La Palma is one of the steepest islands you’ll find, where dramatic volcanic peaks rise sharply from the ocean and towering ridges cut through lush forests. This rugged terrain offers not only awe-inspiring views but also some of the most rewarding hikes in the Canary Islands. La Palma feels untouched and peaceful, it's a place where nature takes center stage.

What About La Palma?

La Palma, lovingly nicknamed "La Isla Bonita," is a treasure tucked away in the westernmost reaches of the Canary Islands. Covering 708 square kilometers and home to roughly 85,000 residents, it offers a mix of rugged adventure and serene beauty. Unlike its busier neighbors, La Palma feels refreshingly untouched—a haven for those craving nature, solitude, and a sense of discovery. The island enjoys a pleasant climate, with temperatures staying comfortably between 18°C (64°F) and 26°C (79°F) throughout the year.

One of the island’s most intresting features might be its night sky. Officially recognized as a Starlight Reserve, La Palma has some of the clearest, darkest skies in the world. High up at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, 2,426 meters above sea level, the stars come alive in breathtaking detail. It’s the kind of view that stops you in your tracks, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just lying back, letting the cosmos remind you how vast the universe really is.

The landscapes are just as impressive as the skies. From lush forests that hum with life to the stark beauty of volcanic craters, the diversity is remarkeble. The Ruta de los Volcanes trail takes you across 24 kilometers (15 miles) of rugged volcanic ridges, while the serene paths of Caldera de Taburiente National Park let you wander through ancient pine forests and gaze at towering cliffs. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve feels like a world in itself.

Why We Chose La Palma of the Canary Islands

As we planned our next adventure, La Palma quickly emerged as the ideal choice. Here’s why:

• Sunny Weather in January: Escaping the winter blues was a priority, and La Palma’s mild climate, with temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 26°C (79°F), offered the perfect remedy. While much of Europe shivered, we were basking in warm, sunny days.

• Island Vibes: There’s something special about being on an island—the laid-back pace, the sound of the ocean, and that distinct feeling of being removed from the rush of daily life. La Palma promised exactly that, with its small-town charm and tranquil atmosphere.

• Fewer Crowds: Unlike its busier Canary Island neighbors, La Palma remains refreshingly unspoiled. It felt like the perfect escape from the tourist hustle, offering a more authentic and peaceful experience.

• Mountain Terrain: We’re drawn to dramatic landscapes, and La Palma’s volcanic peaks, rugged ridges, and lush forests immediately caught our attention. The island’s hiking trails were exactly what we were looking for, offering the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore.

• Close to the Beach: Despite its mountainous interior, La Palma also delivered on coastal charm. Black-sand beaches and the soothing sound of waves were never far away.

Our Home Base in Santa Cruz

When we started searching for an apartment, we focused on popular locations across the Canary Islands but soon found La Palma stood out—less crowded and quieter, which we loved. Eventually, we found a great place, called ‘Casita Drago'. A charming house slightly uphill from Santa Cruz de La Palma’s main street. While the walk to the house is a bit of a workout, it offered traditional charm and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the hills and ocean—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation.

Inside, the house had everything we needed: a cozy living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a large table ideal for work, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Though compact, the multi-level layout gave it a homey feel. The internet was reliable and a big table was provided. The street views, with a peek on the ocean, added to its appeal. It took a few days to settle in, but we quickly felt at home.

Top Nature Experiences

• Cubo de la Galga: The first activity we did on La Palma was a hike, and we took the bus to the starting point. Having just arrived on the island, the bus ride itself was already an adventure. It wound its way uphill, offering us stunning views of the coastline as we ascended. We got off at the Cubo de La Galga Information Point, where our hike to a scenic viewpoint began. It was an easy hike through the green and beautiful lush forest.

• Roque de los Muchachos: During our stay, we also decided to join two tours. We’re usually more independent travellers, but there were a few reasons we opted for a tour for these activities:

  • The first tour took us to the top of the island—Roque de los Muchachos—at sunset. This was a stargazing tour, and we also visited the observatory. We chose this tour because we were really curious about the observatory and the stars, and it was nice to have someone explain all the fascinating details.

  • The second tour took us back to Roque de los Muchachos, but this time during the day and with a hike included. This one felt more like a convenient transfer than a traditional tour. The tour agency dropped us off at the trailhead, and we could do hike by ourselves. Renting a car didn’t seem practical, especially since we’d be starting and ending at different locations. The tour agency handled all the logistics, making the experience straightforward and hassle-free.

