Things To Do
in La Palma

La Palma is the westernmost of the Canary Islands, celebrated for its lush laurel forests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine Atlantic beaches. The island balances dramatic highland ridges with quiet coastal towns, inviting both outdoor adventures and relaxed waterfront strolls. Its starry skies earned it a reputation as a premier observatory destination, attracting night-sky enthusiasts from around the world.

Rich local culture, friendly communities, and a slow-paced rhythm make La Palma feel like a natural refuge amid rugged beauty.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive at La Palma Airport and settle into your accommodations. Take a leisurely stroll to explore the nearby town of Santa Cruz, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture. Enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

Head to the beach at Playa de Santa Cruz for a relaxing afternoon under the sun. Engage in some water sports or simply lounge on the warm sands, enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Grab a bite to eat at a beachside restaurant, sampling local seafood dishes.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a scenic drive up to the Mirador de la Cumbrecita for breathtaking panoramic views of the island. Return to Santa Cruz for a dinner of authentic Canarian cuisine, perhaps trying dishes like 'wrinkled potatoes' and 'mojo sauce'. End the night by observing the stars, as La Palma is renowned for its dark skies.

day 2
Hiking in Caldera de Taburiente
morning
:

After breakfast, embark on a hike in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, one of the island's natural gems. The rugged trails will lead you through lush forests and stunning landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Make sure to pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the breathtaking views.

afternoon
:

Continue exploring the park, discovering its diverse flora and fauna. As you hike, take breaks at scenic spots to soak in the peaceful ambiance. Return to your accommodations to freshen up after a rewarding day outdoors.

evening
:

Dine at a local eatery in Los Llanos, where you can taste more of La Palma's rich culinary offerings. Choose a terrace seat to enjoy the evening air and watch the town come to life with locals and visitors alike. After dinner, take an evening stroll along the charming streets of Los Llanos.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🛒Basic groceries (weekly)$40-70
🚆Public transport day pass$4-7
🏨Budget hotel per night$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning natural scenery and mild climate
  • Low-key nightlife and friendly locals
  • Excellent stargazing and outdoor activities
  • Compact size makes a multisport itinerary feasible
  • Limited large-scale nightlife and upscale dining
  • Can be windy and variable weather in highlands
  • Some areas require a car to reach key sights
  • Tourist infrastructure concentrated in a few towns
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in La Palma

Visit one of these nice places.

Roque de los Muchachos Observatory viewpoints

High-altitude ridges and sweeping coastal views; ideal for sunrise and night sky photography.

Caldera de Taburiente viewpoints

Overlooks into the dramatic caldera with pine forests and rugged walls.

Santa Cruz de La Palma historic center

Colorful wooden balconies, winding streets, and the harborfront for architectural shots.

Mirador de San Bartolomé

Panoramic lookout of the northern coastline with dramatic sea cliffs.

Culinary Guide

Food in La Palma

La Palma’s cuisine leans on fresh seafood, hearty stews, goat cheese, gofio (toasted grain flour), and bold mojo sauces. Local ingredients are central to most dishes, with gofio appearing as a comforting starter or side and mojo rojo (red) or mojo verde (green) pairing with potatoes and fish.

La Palma Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Papas arrugadas con mojo

Small potatoes boiled in very salty water and served with a pair of mojos (red and green).

Must-Try!

Sancocho canario

Salt cod stew with potatoes, often accompanied by gofio or a light salad.

Potaje de berros

Watercress soup with potatoes and vegetables, a warming island staple.

Gofio escaldado

Toasted flour mixed into a warm porridge or soup; a versatile base for many meals.

Queso de cabra de La Palma

Local goat cheese, frequently served with honey, almonds, or bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado de Abastos de Santa Cruz de La Palma

A lively market offering fresh produce, cheeses, spices, and ready-to-eat bites.

Street tapas in the old town

Casual stalls and bars serving small plates, perfect for grazing and trying varied flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

La Palma has a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers. Coastal areas stay breezy, while the highlands are cooler and can be windy; microclimates mean weather can shift quickly across the island.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' in shops and when meeting people; a friendly tone is valued.

Meal times

Lunch often around 1-2 pm and dinner after 8 pm; meals are social and unhurried.

Respect for local customs

Be courteous in religious sites; modest dress may be appreciated in churches.

Safety Guide

Safety

The island is generally very safe for travelers. Practice standard precautions against petty theft in crowded areas and be mindful on mountain roads, especially after rain. Always check trail conditions and weather before hiking.

Tipping in La Palma

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tip is generally modest and optional; around 5-10% in restaurants if service is good. Cash is handy, but most places accept cards and contactless payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming laurel forests; great for hiking and nature photography.

Summer

Warm and dry; beaches and coastal towns are bustling, but plan for sun protection and water breaks.

Autumn

Pleasant weather and fewer crowds; excellent for outdoor exploring and stargazing as skies often clear after rain.

Winter

Mild but cooler in the highlands; some wetter days in the north but many sunny days remain ideal for hiking.

Nightlife Guide

La Palma at Night

La Palma’s nightlife tends to be low-key, with cozy bars, live music, and occasional festivals. In Santa Cruz and Los Llanos you’ll find tapas bars and small venues; late-night partying is less common here than on some other Canary Islands.

Hiking in La Palma

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ruta de los Volcanes

A classic cross-island hike spanning volcanic terrains and varied ecosystems.

Caldera de Taburiente Rim Trail

Rim-to-rim routes offering dramatic canyon views and pine forests.

Barranco de las Angustias

Scenic gorge near El Paso with waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.

La Cuerda de Las Casas El Paso

Ridgeline routes with expansive island vistas and forested slopes.

Airports

How to reach La Palma by plane.

La Palma Airport (SPC)

Main regional airport with inter-island and limited international connections; taxi and bus links to Santa Cruz and Los Llanos.

Tenerife North Airport (TFN)

Alternative gateway with more international connections; reachable by short flight or ferry combo.

Fuerteventura/Gran Canaria/Tenerife South

Other Canary Islands hubs offering broader connections via inter-island flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

La Palma’s towns are walkable in the historic centers, with narrow streets and gentle hills. The island overall is car-dependent for reaching hiking trails and beaches, but many towns have compact centers with good pedestrian paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Long-standing Canarian communities with deep ties to maritime and agricultural traditions.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists and part-time residents drawn to hiking, beaches, and starry skies.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Hiking

Extensive island trails through pine forests, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic ridges.

Snorkeling/Diving

Clear coastal waters with volcanic formations and marine life around the western and southern shores.

Cycling

Rural roads and coastal routes with varying elevations for road and mountain biking.

Transportation

Traffic

In towns, traffic is generally light but roads can be narrow and winding. Public transport serves main routes between Santa Cruz, Los Llanos, and larger villages; a rental car is the most convenient way to explore the island.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting La Palma.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Seek gofio-based dishes, vegetables, and cheese; check mojo ingredients for vegetarian compatibility.

Gluten-free

Many seafood and vegetable dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm with staff and avoid cross-contamination.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by the Canarian Health Service (Servicio Canario de Salud) with hospitals and clinics on the island; emergency services are reliable, and pharmacies are widespread.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

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