Top Things to do in La Palma
What to do and see in La Palma, Spain: The Best Places and Tips
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 National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 900 reviews
Reviewed By Saricie_Q - Taipei, Taiwan
I was arriving by a cruise and had limited time. Since there is no public transportation to get to this Park, I joined an excursion offered by the cruiseline. We did have a stop at national park's visitor center (worth a visit, since the bilingual Exhibitions help you understand how this "caldera" was formed.). We were also driven to several vantage points to take great pictures; before leaving the Park, we even had a chance to do a short walk to a "mirador" (viewing point). I would have staying longer and taken a longer walk in the Park if I had more time. However, it is total worth it for the stunning views even if you have only a couple of hours.
2. Roque de Los Muchachos
Overall Ratings
5 based on 786 reviews
Reviewed By zenu - London
The drive up (and down) the breath holding winding roads to the Roque is spectacular in every way. Vineyards abound on the steep slopes and the verdant landscape is a sharp contrast to the arid areas of the south of the island. The roads are good but falling rocks is a hazard in this area - promptly dealt with by the municipal workers,
Ample parking space at the Roque. Despite the rain the viewing of the Roque left one speechless - almost a surreal setting or very near to a spiritual experience.....
Due to mobility issues we were unable to do any of the treks (very popular with the visitors) but were very delighted with what we saw and experienced.
As has been pointed out by previous reviewers, the elevation here makes for very cold conditions. We had our winter clothes and yet we were very, very, very cold. A thermos flask of tea/coffee would be a useful to take with one. There are no bathrooms at this level.
Definitely worth a visit even if you have no intentions to do any of the hikes.
3. Ruta de los volcanes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By NoeB1 - Antwerp, Belgium
We drove with our rental car to El Pilar. There is the starting point of the Ruta. The first part you have to climb, and the last part you have to descend for a long time to Los Canarios. We did the walk on a very clear day, the sky was blue and there was just a moderate wind. These are the best conditions you can have. The views are fantastic, the landscapes are stunning, you can see El Hiero, La Gomera and Tenerife from here, and at some points you see both sides of the island ..... You have to do this walk when you are in La Palma it was one of the highlights of our holiday! We started walking at 10.30 AM and arrived in the south at 4.15 PM. So the trip takes about 5 to 6 hours. There we went to the tourist office and they called a taxi for us for the return to El Pilar. The cost is about 37€. Or you can go to Los Llanos or Santa Cruz and take a taxi over there.
4. Bosque de Los Tilos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By ArtistheP - Amsterdam
If you follow the signs to Los Tilos you'll first come across a small wooden house with some informationplates outside. This is where the path 'monte el canal y los Tilos' starts. The path is very easy, saw a lot of kids along the way, and takes you to the last, steep part with stairs to the viewpoint. It took us 90 minutes back and forth. Not the most exciting hike on the island but still very pleasant and lots of beautiful trees. There's more parking space a little further along the road. If you follow the road, you'll come to the actual visitor center (lots to see) and a restaurant. Just before the restaurant to the left is the path 'Barranco del agua' with a few tunnels taking you to the waterfall (cascada, end of the path), about 10 minutes one way.
5. Mirador de la Cumbrecita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By VeniVidiViaje - Glenrothes, United Kingdom
Access to the Mirador is strictly controlled. You can book a car park pass (free) on the Internet (places are quite limited). There are great views of the Caldera from the car park area and you can also walk quite a bit further if you wear sensible footwear. (Flip flops and sandals should stay in the car park area!).
Book an hour if you just want the views, but longer if walking. There are good Mountains walks from both ends of the car park.
The silence is unbelievable and the restricted access means there is plenty of space.
Don't forget your water. Refreshments are not available up there.
Booking a place may seem inconvenient, but it is worth it. You don't get the car parking issues experienced at Roque de Los Muchachos (and the views are very different).
6. Volcan Teneguia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Reviewed By Zoe B - Sheffield, United Kingdom
We walked from Volcán San Antonio down to Teneguia and honestly it was well worth the challenge. What an amazing walk. Definitely wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothes. We saw people in open toe sandals and one lady in flip flops. Definitely more suited to walking boots, trainers at a push. There are some hair raising edges, and loose rocks can be a bit nerve wracking... but most people should manage.
7. Piscinas de Fajana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By horsejudgeuk - Meir, United Kingdom
Difficult drive down very steep hill 2nd gear for nearly 3 miles, good view sea a bit rough so eat in restaurant excellent.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
Reviewed By Caryol5963 - Enschede, The Netherlands
The salt pans are interesting, they produce different colour of salts which are then on sale in the shop at the back of the restaurant. It is free to visit but if one wants to have an insite of its history and surroundings then there is a €5.00 fee per person to visit the museum which also sheds light on the history of the two Lighthouses. There isn't much else just soak in the fresh Alantic air. One last thing do buy your salt from the shop as else where prices doubles.
9. Charco Azul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By lordofthemorning - Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
Here is a nice pool for swimming in the sea, but protected from the currents. It looks unfinished still. They are building a restaurant here and it looks like there should be chairs and beds here normally. Maybe later. Without them it's still nice. There are dressing rooms and toilets. Ignore the Wiki description above, it points to the wrong place (country/continent). You can not get here by bus. You can park your car above. It is not accessible for wheelchairs (yet).
10. Calle O'Daly
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Vijay B
O'Daly is part of a street originally (and still) known as Calle Real (Royal Street) as many kings have walked on this lovely quaint street over the centuries. However, this Royal Street has now been given different names by areas. O'Daly and Perez de Brito to name two. Flanked with small boutiques and cafes, it is the main pedestrian street of this beautiful city and worth a walk to discover the lovely and interested family owned businesses. Hope it stays this way for a long time.
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