A world away from the hotspots of Tenerife and Lanzarote, the island of La Palma sits serenely out in the Atlantic barely visited by the tourist masses.
There are no golden beaches, hardly any nightlife and a distinct shortage of large hotels to attract the package holiday industry – and that’s just the way the locals like it.
It’s a Canary Islands destination that attracts visitors who enjoy hiking, swimming off black sand beaches and quiet nights. There are only two direct flights a week from the UK although its easily accessible from other European points and regular local flights from Tenerife and Gran Canaria – plus of course ferry connections from Tenerife and nearby La Gomera.
Sleepy La Palma had a rude awakening in 2021 when a volcano on the Cumbre Viejo ridge erupted spewing lava down to the coast and isolating much of the south west section of the island. The lava was slow and there were no casualties but damage was extensive – ironically the stabilised lava flow has become something of a tourist attraction with trips from the capital to inspect the still-warm lava.
But the real jewel in the crown is the forested northern interior and the Caldera, an ancient collapsed volcano in the centre of the island which hosts a multitude of hiking trails. A walk around the Caldera is not for the faint-hearted but an experience not to be missed. Just remember to pack the hiking boots and get in shape before you depart.
There are some excellent black sand beaches at Cancajos and Puerto Naos and few sea-water swimming pools carved out of the coastal rock. Needless to say the sea temperature rarely dips before 19C.
We stayed at the H10 Taburiente Playa and flew from Gatwick with Tui. There was also flights from Heathrow via Madrid
