Budget airline Jet2 has confirmed it is launching two new routes to a hidden gem of an island that only attracted 120,000 international visitors next year – despite its beauty and year-round sunshine
Brits will soon be able to fly directly to the ‘most beautiful’ EU island that has long avoided the tourist limelight.
Last year, a whopping 15.5 million international visitors flocked to the Canary Islands, marking a 10 per cent spike compared to 2023. Almost half (6.3 million) of the influx came from British holidaymakers, who have long favoured the archipelago despite growing anti-tourist sentiment and the subsequent string of confrontational protests.
Most visitors (6.2 million) headed straight to Tenerife, the largest Canary Island famed for its thrilling water park, wild nightlife, and breathtaking mountains. Gran Canaria followed closely behind, welcoming four million overseas visitors, while Lanzarote attracted a still-respectable three million.
The tiny island of La Palma, however, only recorded 120,000 visitors in 2024 – highlighting just how underrated it is. But, this could all soon change.
Jet2 has recently announced the launch of two new routes which could bring a staggering 1.6 million Brits over to La Palma, often referred to as the Canaries ‘best-kept secret’. Twice-weekly (Monday and Friday) flights from Manchester Airport to La Palma will commence on April 3, 2026 – while London Stansted Airport will start offering the same flying pattern from 26 October, 2026.
“The UK market is one of our priorities to open and attract to La Palma and we are delighted to have achieved this, thanks to great collaboration and hard work with Jet2 and other partners,” Raquel Rebollo, Minister of Tourism of the Cabildo of La Palma, said in a statement sent to the Mirror. “One of the main goals of this administration is to open new doors and tap into new markets, such as the UK, and this announcement just shows how much potential there is to grow tourism on our island.”
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a great opportunity to give UK holidaymakers the chance to enjoy everything the ‘incredible’ island has to offer. “We are delighted to be expanding our presence across the Canary Islands from London Stansted and Manchester Airports by adding this brand-new gateway to our portfolio, appealing to holidaymakers looking to explore the island’s natural beauty,” he added. “Offering customers and independent travel agents even more choice, we are also pleased to be adding a selection of hotels across scenic resorts, available to book now.”
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Located to the west of Tenerife, La Palma boasts a much more laid-back vibe than its fellow Canary Islands. Commonly touted as ‘La Isla Bonita’ – aka the beautiful island – it is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with 19 protected natural spots. Tourists can lap-up the rays on pristine beaches without having to rub shoulders with strangers, and can hike through luscious woodlands or stargaze at night.
“Sleepy seaside villages and resorts like Los Cancajos and Puerto Naos offer black-sand beaches and peaceful promenades, while the capital Santa Cruz charms with its cobbled streets and colonial-style buildings,” states La Palma’s official tourist board. “At the heart of the island, the volcanic landscape promises epic hikes and postcard-perfect panoramas.”
If you want to explore La Palma before Jet2’s inaugural route, you’ll have to fly indirectly (usually stopping over at Madrid) which can sometimes mean travelling for more than six hours. Flight prices aren’t cheap either, with return fares in August costing around £208.
Accommodation on the island is scarce, meaning the price can also soar during the peak season. For example, a four-night stay (August 11-15) at the Meliá La Palma will set you back £571. This is based on two adults sharing a sea-view room. However, staying in a studio at Apartments La Palma on the exact same dates works out much cheaper (£359).
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite Canary Island? Let us know in the comments section below