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- Canary Islands La Palma
La Palma holidays: Lush forests and dramatic coastlines
La Palma is a bucket-list holiday destination in the Canary Islands. You are guaranteed an adventure-filled escape with lush green forests, black-sand beaches and rugged volcanic landscapes. You can go hiking in the landscapes, soaking up stunning views and stargazing in La Palma's skies. Explore dense laurel forests in Los Tilos, hike through volcanic craters in Cumbre Vieja or chase waterfalls in Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Do you love the ocean? The island's dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving and dolphin spotting.
Are you ready to explore La Palma's wild beauty? We've rounded up money-saving deals on flights to La Palma for your holiday.
La Palma at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 4 hours 20 minutes
Main airport: La Palma Airport (SPC)
Population: 90,000
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Time zone: Western European Standard Time (GMT)
Getting to La Palma from the UK
If you are dreaming of La Palma's volcanic landscapes, lush forests and stargazing, getting there from the UK is easier than you think. You can catch seasonal La Palma flights from London Gatwick (LGW) with airlines like easyJet and TUI. The flight time is around four and a half hours. If you're flying from Manchester, Birmingham or other UK cities, you'll need a quick layover in Tenerife or Madrid.
Once you land at La Palma Airport (SPC), you're just five miles from Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island's charming capital. You can use a taxi or hop on a bus to hotels in La Palma. If you want to explore the island at your own pace, rent a car.
The best time to travel to La Palma
La Palma, the 'Isla Bonita' of the Canary Islands, is a year-round paradise with stunning landscapes and zero crowds compared to its busier neighbours. But when's the best time to visit?
From December to April, the island is at its greenest, with lush forests, full waterfalls and cooler temperatures. You can go hiking in Caldera de Taburiente, explore the Los Tilos Rainforest or watch clouds roll over the mountains at Cumbrecita. If you love active holidays, this is a great time to visit. In May and June, you can relax on black-sand beaches and stargaze under clear skies at Roque de los Muchachos. These months are less crowded and quieter. You will also find deals on La Palma hotels.
From July to September, La Palma is at its warmest, making it the best time for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters. The heat is never extreme, thanks to the refreshing Atlantic breeze, and the nights are perfect for al fresco dining and night hikes.
Fun things to do in La Palma
Hike through Caldera de Taburiente National Park
La Palma is a hiker's paradise, and Caldera de Taburiente National Park is the ultimate adventure. You can trek through lush forests and take in beautiful views of one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. It's a mix of jungle, mountains and Mars-like terrain, making every step an adventure. Don't forget to pack your camera and swimsuit. You can cool off in hidden rock pools along the way.
Stargaze at Roque de los Muchachos
La Palma is home to one of the best stargazing spots on Earth. Head to Roque de los Muchachos, where the sky is so clear that you can see the Milky Way without a telescope. If you want a closer look, visit one of the observatories or join a guided stargazing tour. If you love a magical night under the stars, this is an unforgettable experience.
Relax on black-sand beaches
Forget golden beaches; La Palma's coastline is all about volcanic black sand. Visit Playa de Nogales for a dramatic setting, or head to Puerto Naos, where you can relax with a cocktail in your hand. If you love a quieter vibe, check out Playa de Charco Verde, a peaceful cove surrounded by cliffs. The contrast of the dark sand against the turquoise water is stunning.
Explore the volcanic landscapes of Cumbre Vieja
Do you want to walk on a volcano? Hike through Cumbre Vieja, where you'll see lava fields and landscapes formed by past eruptions. You should also stop by the Ruta de los Volcanes, a breathtaking trail with views of the Atlantic and the island's rugged peaks. You'll feel like you're walking through history, surrounded by solidified lava flows and steaming vents.
Go dolphin and whale watching
La Palma's waters are perfect for spotting dolphins and whales. Hop on a boat tour from Tazacorte, and you might see bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales or even sperm whales cruising through the Atlantic. Some tours offer snorkelling stops, so you can dive in and experience the underwater beauty. It's an amazing way to connect with nature and enjoy the island from a different perspective.
FAQs about La Palma holidays
Q: What is the best time of year to visit La Palma?
A: La Palma is a year-round destination, so you can visit at any time of the year, depending on the adventure you want. For hiking and exploring, visit between October and May. This is when temperatures are mild, and the island's landscapes are lush. For beach lovers and stargazers, June to September offers warm, sunny days and starry nights.
Q: Which part of La Palma has the best weather?
A: La Palma's west coast, especially around Tazacorte and Los Llanos de Aridane, enjoys the best weather year-round. This area gets the most sunshine and warm temperatures. There's also less rainfall than the greener, cloudier east. If you're after sunny beach days and clear skies, the west is your best bet. However, if you love lush forests and cooler hiking weather, the north and central areas offer beautiful landscapes.
Q: Where do you fly into La Palma?
A: To visit La Palma, fly into La Palma Airport (SPC), the island's only airport, which is located just five miles from Santa Cruz de La Palma. Get direct flights from the UK (seasonally) with TUI and easyJet, or connect via Madrid or Tenerife with airlines like Iberia and Binter Canarias.
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