How to Get to La Palma: The Hidden Gem of the Canaries
If you’re searching for an escape to a magical corner of the Canary Islands, La Palma, also known as “La Isla Bonita,” is the perfect destination.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get to La Palma, highlighting various transport options – whether you prefer to fly or take a ferry – so you can start your Canary adventure on the right foot.
Travelling to La Palma by Plane: Direct Routes from Europe
The quickest and most convenient way to reach La Palma is by plane. The island’s international airport (La Palma Airport, IATA code: SPC) is located around 8 kilometres south of the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma.
If you’re flying from mainland Spain or elsewhere in Europe, several direct routes are available. Some of the most frequent include:
- Madrid (MAD): Daily flights operated by Iberia.
- Barcelona (BCN): Regular connections, with airlines such as Vueling.
For travellers from Germany, direct flights to La Palma are available from:
- Frankfurt (FRA): Frequent flights with Condor and Eurowings.
- Düsseldorf (DUS): Another popular option, with several weekly connections from Eurowings.
From the UK, the following routes stand out:
- Londres Gatwick (LGW): Offers direct flights with airlines like TUI, although the operators may vary depending on the season.
- Manchester (MAN): Frequent connections, particularly during the high season.
In addition to these direct flights to La Palma, there are regular connections from the mainland and other European countries to Tenerife and Gran Canaria. From these islands, you can easily reach La Palma with flights operated by Binter Canarias and Canaryfly. These local airlines offer short journeys that usually take less than 40 minutes. If you fancy it, you can even take the chance to visit several islands in one trip!
Travelling to La Palma by Ferry: A Scenic Option for Island Hopping
For a more laid-back and scenic journey, consider travelling to La Palma by ferry. Not only will you enjoy breathtaking Atlantic views, but you’ll also have the chance to do a bit of island hopping along the way.
La Palma’s main port is located in Santa Cruz de La Palma, with the most frequent ferry connections departing from Los Cristianos Port in southern Tenerife.
- Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas operate this route, with journey times ranging between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on the company and ferry type.
- Prices per person range from €50 to €65, and if you’re bringing a car, expect to pay an additional €15 to €20 (prices updated as of October 2024).
- Residents of the Canary Islands enjoy a 75% discount, making the trip much more affordable.
This ferry route is ideal if you plan to spend a few days in Tenerife before heading to La Palma. A highly recommended itinerary is to stay in southern Tenerife, around Costa Adeje, where you’ll find excellent hotels like the Guayarmina Princess or the Princess Inspire Tenerife, as well as beautiful beaches and plenty of leisure activities. From there, you can catch a ferry from nearby Los Cristianos and reach La Palma in just a few hours. Once on La Palma, a cosy stay awaits at the La Palma Princess hotel, located in Fuencaliente in the island’s southwest.
Advantages of Travelling to La Palma by Ferry
- Bring your car: If you’ve rented a car in Tenerife, you can take it on the ferry, giving you the flexibility to explore La Palma at your own pace.
- Stunning views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the volcanic landscapes of the Canaries along the way. Don’t forget your camera!
- Daily sailings: Both ferry companies offer daily departures, both in the morning and afternoon, making it easy to plan your trip.
Tips for Travelling to La Palma
- Book in advance: Especially during the high season, flights and ferries fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your tickets early.
- Pack for all seasons: While La Palma enjoys pleasant weather year-round, its volcanic landscape means you might encounter varying microclimates – from sunny beaches to cooler temperatures in higher areas.
- Relax and enjoy: Whether you fly or take the ferry, getting to La Palma is just the start of your adventure. Take the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the journey.
With so many ways to get to La Palma, the choice is yours: fly directly from Europe or savour the peaceful ferry ride from Tenerife. Whichever option you choose, La Palma is ready to welcome you with its lush landscapes, starlit skies, and authentic charm.
Pack your bags and let La Isla Bonita enchant you!
Categories: Canaries, Travel Tips
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