Top Things to do in La Palma
The 10 Best Things to do in La Palma, Canary Islands
La Palma is a pristine paradise, set against a backdrop of volcanic landscape. Perhaps the best way to experience La Palma’s rugged beauty is a hike through the Caldera de Taburiente National Park or the narrow gorges of Los Tilos. The cool waters of natural swimming hole Charco Azul beckon on a steamy day. The dark sands of Playa Nueva are great for sunbathing and cat naps.
Restaurants in La Palma
1. Caldera de Taburiente
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,110 reviews
Reviewed By wanderluster2017 - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
A stunning site to behold from different points. Definitely worth visiting by La Cumbrecita visitors' centre, very easy to reach by bus or tax or car, from which taxis are also available though some walk the steep climb to the initial viewpoint or drive to the Parking Point. An easy walk from there takes you into the caldera and even this arthritic old lady with bronchial asthma found it very comfortable gently down for the first kilometre and gently up back again.
2. Roque de Los Muchachos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,128 reviews
Reviewed By santpedor - Barcelona, Spain
Although the road to get there is "the long and winding road" it is certainly worth the effort.The views from the top and on the way up are spectacular.If you are on the island of La Palma this visit is a must. When we set off from the coast it was cloudy but at the top it was a beautiful sunny day.
3. Volcano Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By 875argirisc - Kárpathos, Greece
We did the root with mountain bikes, the views are fantastic and the landscape is amazing, if the weather is good you can even see Tenerife!
4. Observatorium Roque de Los Muchachos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By JABDover - Dover, United Kingdom
A visit to the international observatory at the Roque de Los Muchachos is a must. The scenery is amazing, and I would also recommend a tour of one of the telescopes; this can be booked through the company Ad Astra La Palma for a very reasonable cost of €9 per person (not including transport). Our tour guide, Sheila Crosby, was excellent, and has written a most interesting book on the subject. If you want to extend your astronomical experience, you could also book a night-time stargazing tour through the same company or through Astro La Palma. Until the new visitor centre is opened, make sure you take a packed lunch with you to the Roque de Los Muchachos as there are no facilities.
5. Bosque de Los Tilos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
Reviewed By TokyoMaxim - Brussels, Belgium
We went to the Los Tilos Visitor’s Centre (can be found on google maps) and left our car 500 m before the Visitor’s Centre at the start of the PR LP 6 hike. There are two options here: Option 1: just start hiking. You follow the PR LP 6 trail through the forest. After 50 minutes you cross a bridge over an empty river and then it starts to get serious. You follow a path with numerous steps. The ascent is quite hard and you go from 300-400m (Visitor’s Centre) to 1400m. This takes approximately 3 hours for 9 km of hiking upwards. Along the way there is a part which is more open, where you can have stunning views (Mirador de los Espejos), followed by an absolutely beautiful part through the river bed (dry when we went, on Dec 24th) and the lush vegetation. Finally you will arrive at Naciente de Cordero. This one is quite small and here a little water canal starts that will run along the walking path. You pass through tunnel 13. A bit further is the Naciente de Marcos which is more wild and fun to see. Next one is tunnel 12. You will definitely get wet in this one! It is necessary to bring headlamp / torch and very useful to bring a rain jacket. There are 11 more tunnels, from 15 metres up to approximately 340 metres. Watch your head in some tunnels… After the last tunnel (tunnel nr. 1), you reach Case del Monte (a closed hut), this is where the annoying part starts. You have to walk a long way down to Las Lomadas near the sea, where you can finally take a taxi back to the Visitor’s Centre (€12.75/taxi we paid). Don’t underestimate this hike! Hiking shoes, water, food, appropriate clothing, torch / headlamp, rain jacket, maybe hiking sticks to support your knees during the descent. We walked 6 hours in total with food breaks and photo stops. Don’t start hiking after 12.00 or you’ll end up in the dark maybe… Highly recommended activity in La Palma! Option 2: Take a taxi from the Visitor’s Centre to Casa del Monte. Takes about 45 minutes but costs €120 per taxi! You can share this taxi with other people though (up to 6 to 8 people). We were at the Visitor’s Centre at 11.00 and waited until 11.45 for other people but no one joined. Since we did not have enough money, we started walking (see option 1). The last taxi leaves at 12.00 or 12.30. If you take the taxi to Casa del Monte, you do the hiking in the opposite direction to option 1: Casa del Monte - tunnels - Naciente de Marcos - Naciente de Cordero - Visitor’s Centre. A good website with map is the Senderos de La Palma website (list of footpaths - short distance footpaths - PR LP 06)
6. Calle O'Daly
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By Blobber - Worcester, United Kingdom
Calle O'Daly is 'The' central street of Santa Cruz, there are many historical buildings and churches along its length dating back to the first Spanish settlers on the Island. Walking the length of the town starting with this street can be done in 15 minutes but its a 'Good day out' to walk and visit the various sites and shops, take your time there is lots to see. Can get a little busy if there's a BIG cruise liner in Port
7. Playa Tazacorte
8. Hafen Santa Cruz de La Palma
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By ewan1952 - Broadstone, United Kingdom
Looking to explore La Palma on a budget while on a Cruise stop we checked out the local bus service and hopped on TLP Service 100 to Barlovento in the North of the Island. The route took us up and down ravines along the east coast snaking up and swooping down with stunning coastal views. The single deck buses were modern and clean the roads well surfaced with overtaking lanes for the steeper stretches. €12 well spent.
9. Mirador El Time
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 361 reviews
Reviewed By alan2303 - Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom
Lots of places in La Palma that are good viewpoints but this was one of my favourites. Spectacular view of the valley below the sea and mountains in the distance and little villages looking picturesque in the sunshine. Worth a stop and the view from the cafe looks great too.
10. Balcones de la avenida Maritima
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By RobButler - Thetford, United Kingdom
Visited as part of a cruise stop-off. Loved the town. Very clean with wonderful old streets full of character. Beautiful flowers and plants everywhere. Wish we could have spent more time there. Recommended.
TAGS
