Table of Contents
Where is La Palma located
La Palma is one of the Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa – it’s one of the most amazing islands you can visit and there are lots of things to do in La Palma. It is part of Spain and lies west of Tenerife and north of El Hierro. The island is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and excellent stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution. Its capital city is Santa Cruz de La Palma.
La Palma population
La Palma has a population of approximately 82 000 people. It is one of the less populated islands in the Canary Islands archipelago. Most residents live in coastal towns like Santa Cruz de La Palma and Los Llanos de Aridane. Honestly, it’s such a dreamy location that you might seriously consider becoming citizen #82 001 after your visit!
Is La Palma worth visiting
Yes, La Palma is definitely worth visiting, especially for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape! The island offers stunning volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and dramatic coastlines that are perfect for hiking and exploring. It’s also one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and internationally renowned observatories. Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy Canary Islands, La Palma has a more authentic, laid-back atmosphere. There are much less tourists than in Tenerife – and mostly Spanish nationals, so honestly I felt a bit like home (as I’ve lived in Spain for 4 years). Not all locals will speak English, so try to do a few Spanish lessons on Duolingo before your visit, you’ll thank me later!
La Palma island weather
La Palma enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round, making it a fantastic destination in any season. Before we dive into the best things to do in La Palma, let’s see what each season looks like on the island:
- In winter (December to February), coastal areas and beaches typically see temperatures around 18–22°C (64–72°F), while the mountain regions, especially around the Caldera de Taburiente, can dip to 5–10°C (41–50°F), with occasional frost at the highest elevations.
- Spring (March to May) brings pleasant warmth, with beach temperatures rising to 20–24°C (68–75°F), and the mountains remaining cool and fresh—perfect for hiking. However, you might encounter days with high winds, so be careful to avoid those. However, May is absolutely perfect to see the tajinaste and most other flowers in full bloom, so in my opinion, this is the best time to visit la Palma.
- Summer (June to August) is warm but not overly hot, thanks to the ocean breeze; beach temperatures range from 24–28°C (75–82°F), while the mountains stay comfortable around 15–20°C (59–68°F).
- Autumn (September to November) is sunny and calm, with coastal areas staying warm at 22–26°C (72–79°F), and the higher altitudes gradually cooling. Thanks to its varied microclimates, La Palma offers the perfect balance between beach relaxation and mountain adventure all year long.
That said, bear in mind that it does get VERY cold in the mountains even in the spring! You should absolutely bring proper winter clothes, especially if you plan to shoot at night. You can check out Capital One Shopping and their deals and coupons for Patagonia, one of my favorite brands for hiking and winter gear.
How to get to La Palma
There are two ways to get to La Palma – by air or by ferry.
- Flight – Now, there are some international flights, but chances are you’ll be able to find a much better deal if you fly to Tenerife and then catch one of the Binter flights to La Palma. There are over 6-7 flights daily between these islands and for foreigners they usually cost about 100 EUR round-trip (if you book them early enough, of course). The flight lasts about 30 minutes and, well, the plane is pretty small. So small, we called it “the local bus” 🙂 We flew in pretty high winds but it was all okay, so you don’t need to worry about that.
- Ferry – Even though we chose the flight, the ferries in the Canarias are pretty comfortable to travel with (we’ve used a ferry between Tenerife and La Gomera). Despite the fact that the ferry ride is a bit long, you can take your rental car from Tenerife and just bring it with you. You’ll absolutely have to prebook your tickets and the spot for the car at Fred Olsen’s website. The ride costs about 30 EUR per person round-trip (and 40 EUR for a vehicle round-trip). It lasts 2 h 30 mins, and if there are high winds, it can be a bit bumpy, even though the ferry is quite large. You can prepare in advance and take some anti-motion sickness medication just in case.
Where to stay in La Palma
There are plenty of options on where to stay in La Palma island. Whether in a local apartment or in a hotel, there is no wrong choice. That said, there are a lot more apartments available than hotels. The two best starting points for your itinerary of best things to do in La Palma would be Santa Cruz de la Palma or Tazacorte – both large cities in opposite sides of the island.
