The city Santa Cruz de La Palma provides access to the wonderful nature of La Palma island.
The Canary Islands are known across Europe for their beautiful beaches, resort hotels, and cheap ‘summer sun’ vacations. Unlike its bustling counterparts, La Palma is a smaller island known for its natural environment and increasing commitment to eco-tourism.
With year-round spring temperatures ranging from 65°-80°F, and the cooling influence of tradewinds, it’s a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts looking for something a bit different than the typical beach-based Canarian vacation.
Geologically speaking, La Palma is one of the youngest islands in the Canaries, formed two million years ago. It remains volcanically active, with the most recent eruption occurring a few years ago, reminding visitors of the dynamic forces shaping the island.
Remarkably, 35% of La Palma is designated as national park land. The island’s lush landscapes are dominated by chestnut and Canarian pine trees, alongside thriving avocado, banana, and sugar cane plantations. La Palma is also renowned for its wine and Palmera cigars, with cigar rolling being a traditional craft passed down through generations.
Mass tourism does exist on La Palma, with large vessels often including it in their Canary Islands cruise itineraries. There are also daily flights from London and other European cities. However, the island lacks the high-rise hotels that characterize many of the archipelago’s tourist hotspots.
Instead, La Palma focuses on sustainable tourism, offering numerous hiking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and some of the clearest skies for stargazing, thanks to its observatories and minimal light pollution.
Volcanic Activity Continues On La Palma
In recent years, Iceland has hit global headlines for its frequent volcanic eruptions, but it’s not the only destination having to cope with Earth’s natural upheavals.
The site of La Palma’s 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption is clearly visible on the landscape.
La Palma remains volcanically active, with the most recent eruption occurring just a few years ago.
Visitors can witness the power of nature firsthand by exploring the island’s numerous volcanic features. Start with the aftermath of the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption, from which locals are still recovering.
Approximately 7,000 people were evacuated when a lava flow almost four miles long poured down the mountainside and into the ocean.
The new three-mile trail to the foot of the Cumbre Vieja volcano starts in Llano del Jable and follows the Cabeza de Vaca path. Guided tours are available because, although inactive, the volcano emits gases, so access is restricted and regulated.
Not feeling so active? The Tajuya viewpoint in El Paso is one of the closest spots to the Cumbre Vieja volcano. It was the main location for international TV crews during the volcanic eruption. From here, you can see the entire panorama, including the new part of the mountain range and the lava flow to the coast.
Hiking Trails Where Nature Thrives
This ongoing volcanic activity has shaped La Palma’s rugged terrain and fertile soil, creating a unique environment where agriculture thrives. The island’s volcanic past is evident in its dramatic landscapes, from craggy cliffs to lush, green valleys.
Lush chestnut and Canarian pine forests are interrupted by thriving avocado, banana, and sugar cane plantations, enabled by the fertile volcanic soil. Vineyards flourish here, producing distinctive Canarian wines, while tobacco plantations are renowned for Palmera cigars, rolled traditionally.
This dramatic landscape also lends itself to long-distance hiking, although many of the steep paths are best explored by experienced hikers or with a guide.
The Marcos y Cordero Springs and Los Tilos Waterfall hike is one of La Palma’s most charming trails, featuring tunnels, rainforests, and waterfalls. Keen hikers will need to book a taxi to/from the trailhead at Casa del Monte, while a rain jacket and flashlight (for unlit tunnels) are useful items.
For experienced hikers, the 10.5-mile one-way Ruta de Los Volcanes hike is a challenging walk with superlative rewards, especially in the early summer months when the bright yellow flowering trefoil contrasts against the green pine and dark volcanic ground.
Hiking blogger Fay Doyle described the route as “another world”, featuring “incredible volcanic landscapes that meet dense forests all the way down to the rugged, volcanic coast.”
A Different Kind Of Beach Town
Unlike typical Canarian beach towns known for their whitewashed resort hotels, Puerto de Tazacorte is known for its colorful houses, historic architecture, and rich agricultural heritage.
These colorful buildings in Puerto de Tazacorte host bars and seafood restaurants.
The town’s popular black sand beaches are set against a backdrop of banana plantations and rugged cliffs, creating a stunning contrast.
The vibrant waterfront promenade is lined with cafés, seafood restaurants, and small shops, offering a taste of local cuisine and culture. The marina is the best place to see the Fajanas de Tazacorte lava deltas, while fishing boats and yachts bob around in the small harbor.
The Streets Of Santa Cruz
While nature is the primary pull of La Palma, don’t ignore the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. Walking through this charming town, you’ll find brightly painted houses featuring wooden balconies along cobbled streets, with a vibrant local life.
The main pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, Calle O’Daly, is bustling with activity in its shops, cafés, and historic landmarks such as the Renaissance-style City Hall and the impressive Church of El Salvador.
Deeper into the town, you’ll discover intriguing attractions including the Naval Museum, featuring a replica of Columbus’s ship Santa Maria, and the Insular Library and Museum of Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Ethnography, located in a former convent.
