According to animalerts, La Palma is one of the Canary Islands. Unlike most other islands, La Palma is not an island full of mass tourism, but a place where people come for peace and nature. La Palma is, according to many, the most authentic Canarian destination of the archipelago. Just like big brothers Gran Canaria and Tenerife, La Palma also has a wet green side to the north, while the south is clearly sunnier and drier.
Top 10 sights of La Palma
#1. Caldera de Taburiente
In the beautiful Caldera de Taburiente area lies the equally beautiful natural park ‘Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente. The area is perfect for walks with an amazing view of the Roque de los Muchachos, which is the highest point on the island. The caldera (bowl-shaped crater) dominates the northern side of the island with a diameter of about 10 kilometers. There are even walks in the erosion crater. An international observatory is located nearby. This is the Roque de los Muchachos observatory.
#2. La Zarza
If you would like to take a fairytale walk, you should definitely visit the laurel forests on the island of La Palma. These forests are located in the north-east of the island at an altitude of approximately between 600 and 1200 metres. On the way you will probably pass the Nogales gorge. There are also opportunities to take walks to the Marcos and Cordero hot springs. In the cultural park de la Zarza you can admire petroglyphs of the original inhabitants ‘the Benahorites’. In the information center more is told about their lives and working methods.
#3. Mirador del Time
The most beautiful and breathtaking view of the island of La Palma can be found at the viewpoint Mirador del Time. You will find this along the route from Los Llanos to Puntagorda. The panoramic view is especially beautiful in the dark. You look over Los Llanos, El Paso, the valley of Aridane, the Cumbres, Pico Bejenado and of course the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
#4. Fuencaliente de la Palma
In the south of the Canary Island of La Palma you will find the healing hot springs Fuencaliente de la Palma. This southern part of the island is also known for the volcanoes San Antonio and Teneguia. There are also many banana and wine plantations to be found. The very picturesque village of Los Canarios is definitely worth a visit. Here the wooden balconies are again the hallmark of the island. At the extreme southern point is a lighthouse from 1967 near the salt pans. Today it is a museum with exhibits about marine life. With a bit of clear weather there is a view of the islands of El Hierro and La Gomera.
#5. Los Llanos de Aridane
The pleasant town of Los Llanos de Aridane has a nice historic town center with atmospheric terraces. There are still many banana plantations around the place. The large square near the church is an important meeting place in the evening. Locals like to hang out there and there are a few terraces. The beaches are about fifteen minutes away and there are plenty of opportunities for wonderful walks. If you want to know more about the culture and history, you should definitely visit the archaeological museum Benahoarita in Los Llanos
#6. San Andrés
The former port of San Andrés is an attraction in the northwest of the island. The village has the recognizable Canarian cobbled alleys and typical mansions. The terraces around the Plaza de San Andrés are well visited. Very special are the pools formed by rocks on the coast and filled with sea water.
#7. Garafia
One of the most beautiful hiking areas of La Palma can be found in the north near Garafia. It is quite quiet there, but very beautiful. The area is full of almond trees, dragon trees combined with gorges, deep ravines and steep coasts. In the town of Santo Domingo you can find an ethnographic museum with information about traditions in and around the farms and other things worth knowing about the countryside. In the silk museum in El Paso you can see what is possible with creations of this beautiful fabric.
#8. Santa Cruz de la Palma
The city of Santa Cruz de la Palma, which is called “La Palma” by the inhabitants, is the capital of the island. Characteristic of the city are the colorful facades with wooden balconies that you see a lot in the street scene. The cozy and cozy center has narrow streets that are occasionally interrupted by beautiful squares. The terraces and cafes are well spread over the center and the boulevard. It is less present here than on the neighboring islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. There are many old buildings and mansions where you are regularly surprised by the special accents in such a building. Think of beautiful ceiling paintings or beautiful old stairwells. The port of Santa Cruz de la Palma is regularly visited by cruise ships. On the beautiful square ‘Plaza de la Alameda’ lies a replica of Columbus’ ship, which is now a maritime museum. Close to Santa Cruz de la Palma is the seaside resort of Los Cancajos.
#9. Puerto Naos
On the west coast of La Palma lies the seaside resort of Puerto Naos. It is a fairly quiet seaside resort with some terraces and restaurants here and there, but no mass tourism. The nightlife is mainly bars. A promenade with some palm trees and other vegetation runs along the coast. There are some less attractive buildings with mainly apartments and large hotels.
#10. Los Cancajos
The cozy seaside resort of Los Cancajos is located on a volcanic beach. The beach is several hundred meters long and is occasionally interrupted by rocky outcrops. There is a pleasant pedestrian promenade with some benches here and there to rest. Because Los Cancajos is a fairly new village with mainly hotels, there is little culture to be found.
