La Palma

La Palma

Things to do - general

The island of La Palma offers breathtaking landscapes, remote beaches, imposing volcanoes, dense forests and incomparably starry skies.

With its 708 square kilometres, an elevation of 2.426m and its shape of a heart it is the most Western island of the Canary Island chain. Like every island in this archipelago, La Palma was created by volcanic activity. It is one of the youngest of the seven islands, dating back some 1.7 million years. The volcanic origin of La Palma is still clearly recognizable today, especially the southern part of the island with the dormant volcano Teneguía which last erupted in 1971, and offers interesting insights into its geological past.

The year-round mild climate with average temperatures between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius produce spring-summerlike weather as a result of the northeast trade winds.
This weather phenomenon is responsible for a pleasant subtropical climate and a rich green vegetation that prevails because of the humidity carried along in the trade winds. These moisture rich winds at certain times of the year also create a spectacular waterfall of clouds cascading down the central mountain faces and hence the nicknames Isla Verde – Green Island and Isla Bonita – Beautiful Island.
The unique geological structure of the island with its variety of vegetation zones and microclimates that are rarely found in the world on such a small area make this island a miniature universe. Each area of the island varies completely from another. In 1983 La Palma was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Another special feature of La Palma is the unique night sky. Due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean, sparse population, minimum light pollution and highest mountain peak Roque de los Muchachos 2.426m, the island was chosen as the location for one of the largest and modern observatories in the world.

The official population of the island is approximately 80,000 people. Traditional festivals such as the Bajada de la Virgen or Los Indianos carnival, famous far beyond the island’s borders, bear witness to the zest for life of the local people (Palmeros). Not only the geographical location, but also the numerous immigrants from Central and South America show a variety of Hispanic influences in island life, cuisine and cultural.

A relaxing break

La Palma offers the perfect combination of originality and natural beauty for people who want to relax. In almost every season of the year you can find a deserted beach, an untouched bay or a lonely hiking trail. With a café con leche in one of the numerous bars you can devote yourself completely to the moment and let yourself be infected by the relaxed canarian way of life – time to chill-out!

The island has still retained its charm and tranquillity - a soothing experience in our modern and sometimes hectic world. An island of peace and quiet but still full of energy. Let yourself be enchanted - let this special experience take effect on you. It will change you - we call it the La Palma effect!

A romantic hideaway

The clear night sky of La Palma is one of the most impressive in the world. Due to its remote location in the Atlantic Ocean, the sparse population and a special law against so-called light pollution, the sky and the stars appear even clearer and more numerous than in most other places on earth. A picnic on a full moon night on a secluded beach, in front of you only the silver reflecting expanse of the Atlantic - an unforgettable experience.

Enjoying the sunset in the private pool of your holiday home with a glass of champagne is perhaps the most pleasant way to end an eventful day.

Having a candlelight dinner, a glass of wine and tasty local specialities in one of the many excellent restaurants – that‘s pure holiday feeling with the right touch of romance! Start making plans for your return.

Family vacation

Due to its diversity and its varied excursion possibilities, La Palma is an ideal destination for families. It doesn't matter if you are competing in sandcastle building on a beach day, watching dolphins and whales in their natural habitat on a boat trip or getting an insight into the secrets of the universe on a visit to the observatory, boredom is a foreign word on the island!

In the well-equipped visitor centers, young and old guests can learn about the volcanic past of La Palma, its flora and fauna and its vast interconnected hiking trail system.

La Palma offers a variety of interesting indoor activities like a visit to one of its many museums: Natural History, Silk, Cigar, Banana, Volcano, Maritime.

Another rewarding excursion destination is Puerto Naos: the ecological banana finca Platanologico,where you can learn about the natural cultivation of this popular fruit and where children can get in touch with farm animals like sheep, goats, donkeys, peacocks.

Enjoy the unique nature

The extraordinary natural beauty of La Palma makes it an island full of surprises. Due to the different vegetation and climate zones there is a richness of species in the flora that is unequalled. Numerous plants are endemic, which means that they only grow here on La Palma.

About a third of the island at higher elevation is covered by forests consisting of pine, laurel and chestnut. The Canary pine with its up to 30 cm long needles also has an important role in the water balance of the island. The humidity of the trade wind clouds condenses on their needles producing a continuous drip that adds to the islands water reserves even when it‘s not raining. Also unique are the laurel rain forests, such as the one in Los Tilos, which grow on the side of the island facing the trade winds. The typical dragon trees of the Canary Islands grow up to 20 m high and can reach an age of several hundred years.

The fertile volcanic soil and the mild climate allow the year-round cultivation of almost all known fruits and vegetables. The weekly fruit and vegetable markets thus offer a rich variety. Wine-growing also benefits from the climatic conditions and the special terrain, especially the white wines of La Palma enjoy an excellent reputation and regularly win awards at international tastings.

The maritime fauna is very diverse - dolphins, whales, turtles, manta rays and many more inhabit the waters around La Palma. The island is populated by geckos and lizards, the Graja - the endemic crow species is considered the unofficial heraldic animal of the island. Anyone who has ever heard the call of the yellow-billed shearwater bird will never forget it.