Here are some options for you to consider:
Where to stay near Santa Cruz de la Palma:
- Apartment Rocamar, Booking.com rating: 8.4, price per night: 60 EUR
- Apartment Flying La Palma, Booking.com rating: 9.3, price per night: 150 EUR
- Hotel Banana Garden, Booking.com rating: 9.3, price per night: 90 EUR
- Hotel Hacienda San Jorge, Booking.com rating: 9.3, price per night: 170 EUR
Where to stay near Tazacorte:
- Apartment Casa Merce, Booking.com rating: 9.6, price per night: 100 EUR
- Apartment Flying La Palma, Booking.com rating: 9.3, price per night: 170 EUR
- Hotel Hacienda de Abajo (adults-only), Booking.com rating: 9.3, price per night: 230 EUR
Best things to do in La Palma, Mountains
1. Visit Mirador de los Andenes
Let’s start with the basics – one of my favorite things to do in La Palma is visiting Mirador de los Andenes. Honestly, even the serpentine roads going up there were amazing – you go through the clouds and you reach the point above them. This temperature inversion is absolutely stunning to experience and see from above. You can also take the small path to the right and find some very cool foregrounds to take photos. You can catch a sunrise here if you’re very eager for the best shot and you can even take night shots – you’ll see plenty of astrophotographers around at night if it’s a new moon, and as an astrophotographer myself, I must say they’re mostly very friendly. Just don’t shine a light on their gear 🙂
2. See Pared de Roberto
“Pared” means “wall” in Spanish. You will certainly see this rocky place when you’re driving towards los Andenes. Stop and take a quick photo, it’s pretty formidable!
3. Enjoy Roque de los Muchachos
Photo by: Boris Angelov, @casualframes
Let’s move on to one of the absolute highlights of La Palma – Roque de los Muchachos. This spot is not only the highest point on the island (at 2,426 meters!) but also one of the most surreal places I’ve ever visited. The views? Mind-blowing. On clear days, you can even see other Canary Islands in the distance. And if you’re into photography, this place is gold—sunsets, sunrises, and of course, the night skies are next-level. There’s a reason the world’s top observatories are up here! Just a heads-up: it gets cold up there, even in summer, so bring layers.
4. Find the tajinaste haven
This location is not on most lists of best things to do in La Palma! And I couldn’t believe it, honestly, it’s one of the best places on the island. You can either click my link or just search for “Tajinastes del Lomo de la Ciudad”. If you’re visiting in late spring or early summer, this place turns into a wild fairytale. The tajinastes—tall, alien-looking plants with spiky pink or red flowers—bloom all over the hillsides, and it’s honestly breathtaking. The flowers usually bloom in May, so if you want to see the typical and endemic pink tajinaste, try to plan your itinerary in May. The garden is protected, so please be respectful and don’t step out of the paths. And if you’re a sunset chaser, trust me, this is one of those places where golden hour hits just right. The tajinastes rising pround and tall above the clouds – a truly unforgettable sight.
5. Go stargazing
Actually, the main reason I went to La Palma was to see and shoot the starry skies. It’s one of the best places around Europe to do so with Bortle 2 dark skies (the darkest possible is Bortle 1, so pretty close!). Under perfect circumstances, if you do want to stargaze, you should try to plan your trip around the new moon. But there are stargazing trips even on full moons, which can still be pretty interesting and educational. You can even book a stargazing tour at Roque de los Muchachos with wine – how cool is that? For me, there’s nothing more romantic (even if you’re all alone!).
6. Hike around the “caldera”
There are plenty of different hiking tours available as very cool things to do in La Palma. They have different difficulties and durations, but I assure you – they are all breathtaking and totally worth it. We will explore more on our next visit, but you can check start with this 4-hour hike around Roque de los Muchachos.
