La Palma
La Isla Bonita is often used to describe the island, and for good reasons. Many hikers visit the island annually to admire its nature. Breathtaking landscapes, volcanoes, a wide diversity of forests and lovely beaches. The one-off location of the island results in clear skies and one of the best observatories in the world, ‘Roque Muchachas’. Despite its beauty, La Palma is not yet flooded by mass tourism. People visit La Palma to enjoy life, delicious food and drinks, friendly locals, nature and beaches. Enjoy La Palma…
Playa de Nogales
Nogales beach is one of the prettiest beaches of La Palma. This black sand beach contrasts nicely against the high green mountainside. The downhill ride from the village of Puntallana is spectacular but still accessible, partly by stairs. The walk along the rockeries and caves will show an amazing view.
Roque de los Muchachos
The ‘Roque’ is the highest point of the island, with a height of 2426 meters. The edge of the crater is part of national park Caldera de Taburiente and the view is truly phenomenal. ‘Observatorium Roque de los Muchachos’ is sited here for good reason, on clear nights the sky is filled with stars. One of the best spots for stargazing.
Bodegas Teneguia
For over sixty years now, Teneguía Winery produces wine in the Southern village Fuencaliente. The bodega processes grapes from the local vineyards to profitable wine. They bottle white, red and rosé wine made from the Malvasia breeds, such as Sabro, Gual, Listan, Bujariego, Negramoll and Baboso. The sweet and prestigious Malvasia wine is made from grapes harvested in a short period of time and processed with traditional methods. In the store you can buy their wine and the salt from the salt fields in Fuencaliente.
Cigar-factory 'Puros Artesanos Julio'
On La Palma the Latin-American influences can be noticed everywhere. This becomes particularly visible in the cigar making craft. In Breña Alta you can find a cigar-factory and shop called Puros Artesanos Julio. In this factory you can see how the cigars are made. If you’re interested, you can try it yourself and join one of their workshops. In the characteristic building the cigar leaves are dried, carefully selected and fabricated into cigars. Truly worth visiting.
Ceramica El Molino
This ceramic atelier is located in Villa de Mazo, in a former Gofio-mill, corn mill. Craftsman Ramón Barreto and Vina Cabera make ceramic pots, sculptures and other art pieces in the same way the Benahoaritas did. The Benahoaritas are the indigenous population of La Palma that made their pots and sculptures in this specific way. No metal tools or potter wheels are used to make these creations. Many of the art that was made in this atelier has been donated to museums. In the showroom you can buy your own ceramics as well.
Bosque de Los Tilos
In the northwestern part of La Palma you can find the biggest laurel forest on the island. This botanical virgin forest was declared as protected biosphere nature reserve by UNESCO in 1983. Many plant species that are extinct in other parts of the world still grow here. When you decide to hike in Bosque de Los Tilos you will be surprised by the overwhelmingly beautiful nature with creeks and waterfalls. Upon entering Bosque de Los Tilos there is a visitor center with lots of information about the national park. At the same time this spot is the starting point of various hiking trails.
Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente
This caldera, or rift, is an erosion crater with a diameter of 10 kilometers. In some spots it almost reaches a height of up to 2000 meters high. In contrary to Bosque de Los Tilos, this national park is mostly wooded with conifers instead of laurel forest. The visitor center is located in El Paso, here you can get a tour and get to know everything about the Caldera de Taburtiente. Once again this is a starting point for beautiful hiking trails. One spot in particular is phenomenal, the viewpoint La Cumbrecita.
Hiking without a guide?
Of course, hiking without a guide is possible. Although guides often succeed in showing the most beautiful spots. Hiking maps and books can be bought if you prefer to hike without a guide. Via the link below you can find a hiking guide.
San Andrés
In the center of this village, you will find a church, just as in many other villages. This 16th century church, San Andrés Apóstol, has a wooden ceiling in mudejar style. The wealth from this period of time is still clearly visible. On ‘Plaza de San Andrés’, next to the church, there are beautiful big palm trees. From the terraces you can see the blue ocean through the palm leaves. The terraces are located on a frequently visited square. From the center of San Andrés there’s a paved trail along the coast to the beach, a beautiful walk. Close to the beach you will find a small port with a nice restaurant close by.
Charco Azul
Charco Azul is a unique place where you can enjoy the sea with the whole family. The nature basins have an even bottom and stairs so you can easily get into the water. A small waterfall and the paddling pool make this into a great spot for all ages. Charco Azul has a sunbathing terrace, showers and changing rooms. Los Sauces and San Andrés have received several Ecoplaya Awards. Restaurant ‘La Cantina’ is sited next to Charco Azul and has an amazing menu for lunch or dinner, with a breathtaking ocean view included. There’s enough space to park and a lifeguard who keeps an eye out.
Salinas de Fuencaliente
In the most southern part of La Palma you can find Fuencaliente. The lighthouse and salt fields are very popular among tourists. A short walk around the saltwater basins shows visitors how this process works. The walls have been built step by step. The dazzling white salt forms by evaporation of sea water in these basins. Next to the basins you can find restaurant ‘El Jardin de la Sal’ where you can enjoy a delicious meal or some drinks. Of course, the Fuencaliente salt can be bought here as well.
Centro de Visitantes Volcán San Antonio
The visitors centre near the San Antonio volcano is another place worth visiting. Explanation on volcanic activity is being offered and the eruption and several films are being played to view. Moreover, this centre is the starting point of a hike over the crater rim of the volcano, which last eruption took place in 1677. The hike gives a beautiful view into the ‘mouth’ of the crater. Additionally, an amazing view over the south of La Palma is being offered and the salt fields of Fuencaliente and lighthouse are visible in the distance.
