La PalmaCanary Islands · Spain

All About La Palma

Nicknamed ‘Isla Bonita’ (meaning the beautiful island), La Palma is a dream vacation for nature lovers. With volcanic cones, green forests, and black-sand beaches, La Palma boasts an impressive landscape diversity. La Palma became the first Biosphere Reserve in the Canary Islands to protect its natural beauty for future generations. However, there are even more natural wonders to behold in La Palma from its lava fields and lush ravines. The depths of the sea beneath La Palma house underwater caves and breathtaking marine species. Late at night, the heavens open to create one of the world’s best stargazing destinations.

Well-marked paths draw hikers to this volcanic island and will guide you on an epic adventure across dramatic terrain. In addition to preserving unspoiled nature, La Palma islanders maintain their rich traditions which create a unique cultural experience. By booking ferry tickets to La Palma, you’re moments away from an intimate connection with the natural world. Ferryscanner has all the routes, timetables, and tickets to make your trip to this island paradise a smooth one.
 

Routes and Ferries to La Palma

Booking ferry tickets to La Palma means taking a voyage to a true treasure of the Canaries. This tropical oasis astounds visitors with its volcanic craters, emerald-green forests, and black-sand beaches. As the northwesternmost Canary Island, La Palma has dodged mass tourism with its distant location. Although the more intrepid travellers are buying ferry tickets to La Palma to have an adventurous holiday. With La Palma’s laid-back culture, wine tastings, fresh air, and outdoor activities, who could blame them?

The Ferryscanner website helps you compare routes that go from the other Canary Islands to La Palma. Naviera Armas offers ferry crossings to La Palma from Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Los Cristianos (Tenerife), and La Gomera. The ferry from Las Palmas to La Palma takes around 8.5 hours and departs every Friday. Though you’ll have more flexibility when booking ferry tickets to La Palma from La Gomera or Los Cristianos. The journey from La Gomera takes around 2.5 hours and 3-4 hours from Los Cristianos. The six weekly sailings from both ports give you plenty of options to schedule your La Palma getaway.
 

Ports of La Palma

Located on the eastern coast of La Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma has one of the most picturesque ports of the Canaries. Santa Cruz de la Palma is the island’s capital and second-largest city, with around 16,000 residents. The ferry terminal bustles with daily vessels shuttling tourists from the other Canary Islands. From the moment you step off the ferry, you’ll witness the volcanic origins of La Palma. Santa Cruz de la Palma sits atop an ancient lava flow that contrasts against brightly colored buildings.

Just a short walk from the ferry terminal, the Avenida Maritime promenade directs you to the city center. Wander the pedestrian streets to find shops, bars, and restaurants. The corridors of Plaza de España include beautiful architecture, fountains, and the historic Parroquia Matriz de El Salvador.
 

Best Beaches

La Palma’s volcanic nature has created a spectacular collection of beaches to spend sunny afternoons. Black-sand shores and sharp cliffs form unbelievable vistas against turquoise waters crashing against the coast. While some beaches sit beside restaurants and hotels, others remain secluded for a peaceful escape.

Puerto de Tazacorte

Jet-black sand, aquamarine waters, and imposing cliffs form one of La Palma’s most picturesque beach settings. Puerto de Tazacorte sits on the western coast of La Palma and has placid waters ideal for swimming. The colorful buildings contrast against the dark sands, and the community has plenty of shops and restaurants.

Playa de Nogales

Backed by imposing cliffs, Playa de Nogales is another black-sand beauty of La Palma. Admire the glossy shores and green cliffs from the high-above scenic viewpoint before climbing to the shoreline. The rough swells make Playa de Nogales dangerous for swimming but entice daring surfers. The lack of infrastructure makes it a wild location for beachgoers.

La Fajana Seawater Swimming Pools

For a unique beach experience, soak in the natural pools of La Fajana. The poolside setting includes incredible ocean views beside black volcanic rocks. Bring your towel to sunbathe on the deck or sit beneath the cascading waterfalls in the smaller pool. The natural seawater provides a refreshing swim without the danger of rough currents. Bring your snorkeling gear to search for colorful fish inside the pools.
 

Things to Do

La Palma mainly attracts nature lovers wishing to escape mass tourism. Notably, La Palma doesn’t see the fanfare of the larger Canaries, and it’s perfect for wild adventures. Whether you want to explore by land, sea, or air, La Palma enchants tourists with its scenic beauty. Visitors looking to remain active during their visit will never get bored of its diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Hiking

With around 1,000 km of marked trails on varied topography, La Palma is a thrilling island for hikers. Caldera de Taburiente National Park is La Palma’s crown jewel and has unbelievable scenery. Rugged peaks soar above a volcanic crater while Canary Island pines engulf the landscape. Steep climbs ascend above the clouds and offer dramatic views of the sea. Follow the trails around the park to discover craggy cliffs, tumbling streams, and beautiful bird species.

Stargazing

La Palma became the world’s first Starlight Reserve, and the lack of light pollution leads to otherworldly nighttime views. The Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory sits above 2,400 m and places you above the clouds. With the clear skies, high altitude, and far distance from city light, La Palma is a premier stargazing location.

Scuba Diving

La Palma’s volcanic nature has created a complex world of geologic wonders beneath its warm waters. Divers who explore the underwater mysteries will find eerie caves, basalt formations, and rocky canyons. The year-round diving opportunities help you find stunning creatures like moray eels, seahorses, and turtles. Multiple professional dive teams operate around La Palma to guide you on a spectacular journey into the deep-blue sea.

Paragliding

Take to the skies and explore the green pearl of the Canaries from above. La Palma is a rare place with the ideal winds to enjoy year-round paragliding expeditions. Soaring above pine forests, volcanic mountains, and rugged cliffs will make your heart race. La Palma has several designated flight zones from high altitudes that make excellent launch sites for your flight.
 

Transportation Around La Palma

La Palma has a reliable road network, and hiring a car gives you the most freedom to explore the island. Given La Palma’s mountainous terrain, expect driving routes to take longer than expected. Santa Cruz de la Palma has several car rental companies that offer competitive daily rates.

Public buses connect the primary settlements around La Palma and have affordable fares. However, you won’t access the more scenic locations in La Palma via public transport alone. Taxi services are widely available to get around whichever town you’re visiting on the island.