La Palma is the Canary Islands’ best-kept secret — and that’s about to change. With Jet2 now flying direct from Manchester (and London Stansted from late 2026), the “Isla Bonita” is finally within easy reach for UK travellers. The good news? It’s still gloriously uncrowded, wildly green, and home to some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

This guide covers the very best things to do in La Palma — from hiking inside a giant volcanic crater to stargazing under a protected Starlight Reserve — plus the practical tips you need to plan a smooth trip.

Why visit La Palma?

La Palma is the greenest and most northwesterly of the Canary Islands. Unlike its busier neighbours Tenerife and Gran Canaria, it has no mega-resorts and no crowds — just dramatic volcanic landscapes, laurel forests, black-sand beaches and tiny villages where life moves slowly. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a designated Starlight Reserve, which tells you everything about its two great draws: nature and the night sky.

It’s compact, too. You can drive from the green, misty north to the sunny, volcanic south in under two hours — which means a week here is plenty to see the highlights without rushing.

1. Hike (or drive) the Caldera de Taburiente National Park

The beating heart of the island is the Caldera de Taburiente, an enormous erosion crater roughly 8 km across, filled with Canary pine forest, deep ravines and natural springs. It’s the island’s most iconic landscape and a national park.

You don’t have to be a serious hiker to enjoy it. For the easiest taste, drive up to the La Cumbrecita viewpoint for sweeping views into the crater (note: parking is limited and often requires a free advance reservation — book ahead). For the full experience, serious walkers take a taxi to the Los Brecitos trailhead and descend through the crater to the Barranco de las Angustias — around a 6-hour route past viewpoints and the famous Cascada de Colores (Waterfall of Colours), stained orange by iron-rich minerals.

Prefer to go with a guide who handles the logistics? Guided hikes and 4×4 trips into the Caldera are easy to book online.

2. Stargaze at Roque de los Muchachos

At 2,426 m (7,960 ft), Roque de los Muchachos is the highest point on La Palma — and one of the best places on the planet to look at the stars. It’s home to a world-class astrophysical observatory, ranked second only to Hawaii’s Mauna Kea in the northern hemisphere for optical astronomy.

Thanks to strict light-pollution laws, the skies here are astonishingly dark. You can drive up to the summit for jaw-dropping views above the clouds by day, but the real magic happens after dark.

This is the single most popular paid experience on the island. Guided stargazing tours — with telescopes, an astronomer and transport up the mountain — are the easiest way to do it and book out fast in summer. Don’t miss this if you visit.

3. Walk the Ruta de los Volcanes (Volcano Route)

One of the most spectacular hikes in all the Canary Islands, the Ruta de los Volcanes follows the volcanic spine of the island’s south. The classic route runs roughly 17–24 km from the El Pilar recreation area down to Los Canarios (Fuencaliente), winding past craters, lava fields and pine forest, with the ocean on both sides. It’s demanding but unforgettable — allow most of a day and bring plenty of water.

4. See the south: Fuencaliente, salt pans and volcanoes

The sun-baked southern tip around Fuencaliente is pure volcano country. Visit the San Antonio and Teneguía volcanoes, then continue down to the Salinas de Fuencaliente — working sea-salt pans beside a candy-striped lighthouse, with a great little seafood restaurant overlooking the water. This is also La Palma’s wine country; the local Malvasía wines grow in black volcanic soil.

5. Understand the 2021 Tajogaite eruption

In 2021, the Tajogaite volcano erupted for nearly three months in the Aridane Valley, reshaping the island’s western flank. Today the eruption is long over and scientists have confirmed there is no reactivation — La Palma is a safe destination. You can see the vast new lava fields and learn the story at viewpoints around the area.

One important note for 2026: the coastal towns of Puerto Naos and La Bombilla were closed after the eruption due to trapped volcanic gases (CO₂). They have been progressively reopening — over 1,000 families have returned — but access to some parts is still managed and being restored. Check the current local status before planning to stay there.

6. Relax on La Palma’s black-sand beaches

La Palma’s beaches are volcanic black sand, wild and uncrowded. For easy swimming and facilities, head to Puerto de Tazacorte or the beaches near Los Cancajos. For drama and seclusion, Playa de Nogales in the northeast is a stunning wild beach reached by a short walk down from the car park (strong currents — better for scenery than swimming).

7. Wander Santa Cruz de La Palma

The island capital is one of the prettiest towns in the Canaries — a 16th-century colonial port with cobbled streets, colourful wooden balconies hanging over the seafront, and a relaxed café culture. It’s the perfect spot for a slow morning: browse local crafts, try a fresh goat’s cheese, and soak up the architecture.

8. Go whale and dolphin watching

The deep Atlantic waters off La Palma are home to dolphins, pilot whales and other species year-round. Boat trips usually leave from Puerto de Tazacorte on the west coast — a lovely half-day out, often combined with a swim stop.

What to eat in La Palma

Canarian food is simple and delicious. Don’t leave without trying papas arrugadas (salt-wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce — red (spicy) and green (herby). Add fresh local goat’s cheese, hearty stews, just-caught fish, the island’s Malvasía wines, and almond-based sweets.

Practical tips for visiting La Palma

Getting there

La Palma Airport (SPC) sits on the east coast just south of Santa Cruz. From the UK, Jet2 flies direct from Manchester (and London Stansted from late 2026); there are also connections via mainland Spain and other Canary Islands.

Getting around

Rent a car. This is the single most important tip for La Palma. Public buses (the green guaguas) connect main towns — Line 500 links the airport with Santa Cruz and Los Cancajos every 30 minutes — but the best viewpoints, trailheads and beaches simply aren’t reachable without your own wheels. The island’s roads are winding but well maintained. Booking a car in advance at the airport saves time and money, especially in peak season.

Where to stay

Good bases include Los Cancajos (beach, near the airport and capital), Santa Cruz (atmospheric town), and rural casas dotted across the island for a quieter, local feel.

Best time to visit

La Palma enjoys mild “eternal spring” weather all year. The south is warmer and sunnier; the north is greener and cooler. For hiking, spring and autumn are ideal; for stargazing, clear nights are common year-round at altitude.

Is La Palma worth visiting?

If you want nightlife, big resorts and guaranteed beach-club buzz, La Palma isn’t for you. But if you’re after dramatic nature, world-class hiking, the darkest skies in Europe and a genuinely authentic Canarian island before the crowds arrive — there’s nowhere better right now. Go before everyone else does.

Planning your trip? Bookmark this guide — we’ll keep it updated, and check out our detailed guides to stargazing tours, the best hikes, and where to stay in La Palma.