La Palma Island is also called Isla Bonita, which means “beautiful island”.
As compared to the other Canary Islands there’s much of greenery, pines and almond trees that blossom in February with wonderful white flowers. La Palma is one of the least known islands. However, there’s something to marvel, have fun and be impressed. First things first.
-
1) Giant crater at the height of 2400 m
If you have a look at the island map, you’ll immediately notice a giant crater in Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Its diameter is about 9 km. The highest point on the observation deck Roque de los Muchachos is 2400 m high. Here you can walk along a narrow path over the rocks’ tops and stay at the deck to discover the full scale of the volcano and see the entire island spread before the eyes.
These are incredible feelings of standing on top of the giant; it’s like standing on top of the world. The whole south of the island and Volcanoes road are well visible from here. Being above the clouds, closer to the sky, over the ocean and the land. This is unforgettable! See more here.
2) Volcanoes road
Dozens of craters lie in the south of La Palma. Cumbre Vieja Natural Park (El Parque Natural de Cumbre Vieja) is created here to preserve volcanic cones and nature in this area. It’s the park where volcanoes road is stretching for 24 km. This road leads past the major cones among pine trees and lava beds. The walking route duration is 6-8 hours. Incredible adventure and breathtaking landscapes!
3) Artist palette – amazing saltworks
There’s a unique and the largest saltworks which remained on La Palma even after the last eruption of a nearby volcano in 1971. Saltworks is located on the south edge of the island and it’s the volcanos ROAD end point. Various shades of pastel colors – from pink to orange – can be seen in the saltworks basins. Here you can see fantastic sunset, while sitting on the terrace of the local restaurant located right in the saltworks area. That’s romantic and incredible! See more here.
4) Magic capital Santa Cruz de La Palma
The capital of La Palma is perhaps the most beautiful one of all the Canary Islands. Old architecture is preserved here, all houses are painted bright. The most famous highlight is balconies of old houses. There is a lane of buildings, whose balconies are decorated with flowerpots, which looks like a mini botanical garden. It’s very cute, cozy, and romantic. Narrow streets, residents not in a hurry, sounds of the ocean combined with emotional conversations of waiters and their regulars. The small town, where you can wander and enjoy bright old houses for ages. See more here.
5) Experience the starry sky
The largest observatory for starry sky investigation has been located on La Palma. The largest telescope is at the altitude of 2400 m. You can go for a free tour here. But it’s better to book a tour at a local agency, which suggests watching the night sky with large telescopes on one of the many observation decks high in the mountains. La Palma is the island of astro tourism. This is a must see point and on no other island will you be able to see the stars through a telescope.
Island of La Palma is just incredible. The main difference from the other islands is that you can see the starry sky, walk along the Volcanoes road, swim in lava pools, enjoy vast vegetation, and admire the colorful saltworks basins. And that’s not everything about this island.
You should see our advices about Canary Islands:
How to rent a car on Canary Islands
How to travel between Canary Islands (ferry and aircraft)
How to rent apartment while traveling
We would love to hear what you have to say. Follow our online Diary in Instagram, you’ll like it !
Did you love this? Sign up to receive exclusive tips like these!
