We’ve stayed for 11 days, 10 full days, in La Palma, most north-westerly of the seven Canary Islands.
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The island, often referred to as “La Isla Bonita,” is a mesmerising destination within the Canary Islands that beckons travellers with its unique charm and natural beauty. Unlike some of its more bustling neighbouring islands, La Palma offers a tranquil escape where visitors can immerse themselves in lush landscapes and stunning vistas. The island’s renowned biodiversity and verdant forests make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Trails wind through laurel forests, volcanic landscapes, and along dramatic cliffs, offering endless opportunities to explore and discover.
One of the island’s crown jewels is its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its incredible landscapes and commitment to conservation. Stargazing here is unparalleled, thanks to the exceptionally clear skies above the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. This location, one of the best in the world for astronomical observation, provides an awe-inspiring experience for those fascinated by the cosmos.
Beyond its natural allure, the island is rich in cultural heritage and history. Quaint towns like Santa Cruz de La Palma and Los Llanos de Aridane boast charming colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and a welcoming atmosphere. The island’s festivals, infused with local traditions and music, offer a vibrant glimpse into the heart of Canarian culture.
The East coast tends to get cloudy in the afternoon, while the West coast is mostly sunny, so plan accordingly!
Beaches on the East cost
If you like big mountain cliff and a small hike to the beach with huge waves, then Nogales beach is for you.
Playa de Nogales
★★★★★ · Remote Beach that attracts surface and requires a bit of hiking. One of the most scenic beaches on the island. It has big waves and a sandy beach.
Playa de los Cancajos · Spain
★★★★★ · Beach close to many hotels and scuba diving centre. Also good for snorkelling. Probably one of the most busiest sandy beaches.
El Charco Azul Piscina Natural
★★★★★ · Natural swimming pool with a restaurant nearby. Bring a soft towel as concrete is really hard!
Playa de Bajamar · Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
★★★★☆ · Beach close to Santa Cruz, but with less people
Playa de Santa Cruz de La Palma · Av. MarÃtima, 38700 Santa Cruz de la Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
★★★★☆ · Beach right in the heart of Santa Cruz, a good artificially built sandy beach
Beaches on the West cost
Charco Verde Beach
★★★★★ · Well maintained beach and probably one of the best sandy beaches in the island.
Playa de la Veta · 38780, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
★★★★★ · I’d call it a secret beach if it wasn’t on Google maps. You will need to hike 25-30 min down the trail. A good idea to have hiking shoes on.
Playa y Bajas de la Zamora
★★★★☆ · Beach best for snorkelling and it has a lot of fish! Bring your underwater camera!
Puerto Naos beach
★★★★☆ · Beach with charangitos (full Spanish experience). A bit stony shore.
Playa los Tarajales · Puerto Tazacorte
★★★★☆ · Scenic spot beach
Playa el Charcón · Spain
★★★★☆ · Beach hidden behind the banana plantations has its own charm. Very rocky shore though.
Best food cafe/restaurants in La Palma
Best of Santa Cruz
Piccolo – Pizza & Pasta Restaurant · Av. MarÃtima, 53, 38700 Santa Cruz de la Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
★★★★☆ · Best Italian restaurant in La Palma
Best Typical Canarian food
You definitely should try all the sauces: allioli (garlic sauce), mojo verde (green sauce), mojopicante/picon (red sauce).
Also, try local Queso de Cabra a la plancha con mojo verde (grilled goat cheese with green sauce). This is my favourite dish!
Don’t forget Papas Arrugadas (potatoes boiled in salty water).
If you like peppers Pimientos de Padron are very nice too.
If you are adventurous try Goat Meat Stew (Carne de Cabra). It is very tender and delicious dish it just sounds unusual as in Western world you don’t normally get goat meat.
I am not a big fan of Gofio, but you should try it if visiting. Gofio, a traditional Canarian flour made from toasted cereals like corn or wheat. Every canarian knows Gofio.
And finished with all the grilled meats of your choice, but do try grilled chorizo!
Bar Restaurante Parrilla Las Nieves · Barrio Nieves, 2, Las Nieves
★★★★☆ · Best grilled meat and cheese restaurant
Restaurante Chipi-Chipi · Calle, Juan Mayor, 42, Santa Cruz
★★★★★ · Great grilled meat and cheese restaurant
Kiosco TeneguÃa · La, Paseo de los Beatos Mártires de Tazacorte
★★★★☆ · Restaurant which serves great seafood
Quick bites
Bar BahÃa, Santa Cruz – Explore in Google Maps
Cafe: Serves brunch. Serves dine-in. Offers takeout. I used to eat here every day my lunch!
Bar Arepera El Encuentro · Av. MarÃtima, 21, Santa Cruz
★★★★☆ · Bar with the best Arepa and Cachapa in town
Best view cafe/restaurants in La Palma
Restaurante Los Almendros · Velhoco, 25, 38700 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
★★★★☆ · Restaurant with a beautiful view
La Zamora Kiosko · España, Ctra. la Costa la Zamora, 2
★★★★☆ · Bar, serves grilled fish from the sea
Mirador el Time · Ctra. de la Costa, 45B, 38780 Tijarafe
★★★★★ · Scenic spot where you can get a snack or coffee
La Cantina, El Charco Azul · Cam. el Melonar, 15, Charco Azul
★★★★☆ · Bar/Cafe with a nice view to natural pools of Charco Azul
Best bars
Bar Tasca La 4 · C. Blas Simón, 4, 38700 Santa Cruz
★★★★☆ · Tapas bar, used to be with a crowd of local people
Other places where locals eat
Restaurante la Placeta · Pcta. de Borrero, 1, Santa Cruz
★★★★☆ · Restaurant
Bar Paris · Cam. de El Rincón, 2, Breña Baja, Santa Cruz
★★★★☆ · Bar
Las Norias Apartamentos & Grill · Los llanos puerto naos 20, 38770 Tazacorte, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Furnished apartment building
Sadly a lot of famous and good restaurants that I sued to go there in 2012 have already closed. One of them was Restaurante Enriclai with just few tables and open only few days a week.
Accommodation with a beautiful view
Apartments La Muralla · Mirador de, Carretera, s/n, Puerto de Naos
★★★★★ · Ensuite appartments
La Palma Princess · Ctra. la Costa Cerca Vieja, 10
★★★★☆ · 4 star Hotel with a beautiful pool
Useful links
Nature areas
Do you love visiting natural spaces? On the Canary Islands, you will find Natural Parks, Biosphere Reserves, volcanoes, dunes… Will you come?
Central de Reservas online – ORGANISMO AUTÓNOMO PARQUES NACIONALES
Central de Reservas Online – ORGANISMO AUTÓNOMO DE PARQUES NACIONALES
