La Palma in the Canary Islands is often overlooked by tourists in favour of the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote – but it’s a hidden gem with year-round sunshine and beautiful landscapes
La Palma, one of the Canary Islands’ most stunning destinations, is often overlooked by tourists despite its year-round sunshine, incredible beaches, a vast national park and affordable hotels.
The island may not be a hidden gem, but it’s frequently overshadowed by popular spots in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Only a few hundred thousand tourists visit ‘La Isla Bonita’, or ‘the beautiful island’, each year.
This provides ample opportunity to enjoy its black sand beaches, rugged coastline and volcanic landscape without the crowds. Plus, you can enjoy temperatures of around 19C-21C during February and March, with dry and sunny weather perfect for exploring.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers countless trails. Locals say “photos simply cannot do justice” to the park’s pine forests, deep ravines, and ethereal waterfalls.
It’s even been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are signposted walks for a scenic stroll or a full day’s adventure, or take in the view of the 8km-wide crater from one of the visitor centres.
If you’re after rugged coastline, then the island’s black sand beaches won’t disappoint with popular locations such as Puerto Naos Beach and Playa Nogales always impressing visitors. Naos is decked out with conveniences like toilets, changing rooms, and lifeguards during the busy seasons.
It also boasts of hassle-free access to the town’s bars and eateries. In contrast, Playa Nogales offers a more secluded experience but scores high on scenic charm.
One traveller gushed on Tripadvisor: “It is not an easy walk to get to this beach and I would not recommend it to anyone with limited mobility. However, the way to the beach is absolutely amazing. The cliff path is out of this world! The beach itself is not the best for swimming as the currents are very strong so don’t go out of your depth.”
Yet La Palma isn’t just about isolation and untamed terrain. Its bustling capital, Santa Cruz, delivers all the action you could ask for. This port town’s charming cobbled lanes are dotted with a vibrant mix of pubs and eateries that whip up delightful Spanish classics, plus an assortment of museums for those hungering for some culture.
And let’s not forget the historic abodes adorned with wooden balconies – perfect for those Instagram moments. Given its relative obscurity among the Canaries, La Palma offers bonuses such as wallet-friendly stays; as per Tripadvisor, there are hotel deals starting at £32 a night and Skyscanner shows direct flights from a mere £94 via carriers including TUI and easyJet.