• Exploring Caldera de Taburiente National Park: Caldera de Taburiente is a vast volcanic crater surrounded by towering cliffs. For our visit, we took the bus from Santa Cruz to the visitors center. From there, we hiked all the way up through the forest, a beautiful journey filled with stunning views of the lush landscape. The trail wound through pine trees, with occasional glimpses of the surrounding cliffs. It was one of those places where cars can drive up as well, so after our long hike, we ended up walking through the parking lot, which felt a bit out of place after such a serene adventure. Still, the views from the top were absolutely worth it. After soaking in the scenery, we hiked back down to the bus stop. The bus didn't arrive on time, but eventually showed up a little late and took us home.

• Relaxing at Volcanic Beaches: La Palma's black-sand beaches became our favorite spots for unwinding, whether after a long workday or on a lazy weekend. The volcanic sand met the calm sea, offering the perfect setting for a swim or some peaceful time on the shore.

• Exploring Fuencaliente’s Volcanic Heritage: Fuencaliente, located in the southern part of the island, offers a glimpse into La Palma’s volcanic heritage. The visitor center provided insights into the island’s formation. Here visitors can walk along trails leading to the San Antonio and Teneguía volcanoes. Salinas de Fuencaliente, at the southernmost point of the island, boasts vibrant greenery against stark black volcanic rock—creating a unique and striking landscape.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Transportation: Getting around La Palma is part of the adventure. We arrived on the island by plane and debated whether to rent a car. Ultimately, we decided to explore the public transport options first, as we find it a budget-friendly and immersive way to connect with the local vibe. The bus system turned out to be surprisingly efficient and easy to navigate, with stops conveniently located along the town’s promenade and other key spots. If you’re planning to visit more remote areas, such as high-altitude hiking trails or volcanic sites, a rental car might be more practical, especially for flexibility in timing. For those relying on public transport, schedules and routes are available online , at bus stops, or at tourist information centers.

• Packing: Packing wisely can make or break any trip. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to tackle trails like Ruta de los Volcanes or explore lava fields. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, as even in cooler weather, the sun can be intense. Layers are key—while coastal areas may be warm and breezy, temperatures at higher altitudes, for example, at the Roque de los Muchachos, can drop significantly. A lightweight rain jacket is also handy, as the island’s lush greenery is nourished by occasional showers.

• Language: The primary language spoken on La Palma is Spanish. In tourist areas, such as Santa Cruz de La Palma or Los Cancajos, many locals speak English, making communication easy for international visitors. However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases—like “hola” (hello), “gracias” (thank you), or “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (how much does it cost?)—can go a long way in creating a friendly rapport with locals. Outside of the main tourist hubs, English proficiency may be more limited, so a translation app can be helpful for navigating menus or asking for directions.

• Cash and Payments: While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops, smaller establishments, rural areas, and some local markets may only take cash. ATMs are available in major towns, but it’s always a good idea to carry some Euros with you.

• Dining Tips: In Santa Cruz, we enjoyed pizza along the boulevard, with a great casual vibe, and had lunch and coffee at El Cuarto de Tula multiple times, a cozy spot that quickly became a favorite. For a quick bite, Bar Cafetería Edén in Los Llanos served some really good sandwiches. However, most of the time, we opted to cook at home in our cozy casa, enjoying the local produce and making the most of the relaxed island atmosphere.

Is La Palma Worth Visiting?

La Palma’s natural beauty is undeniable, from the dramatic mountains and lush forests to the volcanic beaches. The island was peaceful when we visited in January, with fewer tourists around.  However, it’s worth noting that the island will see a surge of visitors in February and early March for the lively Los Indianos Carnival. One of the best things about La Palma is how you can be out hiking through rugged trails in the mountains one moment and then unwinding by the ocean the next. With reasonable prices throughout, our month-long stay was filled with activities, and we never found ourselves bored.

Is La Palma Good For Digital Nomads?

La Palma offers reliable internet and pleasant weather, making it a solid choice for those seeking a balance between work and outdoor adventures. That said, coworking spaces are few and far between, and the expat community seemed quite small. If you’re looking for a buzzing digital nomad hub, this might not be the place for you. For us, though, spending a month here was ideal: as soon as the laptop closed, the island’s breathtaking scenery became the perfect escape, offering peace and natural beauty. While it’s not a major nomad hotspot, La Palma’s steady Wi-Fi and laid-back vibe make it a comfortable base for remote work.

When is the best time to visit La Palma?  

The best time to visit depends on your preferences. For hiking and outdoor activities, spring and autumn offer mild weather. If you're into stargazing, the clear skies in winter and early spring are ideal. Avoiding the busiest months, especially in summer, can also give you a more peaceful experience, as La Palma is generally less crowded year-round compared to other Canary Islands.

How to travel to la palma?

Is La Palma suitable for remote work or digital nomads?

La Palma or Fuerteventura?

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