La Palma, one of the quietest and most tranquil of the Canary Islands, has earned the nickname 'La Isla Bonita' (the Pretty Island) from natives and tourists alike. There are wonderful contrasts of natural beauty with unspoilt natural spaces, crystal clear waters, a wealth of flora and fauna, volcanic coves and bright blue skies. As an area full of traditions, cuisines, crafts and folklore it is a unique island with limited flights to Mazo Airport taking about four hours from the UK. With a number of connecting flights in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, La Palma is an accessible holiday destination that offers relaxation and discovery.
Considered the most beautiful of the Canary Islands, La Palma offers a relaxing getaway…
La Palma is not an island for nightlife, parties and entertainment but it is ideal for older couples or anyone looking for a quiet getaway though the excellent watersports facilities are also a big draw. La Palma is a retreat for those who want to travel to the other Canary Islands by day but prefer to escape by night with ferries sailing from the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma three times a day to Tenerife, twice a week to El Hierro and with limited connections to other islands.
Though there is much to explore within the quaint sun-kissed villages, the year-round heat of La Palma, which rarely drops below 20°C even in the winter months, will make it difficult to move away from the beach. The island has two leading beach resorts - Los Cancajos and Piscinas La Fajana.
The beach at Playa de los Cancajos is wide with three small bays. The black lava sand is characteristic of the island but the beach has been awarded the European Blue Flag for excellence thanks to its clear waters, which make it ideal for snorkelling and diving - there is also a playground on the beach to keep children active. Piscinas La Fajana meanwhile is a collection of natural rock pools that can be found in the north of the island close to Barlovento, and is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
The capital city of Santa Cruz, which takes the appearance of an open-air museum, is a must for a day trip. A former port city, it has artistic heritage that can be seen in the parish church of El Salvador. The streets are lined with palm trees and attractions, such as the Museum of Natural Science, are plentiful. This is the busiest shopping area with many small markets offering fresh produce and a number of quiet bars and restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Puerto Raos is a traditional fishing village with a diving base where you can view exotic fish, which live in coral reefs and volcanic reefs. Los Llanos, on the west coast, is also worth a visit with its plaza hosting many local concerts and fiestas. The indoor market sells locally sourced produce such as smoked goat's cheese, exotic fruits and fish.
Holidays in Brena Baja are also popular as it sits on the outskirts of the capital with diving and snorkelling highly recommended in the tropical waters. There are lush, green hills with many villas having their own terraces and pools, as well as the Parador de la Isla de la Palma, which has been converted into a five star hotel. Take a day trip to the Casa de Tabaco and see how the Cuban-styled cigars on sale throughout the island are made.
