La Palma

Visit the Isla Bonita

Known as the Isla Bonita, the island of La Palma has a varied climate and varied landscape.  Forest covered mountains in the north and a volcanic lunar landscape in the south.  It is a world biosphere reserve with 19 protected areas.  With a large network of signposted walking trails it is an excellent hiking destination. Highlights include:

  • Tazacorte, a historic port with black sand beaches and banana plantations.  
  • Los Cascajos with three black sandy bays and a handful of bars and restaurants just 2 km south of the capital.
  • Buena Baja, a tranquil hillside village with bars and restaurants serving local cuisine and Canarian wines.
  • The astrophysics observatory on Roque los Muchachos, the highest point on the island.
  • Boat trips to seek out dolphins and whales.
  • Lots of beaches, mostly black sand.

Walking on La Palma

With network of over 1000 km of signposted hiking routes the walking on La Palma is superb.  Self-guided walking is a possibility but we can also organise guided private or group walks.  Hikes in the south of the island can take you through fields of black and red ash to the Tenguia volcano.  In the north you will be walking through lush vegetation, past rural hamlets.  A trek starting at the highest point in the national park affords amazing views as you  descend into the Caldera de Taburiente.  One of the trails even ends in a winery!

Key Facts about La Palma

  • Flying time: 4.5 hours
  • Time difference: +1 hour
  • Currency: Euro
  • Best time of year to travel: Year round

La Palma Photo Gallery

Click on an image to launch the slideshow.

Black Sand Beach
Tazacorte
Salt Pans
Dolphins

Ideas for a trip to La Palma

Here are some ideas for trips to La Palma all of which can be adapted for you and we are always happy to create a bespoke trip from scratch.

From £439

per person excl flights

Walking on La Palma

Stay a week in La Palma in a boutique hotel walking as much or as little as you like following routes provided by the tour operator. Classics include the volcano route with a succession of mostly historic volcanoes; and a fine walk circling the Caldera de Taburiente often on its very rim. There is a host of other interesting routes including walks through idyllic scenes in the north with a blend of exotic farms next to thousand-year-old dragon trees; and a spectacular walk on the 'roof of the island' from Pico de la Cruz (2351m) to the highest point on La Palma Roque de las Muchachos (2426m).

From £875

per person incl flights and transfers

Heritage La Palma

Spend a week staying in a C17 luxury hacienda in the heart of a former sugar estate with views over banana plantations. The hotel is in the pretty village of Tazacorte, a popular base for hikers and stargazers and has an outdoor pool and spa.

From £1429

Per person excl flights

Walking on Tenerife and La Palma

On this 7 night holiday you experience the best of both islands and the diversity of the incredible landscapes. Walk through the lunar landscape of Tenerife with its naturally formed pumice stone ‘minarets’. See spectacular coastal views, volcanic landscapes and prehistoric laurel forests. You stay in 4* hotels both on Tenerife and La Palma. In Tenerife you will be based in historic San Cristobal de la Laguna which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. n the capital of La Palma; Santa Cruz de la Palma, your hotel sits on the beachfront just a short walk from the city centre with its centuries old architecture, cobbled streets and busy port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions that haven't been answered here? Send your questions to enquiries@shearwatertravel.co.uk and we'll try our best to help.

From 1 January 2021 you can visit the Canary Islands for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa as a tourist.  For further information see the FCO website.

From our Journal

Autumn Sunshine

Posted by

If you want to wait until schools are back to get your dose of vitamin D later in the year then read on for my top 5 recommendations for sun in autumn and early winter. All my recommendations are less than 7 hours’ direct flying time from the UK, offer reliably warm weather, little chance of rain, gorgeous landscapes and more to do than lie on a beach. … Read More

Featured Post

Get in Touch