La Palma Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

La Palma, also known as "La Isla Bonita," is a hidden gem located in the Canary Islands region of Spain. This picturesque island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and a laid-back atmosphere that is sure to captivate any traveler.

With its diverse landscapes, La Palma is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The island is home to the stunning Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a massive crater with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints. Hiking trails crisscross the park, allowing visitors to explore its hidden treasures and enjoy panoramic views of the island.

For those seeking a more relaxing experience, La Palma boasts beautiful black sand beaches that line its coastline. Playa de Nogales, with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

La Palma is not just about natural wonders; it also has a rich cultural heritage. The island's capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, is a charming colonial town with colorful buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. Explore its historic district, where you will find beautiful churches, quaint shops, and traditional Canarian architecture.

Art and culture enthusiasts will be delighted by La Palma's vibrant arts scene. The island is known for its traditional crafts, including pottery, embroidery, and woodworking. Visit the Museo Insular de La Palma, located in an old Dominican convent, to learn more about the island's history and artistic traditions.

No trip to La Palma would be complete without indulging in its delicious cuisine. The island offers a wide array of traditional Canarian dishes, such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, fresh seafood, and local cheeses. Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of the island's famous wine, produced from the volcanic soils that give La Palma its unique flavors.

Alternative names: Area: 266.41 mi²Maximum elevation: 7949 ftArchipelago: Canary IslandsCoordinates: 28°41'1"N, 17°51'27"W

Location

Canary IslandsSpain

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La Palma Top Attractions

La Palma Attractions - What to See and Explore

La Palma offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fuencaliente Lighthouse, Punta Lava Lighthouse, Arenas Blancas Lighthouse, Punta Cumplida Lighthouse. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Fuencaliente Lighthouse
The Fuencaliente Lighthouse is an active lighthouse at the southern end of the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The original lighthouse was built in 1903 and while it still exists it was replaced by the current lighthouse in 1985.
Lighthouse
Punta Lava Lighthouse
Punta Lava Lighthouse is an active 20th century Spanish lighthouse on the Canary island of La Palma. It is located in the municipality of Tazacorte, near the village of La Bombilla on the western side of the island.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Arenas Blancas Lighthouse
The Arenas Blancas Lighthouse is an active lighthouse on the Canary island of La Palma in the municipality of Villa de Mazo, near the village of La Salemera. The larger settlement of Mazo lies 8 km to the north-west.

Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Punta Cumplida Lighthouse
Punta Cumplida Lighthouse is an active 19th century Spanish lighthouse on the Canary island of La Palma in the municipality of Barlovento.
Observatories and planetariums
Isaac Newton Telescope
The Isaac Newton Telescope or INT is a 2.54 m optical telescope run by the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands since 1984.
Observatories and planetariums
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in the municipality of Garafía on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain.
Cinder cone that erupted in 1971
Teneguía
Teneguía is a monogenetic cinder cone – a volcanic vent which has been active once and has had further seismic activity. It is situated on the island of La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, and is located at the southern end of the sub-aerial section of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, of which Teneguía is just one of several vents.
Observatories and planetariums
MAGIC
MAGIC is a system of two Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes situated at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, at about 2200 m above sea level.
Protected area
Canary Islands Network for Protected Natural Areas
The Canary Islands Network for Protected Natural Areas is a conservation organization in the Canary Islands. It recognizes 146 areas across the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas and Fuerteventura as under protection.
Observatories and planetariums
William Herschel Telescope
The William Herschel Telescope is a 4.20-metre optical/near-infrared reflecting telescope located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. The telescope, which is named after William Herschel, is part of the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes.
Natural attraction • Nature • Volcano
Cumbre Vieja
The Cumbre Vieja is an active volcanic ridge on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. The spine of Cumbre Vieja trends in an approximate north–south direction, comprising the southern half of La Palma, with both summit ridge and flanks pockmarked by dozens of craters and cones.
Observatories and planetariums • Shopping
Galileo National Telescope
The Galileo National Telescope, is a 3.58-meter Italian telescope, located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain.
Natural attraction • Nature • Cave
Cuevas de los Murciélagos
The Cuevas de los Murciélagos are a complex of two volcanic caves on La Palma, Canary Islands. They are located at the Nacientes de Marcos y Cordero near the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces in the north of the island. Cueva de los Murciélagos I is located in an altitude of 1220 m, Cueva de los Murciélagos II in an altitude of 1000 m.
Observatories and planetariums
Swedish Solar Telescope
The Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope is a refracting solar telescope at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma in the Canary Islands. It is run by the Institute for Solar Physics of Stockholm University.
Observatories and planetariums
Dutch Open Telescope
The Dutch Open Telescope is an optical solar telescope located on Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma. With a main mirror of 45 centimeters, it can reach an 0.2 arcsec resolution for sustained periods. For further optimization of the images, the DOT uses the image despeckle mechanism.
Observatories and planetariums
Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope
The Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope or JKT is a 1-metre optical telescope named for the Dutch astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn of the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain.
Observatories and planetariums
Mercator Telescope
The Mercator Telescope is a 1.2 m telescope at the Observatorio del Roque de Los Muchachos on La Palma. It is operated by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, in collaboration with the Observatory of the University of Geneva and named after Gerard Mercator, famous cartographer.
28°41'40"N • 17°46'56"W
Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves
Church
Observatories and planetariums
HEGRA
HEGRA, which stands for High-Energy-Gamma-Ray Astronomy, was an atmospheric Cherenkov telescope for Gamma-ray astronomy. With its various types of detectors, HEGRA took data between 1987 and 2002, at which point it was dismantled in order to build its successor, MAGIC, at the same site.

Day trips

La Palma – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of La Palma, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Roque de los Muchachos (El Paso), Castillo de Santa Catalina (Santa Cruz de La Palma), Idafe Rock (Caldera de Taburiente National Park).

5.1 miN
Rocky summit and the island's highest
Roque de los Muchachos, El Paso
Perched on the edge of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the Roque de los Muchachos is an iconic natural monument in the municipality of El Paso, nestled on the beautiful island of La Palma, Spain. This majestic peak, rising to an altitude of 2,426 meters, is...
5.9 miE
Forts and castles
Castillo de Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz de La Palma
The Castillo de Santa Catalina is a castle in Santa Cruz de La Palma on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The original castle was constructed in 1554–1560 after the city was attacked by French pirates in 1553.
2.3 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Idafe Rock, Caldera de Taburiente National Park
Idafe Rock is a natural stone pillar located in Caldera de Taburiente National Park on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The Guanches, worshipped the Idafe Rock, identifying it as an Axis Mundi. Should it collapse, great catastrophes would befall the world.
5.8 miSW
28°38'48"N • 17°56'38"W
Fancy II, Tazacorte
Dolphin and whale watching, Tours, Outdoor activities
5.5 miN
Observatories and planetariums
Isaac Newton Telescope, Garafía
The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes or ING consists of three optical telescopes: the William Herschel Telescope, the Isaac Newton Telescope, and the Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope, operated by a collaboration between the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Dutch NWO and the Spanish IAC.

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Best Time To Visit La Palma

Learn when is the best time to travel to La Palma weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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August is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February, March, April and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June and July. Most of it rains in January and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in La Palma?

The top attractions to visit in La Palma are:

What is the best time to visit La Palma?

August is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March and July. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February, March, April and December.

La Palma Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

La Palma Attractions - What to See and Explore

La Palma plan & book

La Palma – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Best Time To Visit La Palma

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in La Palma?

What is the best time to visit La Palma?