La Palma volcano: is it safe to travel to the Canary islands?

What is the situation in La Palma now following the volcanic eruption? Are there any measures or travel restrictions for trips to the Canary Islands?

Read our ferry guide for the Canary Islands after the 2021 volcano eruption and stay up-to-date with the latest travel measures. Find out everything you need to know about the volcano of La Palma and plan your ferry trip safely with useful tips from Ferryhopper.

What is the current situation in Palma after the volcano eruption?

According to experts, the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma has stopped erupting. There are no signs of subsequent volvanic activity and the situation appears stable.

Good to know: if you're visiting La Palma, scientists recommend that you stay cautious and avoid areas where there may be toxic gases trapped in underground chambers.

Can I travel to the Canary Islands following the volcanic eruption in La Palma?

At the moment, there are no travel restrictions for trips between the Canary Islands or between mainland Spain and the Canary archipelago.

If you're planning to visit La Palma and the Canary Islands by ferry, ferry companies Fred. Olsen Express, Trasmediterránea, Naviera Armas, Líneas Romero, and more operators offer routes from/to the Canaries.

Location of the La Palma volcano in the Canaries (source: www.hellocanaryislands.com)

What was the impact of the volcanic eruption in La Palma?

The volcanic eruption and subsequent accummulation of lava, ashes and toxic gases have had a great impact on the local community. Several homes in La Palma have been destroyed as a result of the volcanic eruption and thousands of people have left their homes. 

The lava flow covered more than 670 hectares of land. Also, the area of Todoque in La Palma was covered in lava, which reached the sea. Due to toxic gases emitted, air travel was temporarily disrupted as well.

The beautiful coast of La Palma

Useful tips for traveling to the Canary Islands during the La Palma volcano eruption

Here are some useful tips to help visit the Canary Islands as safely as possible:

• If you’re suffering from respiratory problems and you’re planning to visit one of the islands affected by toxic gas emissions, we recommend using an FFP2 mask for extra safety.
• Ferry travel is a much safer travel option to get to the Canary Islands at the moment. On Ferryhopper, you can find the latest timetables and cheapest ferry tickets for trips from La Palma to Tenerife, La Palma to Gran Canaria and La Palma to La Gomera.
• Bear in mind that the additional ferry crossings to La Palma operated by Fred. Olsen Express principally aim to assist the transportation of emergency services staff, such as the fire department, the military and the police.
• If you need more information about your ferry tickets to La Palma or Canary Islands ferry schedules, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Support Team.

Ferry approaching the port in the Canary Islands

Where can I find more info about traveling in the Canary Islands during the volcano eruption?

For the latest official updates regarding travel measures for the Canary islands during the eruption, you can visit the official Canary Islands tourism portal and the Spanish Ministry of Tourism website.

You can also keep visiting this page for up-to-date information about the volcano of La Palma and ferry travel in the Canary Islands. Ferryhopper suggests you check updates regularly before you book your tickets, as well during your trip.

How to help with the volcanic eruption in La Palma

If you wish to help those affected by the volcanic eruption in the Canaries, the Council of La Palma has set up a relief fund at Caixabank. Both local and international supporters can donate through their bank accounts.

For international donations, you can use BIC / SWIFT Code “CAIXESBBXXX” and add “Cabildo Insular de La Palma” as an addressee. Also, make sure to type in “Volcano Donation” as a subject. As for local donations, supporters can donate through bank account ES47 2100 9169 0122 0017 9456.

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