Things to do in La Palma: an island full of surprises

Thinking about a holiday in La Palma, and still haven’t worked out things to do? Here’s our list of unmissable top stops for your itinerary when you visit this ‘isla bonita’: from spectacular forests to a little village tucked away in a cave.

Read on, and get ready to fall under the irresistible spell of La Palma!

Los Tilos Laurel Forest

Los Tilos Forest is one of the island’s natural treasures. If you love a hike, this one’s an absolute must. It’s part of Las Nieves Natural Park – the first place to be designated biosphere reserve status on the island – and it’s considered one of the Canary Island’s most significant laurel forests.

It’s the perfect place to unwind in the heart of nature and simply enjoy the local flora and fauna. Breathtakingly beautiful, it looks as though it’s straight from the pages of a fairytale. It’s no surprise this forest has become the perfect location for a shoot. Series The Witcher is filmed there; a saga featuring the ancient mythical forest of Brokilon – ideal.

Los Tilos is in the north of the island, just 5 minutes by car from Los Sauces. There’s free parking and a visitors’ centre with guides on hand to give you information on the area’s hiking routes.

Remember to wear comfortable footwear and take water and sunscreen, so you can get the most out of this magical experience. It’s a good idea to get there early if you want to take one of the longer routes like the Nacientes de Marcos y Cordero, which takes several hours.

Seaside town San Andrés

San Andrés is one of La Palma’s most beautiful towns. Strolling along the cobbled streets and walking around the old town is an absolute joy – plus, you get sensational views of the Atlantic Ocean. You could also visit the mysterious and ancient Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat church in the town square.

The Charco Azul natural swimming pools are another magical must; perfectly protected from the waves, and complete with a kids’ pool, shower and changing rooms. Right next door you’ll find the Museum of Rum and Sugarcane, where you can take a guided tour and tasting session (prior booking required).

Caldera de Taburiente National Park

La Caldera de Taburiente is one of the Canary Islands’ four national parks, along with El Teide, Timanfaya and Garajonay. It’s formed from an enormous volcanic crater, spans eight kilometres in diameter, and is covered in a Canarian pine forest with uneven slopes going from 1,500 metres high.

It’s a veritable jewel in the island’s crown, ready to welcome anyone brave enough to climb the steep paths. It’s also home to one of the island’s best viewpoints – Mirador de la Cumbecita – which gives you spectacular panoramic views of the inside of La Caldera.

If time allows, we recommend you spend the night there – it has its own camping area. That way you can enjoy all the trails at your own pace. You’re limited to two nights’ camping in summer and Easter, but you can camp for up to seven days the rest of the year. You just need to book a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Puerto de Tazacorte beach

If sunlight is your thing and that’s why you’re coming to La Palma, Tazacorte is one of the municipalities that gets the most sunshine hours per year in the whole of Spain.

The perfect place for a day on the beach and making the most of the tranquil early-morning sun. When hunger hits, you can go for a fresh fish lunch in one of the restaurants on the promenade. And if you decide to stay all day long, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best sunsets on the island.

Another fun option is to take a boat trip from Tazacorte port for a spot of whale/dolphin watching, or visit the famous Cueva Bonita, an ancient pirate refuge that’s only accessible by sea.

Roque de Los Muchachos, La Palma’s highest point

If you’re thinking about some star-gazing when you visit, La Palma has some of the best conditions in the world for astronomical observations. So it’s no surprise that Roque de Los Muchachos is home to one of the world’s biggest telescopes.

If you decide to visit during the day, you’ll see the sea of clouds; a natural phenomenon created by the trade winds pushing the clouds against the island’s rocky tops, creating the illusion of a fluffy sea between the mountains.
There’s also a visitors’ centre where you can learn how important astronomy is to the island. It’s open to the public from 10:00 till 17:30 every day (except 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January). Visitors can enjoy a fully immersive experience in the virtual reality room, or take a guided tour of the facilities.

Smuggler’s Bay Poris de La Candelaria

Visiting Poris de Candelaria is synonymous with discovering the island’s untouched, authentic side. This former fishing village with white and blue houses is hidden in a gigantic cave below an impressive cliff by the sea.
To get there from the village of Tijarafe, walk to Calle Molina and then follow the road until you get to the car park. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Poris. We recommend you take extreme care; it’s a narrow road with a lot of bends.

Fuencaliente Salt Flats

One of La Palma’s most unique spots is located in the municipality of Fuencaliente on the southern tip of the island. Las Salinas salt pans are just a 10-minute drive from our La Palma & Teneguía Princess hotel, and one of the few places in the Canary Islands where salt is still gathered according to tradition. The final product? Sal Marina Teneguía, one of the island’s star products.
Next to the facilities you’ll find the well-known Jardín de La Sal restaurant, where you can get the best fresh fish with a side of spectacular views. Unmissable!

Categories: Canaries, Travel Tips, Featured Tips, La Palma, Lifestyle