Best things to do in La Palma, East
7. Visit Puerto de Talavera
Let me share a little secret spot that quickly became one of my favorites on La Palma – Puerto de Talavera. Tucked away on the rugged northeastern coast, this old, almost-forgotten port feels like something out of a storybook. You’ll hike down a peaceful path through lush greenery, passing small ruins and dramatic cliffside views, until you reach the crumbling remains of the port itself, where waves crash against the rocks in that wild Atlantic way. It’s not a swimming spot—too rough for that—but it’s perfect if you love dramatic coastal vibes, moody photography, or just sitting quietly with the sound of the ocean and no one else around. Bring good shoes, water, and maybe a snack—you’ll want to stay longer than you planned.
8. Enjoy Cascada de los Tilos
Cascada de los Tilos is one of La Palma’s most enchanting hikes – and it’s only about 10-15 minutes or so! You start at the cozy Visitor Center in San Andrés y Sauces, park up, grab a map (and maybe a snack), and wind down an easy, well-marked trail along the Barranco del Agua gorge. The forest opens into a lush laurel jungle—think prehistoric vibes with giant ferns, moss-draped trees, and the sound of birds singing overhead. Just minutes in, you pass through a short tunnel carved into rock, which leads you right to the 50 m waterfall tucked into the cliffside . There’s a viewing platform plus a staircase down so you can stand close enough to feel the mist kiss your face—magic! Bear in mind if you want to photograph it from below (as in the photo here), you’ll probably get WET, so be prepared 🙂
For those with more energy and time, extend your adventure along PR‑LP 7.1 toward the Mirador del Espigón Atravesado. You’ll climb stone steps through even denser forest to a viewpoint perched over the gorge—views for days. The whole short loop (waterfall + mirador) can be done in 1½–2 hours, covering around 3.5 km with about 600 m elevation change .
Best time to hit it? Mornings and weekdays
9. Catch the sunrise at Mirador Nuestro
Mirador Nuestro is another a hidden gem that might not grace every La Palma guide but steals hearts of those who seek it out – definitely one of the best things to do in La Palma. Tucked along the island’s northwestern escarpments, this lookout rewards a gentle drive with an epic sea-cliff panorama: waves crashing below, terraced farms stretching out, and if the clouds align just right, that dreamy “cloud waterfall” tumbling over the ridges. It feels like you’re perched between heaven and earth, especially during golden hour when the ocean shimmers in soft pastel light and the horizon stretches forever.
10. Admire La Fajana de los Franceses
Tucked into Garafía’s rugged northeast cliffs, this old agricultural landing once shipped produce to Santa Cruz in the 16th century . Today, it feels delightfully abandoned—just a few stone ruins perched above a rocky beach, with the Atlantic crashing below. The gravelly shore stretches around 700 m, but access isn’t easy—it’s a steep, rough path down through a tiny gorge, so sturdy shoes and caution are a must .
If you’re up for a longer adventure, La Fajana marks the start of a serious trek: the GR‑131 route climbs nearly 2,500 m over 17 km up to Mirador de los Andenes. Expect dramatic terrain shifts—from cliffside ruins to pine highlands—and pack plenty of water and layers . In late afternoon, sunlight finally reaches the fajana’s terrace, illuminating the cliff like a hidden amphitheater.
11. Walk around the balconies of Santa Cruz
Walk down Avenida Marítima in Santa Cruz de La Palma, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living postcard—every balcony bursts with blossoms, turning timber frames into vibrant floral galleries. These iconic wooden balconies—some double-stacked, boxy and richly carved—originated in the 16th–17th centuries both as a ventilation hack to catch trade-winds and, ahem, discreet flood zones for toilets that emptied straight into the sea. Fast forward to today, and German immigrant Heiko Bartsch’s passion for flowers has reignited their glory, draping each ledge in bougainvillea, geraniums, vines—and transforming these balconies into Santa Cruz’s signature charm. There’s no entrance fee or guided tour—just stroll along, grab a seat at a nearby café, and let the riot of colors, colonial architecture, and ocean breeze work their magic. Whether catching sunrise light or the golden glow of evening, these floral balconies are Santa Cruz’s heart: richly historic, effortlessly beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
12. Watch the sunrise at Faro de Punta Cumplida
This is another great viewpoint and one of the cool things to do in La Palma. Watching the sunrise at the lighthouse and seeing it with golden light is a truly amazing experience! Or, well, you can sleep in and visit it on a cloudy day, just like we did 🙂
Best things to do in La Palma, West
13. Enjoy Playa de El Callejoncito
Descending to Playa de El Callejoncito feels like discovering a secret slice of the island and no wonder it’s on our list of best things to do in La Palma. About a 1 km trek from the LP‑114 parking lot, the path hugs above a natural cave before plunging through rocky switchbacks down to a narrow black‑sand and pebble beach, cradled by towering cliffs. In summer months, the dark volcanic sand drifts over the pebbles to form a soft shore about 100 m long—perfect for sunbathing, though sea conditions can be rough . Winter reshapes it into a pebble-strewn cove as rougher tides wash away the sand It’s a place for adventurous souls only: tricky footing, no facilities, and strong currents mean only experienced swimmers should enter the water.
