditional, unique… its untouched and pure nature is its greatest treasure. It is no coincidence that it is also known as “La Isla Bonita” or the “Green Island”, just as it is no coincidence that it is a Biosphere Reserve, Starlight Destination and Starlight Reserve.
What to do in La Palma?
Enjoy stars
La Palma is undoubtedly the perfect place to enjoy the Universe. On 20th April 2007 the World Declaration in Defence of the Night Sky and the Right to Observe the Stars (La Palma Starlight Declaration) was signed in La Palma.
La Palma has unique environmental characteristics, which have led to its recognition by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. More than a third of its surface area is protected; the maximum exponent is the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente. With a law that protects this quality, being the first Starlight Reserve in the world, and having received recognition in 2012 as a Starlight Tourist Destination, the ability to properly enjoy the vision of the stars and to get to know the associated scientific, cultural, natural and scenic values is guaranteed.
Travelling the network of footpaths
For lovers of trekking and nature, we recommend that you consult the information on the La Palma Footpath Network, which covers the entire island, taking advantage of the traditional paths used for centuries by the island’s inhabitants.
In La Palma hikers will find an enormous variety of climates, reliefs and landscapes, both natural and cultural: from the warm coastal strip, to the high peaks that are well over 2,000 metres high, passing through the cultivated areas of the midlands, the pine forests, the volcanic landscapes and the leafy masses of laurisilva.
Black sand beaches and Fajanas
La Palma has both busy beaches, with all kinds of services for leisure and recreation, and practically deserted beaches where you can enjoy incredible tranquillity. Without being strictly speaking a sun and beach destination, they stand out, above all, for their cleanliness and the purity of the water, as well as for their unspoilt landscapes and impressive cliffs. They will even give you the feeling of being alone and where the word “crowded” is totally unknown. That is one of the main characteristics of the island’s beaches: you won’t have to get up early to get a spot or to set up your umbrella. Some of the beaches worth spending a day there are: Puerto de Naos and Charco Verde, in Los Llanos de Aridane; Puerto del Puerto, in Tazacorte; Zamora or Echentive, in Fuencaliente; Los Cancajos, in Breña Baja, Bajamar in Breña Alta; Santa Cruz de La Palma and Nogales, in Puntallana. We cannot forget the natural pools such as La Fajana (Barlovento) and Charco Azul (San Andrés y Sauces).
Cultural experiences
A people who have known how to preserve their traditions, making this island an authentic, unusual place. Knowing the architectural, cultural and historical heritage of the island is an enriching experience that you should not miss. This is La Isla Bonita.
Gastronomy
La Palma, a land of contrasts and stories to tell, with a rich cultural background, becomes a universe of flavours, capable of thrilling through its gastronomy.