Things To Do
Santa Cruz de La Palma
Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island and a charming town full of history and culture. With its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great place to explore. You can visit local shops, museums, and cafes, or simply wander through the streets.
Los Cancajos
Los Cancajos, located close to the airport and Santa Cruz de La Palma, is a former fishing village that has adapted to tourism while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. The beach offers calm waters year-round and is a great spot to explore the underwater world. It’s a laidback area with restaurants along the town’s main street.
Roque de los Muchachos
Roque de los Muchachos is the highest point on La Palma, standing at 2,428 meters (7,959 feet) above sea level. This stunning viewpoint offers panoramic views of the island and is home to the Gran Telescopio Canarias, one of the largest and most advanced optical telescopes in the world.
Playa Nogales
One of Sheyla's favorite places in La Palma, Playa Nogales is a striking black sand beach situated between dramatic cliffs. The scenic hike to reach the beach makes the experience even more enjoyable, and it's advisable to wear sturdy shoes due to the terrain. While the beauty of the beach is undeniable, swimming can be very risky due to strong waves, but it is still worth a visit.
Natural Pools
La Palma features stunning natural pools, including El Charco Azul (join us on Thursday!). Another notable spot is Las Fajanas, where volcanic rock formations create calm swimming areas. Both locations offer a unique way to enjoy the island's natural beauty and relax in the sun.
Caldera de Taburiente
The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a vast crater surrounded by volcanic peaks, with streams, waterfalls, and pine groves. One of the most popular ways to experience the park is by hiking its numerous trails. Alternatively, visitors can drive up to one of the peaks, such as El Roque de los Muchachos.
Stargazing
La Palma is renowned for having some of the clearest skies in Europe, which has led to the establishment of a ‘Starlight Reserve’ to protect its night skies and minimize light pollution. This designation makes it an ideal location for stargazing, and there are numerous tours available for visitors to explore the cosmos.
Los Llanos de Aridane
Los Llanos de Aridane is one of the main towns on the island, alongside Santa Cruz de La Palma. It is a lively place with a charming old town, bustling plazas, and plenty of cafes, shops, and local culture. This is also where Sheyla is from!
Tazacorte
Tazacorte is a charming coastal town and one of the sunniest spots on the island. Sheyla and her family love going there to enjoy delicious seafood while taking in the beautiful ocean views. Their favorite restaurant is called Playa Mont.
Puerto Naos
Puerto Naos is one of the main vacation spots for both tourists and locals. After being closed for several years due to chemical gases from the 2021 volcanic eruption, it has now reopened and is safe to visit. While not all businesses are back up and running, it is still worth a visit to take a stroll and enjoy the beach, and it should be livelier during the summer. Sheyla has spent her summers here since she was a child.
Charco Verde
Charco Verde is one of Sheyla’s favorite beaches, a peaceful little secluded spot. It’s located close to Puerto Naos, making it a great place to visit if you're in the area. The beach is rocky, with stones both in the water and along the shore, so be mindful of that when entering. It has all the basic facilities, including a cafe.
Salinas de Fuencaliente
Salinas de Fuencaliente is a saltwater evaporation pond located in the southern part of the island. Visitors can witness the traditional salt production process.