14. Admire Mirador de los Dragos
Forget tourist crowds—Mirador de los Dragos surprises you with raw character and a thousand-year-old dragon tree that’s almost cinematic in its drama. You park right next to it (there’s space for about five cars), stroll two steps onto the platform, and boom: you’re face‑to‑face with that iconic Dracaena draco leaning out over a deep ravine. Around you, the land dips in scalloped folds toward the sea, peppered with younger dragos and terraced orchards—La Palma’s secret green corners. It’s not about grand panoramas; it’s about that moment: watching golden light play through the tree’s branches, listening to wind wander the canyon, and tasting quiet.
Come around noon and it’s shaded with a water tap and simple wooden bench—ideal for pausing with a snack. If you’re into solitude, this northwest gem stays blissfully quiet even in peak season.
15. Visit Poris de Candelaria
Porís de Candelaria is the kind of place that tricks your senses—it’s a cliffside village carved into a cavern, with whitewashed houses framed by a 50 m-high volcanic overhang. It’s honestly one of the coolest things to do in La Palma! Getting there is half the fun (and half the adrenaline): a hairpin road from Tijarafe that’s narrow enough for only one car at a time, then a brief rocky descent from the lower parking lot (about 15-20 minutes). It feels like stepping into a hidden world where the Atlantic’s roar is your soundtrack, and the cosy bay tucked inside the cave invites you to cool off—on calm days, locals swim and snorkel right beneath the cave’s mouth. This is a perfect spot to admire the sunset AND for astrophotography as well!
16. Go down to Tazacorte
The tunnel-like galleries curving through the massive breakwaters at Puerto de Tazacorte are way more than just coastal defense—they’re a photographer’s dream. Constructed between 1976–1981 and expanded later, these man-made arches line the port’s jetties in elegant concrete rhythm, letting light and shadow dance in mesmerizing patterns as waves roll by. Locals and joggers love them—kids run circles, couples pause for selfies, and the rising sun streaks gold across the curves right at the entrance spot. It’s the kind of discovery where you think, “Why isn’t this on every postcard?” After soaking in the arches, wander into the marina, grab fresh-caught fish at a beachside restaurant, then back up top to watch boats glint under the arching frames—pure La Palma charm. Want a tip? Go in the early morning—those long shadows through the arches turn the place into an atmospheric cathedral of concrete and sea spray.
Don’t forget to try and find this gorgeous place as well – it’s located at Plaza de España in Tazacorte and it makes for a gorgeous shot in the mornings!
17. Dip into the pools at Puerto de Puntagorda
Descending the 440+ stone steps into Puerto de Puntagorda feels like stepping into a cliffside amphitheater by the sea. Rustic stone casitas cling to the rocks, and at the bottom you’ll find a rugged natural pool—perfect for a dip when the Atlantic cooperates. Locals use the metal ladders beside the open-water pool for fishing, snorkeling, or plunging into deeper waves . It’s not a typical beach—just wild charm and raw beauty, with no amenities except a water fountain and parking above. The descent takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the dramatic views of the cliffs and sea below. Coming back up is the real workout—plan for 20–30 minutes, especially if you’re taking breaks (and you probably will 🥵). The path is well-maintained but quite steep, so sturdy shoes and water are a must. This, however, is totally worth it for a dip in the natural pool or to simply sit by the crashing waves in that hidden rocky cove.
