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La Palma

La Palma, the greenest of the Canarian islands, offers the chance to experience real, unspoiled nature – from the verdant forests of the north, where lush vegetation drips from the rainforest canopy; to the desertscapes of the south, where volcanic craters and twisted rock formations define the views; to the serene pine forests of the Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente. No wonder the entire island has been declared a Unesco biosphere reserve.

The absence of golden beaches has diverted many travellers’ attention and tourism (aside from walkers and cruise liners) has yet to make a major mark on the island. The capital is also an architectural gem, its 16th-century centre lined with beautiful balconied mansions and houses.

In fact it is hard to find an unattractive corner on La Isla Bonita (the Pretty Island) and, provided unchecked development stays at bay, it is likely to remain that way.

Explore La Palma

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout La Palma.

  • Church

    Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves

    For splendid views down the valley to Santa Cruz, put aside time to tackle the 4km uphill hike north of town to La Palma’s main object of pilgrimage, the…

  • Mountain

    Pico Bejenado

    At 1854m, clambering up to this peak offers glorious views over the pines, valleys and ridges of the Caldera de Taburiente. The peak marks the conclusion…

  • Village

    Santo Domingo

    Wind your way down the lovely, sinuous LP-112 to the settlement of Santo Domingo and then turn left in the village and follow the signs to the Puerto de…

  • Observatory

    Observatorio del Roque de Los Muchachos

    The huge telescopes on the peak of Roque de los Muchachos belong to the island’s astronomical observatory, one of the world’s best places to study the…

  • Saltwater Pool

    Charco Azul

    Creatively designed Charco Azul is a blending of moulded concrete with natural volcanic rocks. The effect is stunning, especially when the waves are…

  • Museum

    Museo Casa Roja

    This handsome ochre-red mansion (built in 1911), located down one of the steep streets from the main road, has downstairs exhibits on Corpus Christi – a…

  • Church

    Iglesia del Salvador

    The interior of this magnificent church boasts a glittering baroque pulpit dating back to 1750 and a stunningly intricate and coloured 16th-century wooden…

  • Museum

    Museo de la Seda

    Learn the secrets of the caterpillars that spin dresses fit for a marriage. The silk produced here is made according to traditions that have barely…

  • Museum

    Museo Insular

    This excellent museum is housed in a former 16th-century monastery with diverse exhibits ranging from Guanche skulls to cupboards of sad stuffed birds,…

  • Archaeological Site

    Parque Ecológico de Belmaco

    The first ancient petroglyphs found on the archipelago were discovered at this site in 1752. A 300m trail that winds around various cave dwellings …

  • Volcano

    Volcán Teneguía

    Volcán Teneguía's 1971 eruption was the most recent in the archipelago. A signposted trail from Volcán San Antonio, near the visitor centre, leads you…

  • See

    Salinas de Fuencaliente

    Beyond the lighthouse at the south of the island are the Salinas de Fuencaliente, which you can explore along a self-guided path; explanations on boards…

  • Archaeological Site

    Parque Arqueológico de El Tendal

    With a new and very informative exhibition centre with touchscreen displays, this museum and cave complex at the side of the LP-1 road to Los Sauces was…

  • Natural Feature

    Lava Tubes

    On the hike up to Pico Bejenado, and at other sights in the park, you will see lava tubes in the rock by the side of the path. Originally, these were…

  • Plaza

    Plaza España

    Relaxing and good-looking Plaza España is the heart of the historic town. Majestic, ancient and sizeable Indian laurel trees provide a much-welcome leafy…

  • Village

    El Remo

    Just a short way down to the very end of the road beyond Puerto Naos, past the banana greenhouses, brings you to this small village right by the sea,…

  • Archaeological Site

    Lomo del Estrecho Engravings

    A marker at 2.5km from Pista de Valencia and 3km from Pico Bejenado points to the prehistoric Petroglifos (petroglyphs) 150m along a path to your right…

  • Church

    Iglesia de Santo Domingo

    If you follow the steps heading up out of Plaza de España to the upper town, you will find the shady Plaza Santo Domingo. The substantial Iglesia de Santo…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in La Palma.

  • Activities