A genuinely unspoilt island known as the beautiful island

La Palma has two nicknames, it is mostly known as La Isla Bonita, the beautiful island, but also as La Isla Verde, the green island, and it certainly is. With stunning scenery and spectacular landscapes it is the greenest of all of the Canary Islands and offers great contrasts between the mountains, volcanoes, beach and forest.

Fortunately it does not appeal to the mass market and development on has been restricted here to protect an island that has been classified as a Biosphere Reserve. Just 30kms by 50kms it has the highest peak, Roque de los Muchachos above sea level (2423m), making it the steepest in the world in relation to its total area. It has laurel woodlands, refreshing water springs and long ravines as well as idyllic bays and of course the mountains and coastline – all very natural and unspoilt. This truly is an island to enjoy peace and tranquility and nature at its best.

Unlike most of  the other Canary Islands, La Palma is not dependent on tourism for its survival so you won't find bustling towns and high rise hotels everywhere, but it does have what you need.  Good local restaurants, interesting places to visit, charming Spanish towns and villages and beaches, though most of these have black sand or pebbles. 

La Palma suits the more independent traveller seeking an unspoilt destination that is calm, peaceful and has some interesting history and nature at its best.

English is not as widely spoken on La Palma as in the other larger islands, but within the hotels staff can obviously help. Locals are friendly, charming and proud of their island and with a little effort on both sides one always manages to make oneself understood.

Getting there

As a smaller less frequented island flights do not operate direct year round.  Currently we fly you to Tenerife with either a connecting flight or a ferry crossing from November 2007 there will be a direct charter flight which we will offer you at the time of booking.  Everything is taken care of for you and although not always a direct route the journey to this delightful haven of peace and quiet is well worth it.

Locations rather than resorts

We have selected just five properties here, each unique and the areas they are in are:

Santa Cruz de la Palma 

The islands capital is an appealing town with traditional and modern architecture which work well together.  The Plaza de Espana is in the centre of town a couple of streets back from the seafront, here you will find the Church of the Saviour (Iglesis Matriz del Salvador) built in 1503 which contains a mix of Muslim and Christian Gothic elements  known as the mudejar style.  There are other places of interest close by including other notable churches, a museum and a life size replica of the Santa Maria, columbus’ ship which houses the Naval Museum.  There are some small shops, a lovely row of houses with the typical balconies known as Casa de los Balcones (!) which are now a symbol of the town. The Parador sits on a hill in site of Santa Cruz while our other property nearby is just on the outskirts in Playa de los Cancajos a small seafront resort (the largest on the island)  with shops, bars and restaurants. This is a good area from which to explore the island.

Villa de Mazo

Vila de Mazo is located on the southeastern part of the island of and is easily found if driving yourself as the main route for the island passes nearby.It is south of Santa Cruz and has a population of less than 5000 and sitting at 500m above sea level it has views across the sea to La Gomera in the distance. The surrounding area is mostly farmland and to the north are forests. Within this typical hillside village you will find Casa Roja the embrodiery museum, a craft which is still practised on the island, Mazo is also well known for hand-made cigars and local crafts include baskets and the lacework. Also nearby (approx 4kms)  is the Belmaco Archaeoligical Park which has ten caves with rock carvings.

Mallet

This is the nearest village to Dona Arminda and is small and typical, Santa Cruz is only a few kilometres away for outings and shopping.

Los Llanos de Aridane

This the second largest town on the island. It is modern, except for the charming typical Spanish Plaza de Espagna, a great place to stop for a coffee under the shade of the laurel trees and people watch. Concerts and other performances are held here at certain times of the year.
There are some a few interesting sites here and a good range of shop, bars and cafes.  The area south of the town is mainly of banana plantations and there are some lovely coves and beaches, such as Puerto Naos, Las Monjas and Charco Verde. Bungalows la Villa is out of town.

Things to do on La Palma

Places to visit include the National Park, Santa Cruz, the Church of Las Nieves, the beach at Puerto Tazacorte. Our What to do page above and the  travel guide we include with your tickets will give you more information and our local representative will be glad to give you advice.

Getting around

We recommend car hire on this island in particular and include it in most of or holidays here. It is an island crying out to be explored! Transfers can be arranged if you just intend to flop and drop in the Santa Cruz area, and from here you would be able to walk or take a taxi to town.

Events on La Palma

These are generally limited by the size of the island and the smaller towns and are often local festivals, more details on our What’s on page above.

Beaches on La Palma

Though most visitors are not there to particularly have a beach holiday, there are about 50 beaches in total on this island mostly of black volcanic sand or pebbles, Santa Cruz has a large beach on the south side of the town and we mention a few others below.  The naturally black lava sand can be off-putting to visitors but the beaches and coastal waters here are spotlessly clean

Puerto Naos beach is in a typical fishing village  near Santa Cruz and is a blue flag beach of 500 metres with moderate waves there are facilities in the surrounding area.
Los Cancajos A lovely beach with crystal water revealing rocky beds in a traditional tourist area. Access is good and there are a number of services nearby. Another Blue flag beach.
Puerto de Tazacorte has the longest beach on the west coast and is a pebble beach popular with visitors and locals.  Tazacorte is has a fishing harbour and pleasure boats and restaurants and cafés can be found on the streets behind the beach, a good place to sample local seafood.

Things to buy would include local crafts such as basket work or lace work, local wines and cheeses and honey.

Prestige Plus in La Palma

Private transfer or hire car included in your holiday

Welcome gift in your room on arrival

Travel Guide to the Canaries

The services and support of our charming local handling agent and representative