18. Take some cool shots at Mirador del Time
If you’re scouting for dramatic shots, Mirador del Time is your next muse. Perched around 600 m above sea level on LP‑1, this lookout delivers sweeping panoramas over the Aridane valley—from banana plantations and ravines to Tazacorte’s black‑sand beach and, on clear days, even El Hierro on the horizon. As day hits, the café terrace warms up, offering barraquitos and Spanish omelettes with a side of volcanic views—prime for midday candid shots. But the real show-stopper? Golden hour and just-after-sunset. The valley transforms into a glittering sea of lights beneath the deepening sky.
Best things to do in La Palma, South
19. See Salinas de Fuencaliente
You haven’t lived La Palma until you’ve stepped into the shimmering mosaic of Salinas de Fuencaliente at the island’s fiery southern tip. Dug into black basalt just below the twin lighthouses, this is more than salt farms—it’s a canvas painted in white, pink, and yellow evaporation pools set against volcanic soil and crashing blue waves. Hand-harvested by the Hernández family since 1967, the salt pans produce the ultra-premium “Flor de Sal Teneguía,” carefully scooped off the surface and dried into delicate crystals. Ecology geeks, birders, and photo fanatics will love it here—over 15 migratory species drop by to feast on tiny crustaceans thriving in the brine, from sandpipers to occasional flamingos. This spot is totally perfect for sunset, so try to plan enjoying it when you visit.
20. Catch the sunset at Playa y Bajas de la Zamora
At Playa y Bajas de la Zamora, the magic moment comes when the tide retreats and a striking volcanic arch reveals itself at the edge of the water—perfect for sunset shots. Situated beneath banana-covered cliffs, two black-sand coves (La Zamora Grande and Chica) are connected by the sea at low tide, letting you wander between them and capture that dramatic arch against the glowing sunset sky. A stone staircase leads down to both beaches, with a mid-stair landing offering a prime framing spot for photos. As the sun dips, the arch casts long shadows across the fine volcanic sand and glassy pools.
21. Hike around Tajogaite Volcano
Standing at the edge of Tajogaite, the youngest volcano in Europe, feels like stepping into a sci‑fi film—black ash deserts, sulfur-streaked cones, and a crater that still smokes from the 2021 eruption which you might have seen on National Geographic. The 5 km guided loop from Llano del Jable takes about 2½–4 hours, depending on the chosen route and pace, under the care of expert local guides allowed into the restricted zone. You’ll walk on fresh volcanic soil, witness the stark contrast between charred pines and vibrant regrowth, and come within a few dozen meters of the crater’s rim—some tours even offer a longer variant that brings you beside still-smoldering vents. To be on the safe side, you might want to book this guided tour and have a peace of mind while enjoying this awesome thing to do in La Palma.
22. See Volcán de Teneguía
Stepping onto the crater rim of Volcán de Teneguía feels like visiting the aftermath of Earth’s own fireworks—soft black volcanic sand underfoot, reddish cinder slopes rising beside you. This little cone, at about 428 m, was born during the 1971 eruption—the most recent on land in Spain—when magma burst out from Cumbre Vieja’s southern end, creating a fresh volcanic monument. Add in the dramatic facts—24 days of Strombolian eruptions, roughly 40–43 million m³ of lava, two energy-charged vent points, one tragic visitor fatality, and half a million square meters of new coastline—and suddenly this place pulses with geological drama.
There’s a looped trail of about 6 km from the San Antonio Visitor Center to the lighthouse, crossing Teneguía’s ash-strewn slopes in 2–3 hours. The path skirts the crater rim, traverses jagged lava fields, and offers thrilling views of vineyards, the ocean, the saltworks, and the lava’s journey to the sea . At the rim, you’ll pause to admire pine saplings breaking through the black rock and scan the still-steamy crater—bring a windbreaker, because just at the top it feels a world away weather-wise. The volcano’s nickname among volcanologists, the “friendly volcano”, reflects its relatively low human cost and huge educational value. You can also explore it by a 4×4 bus, which is honestly a pretty cool guided tour to enjoy!
