The most picturesque Canary island
And why it is La Palma🌴
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, opposite Morocco, the Canaries are always popular among travelers thanks to their unique and diverse landscapes, year-round warm weather and wide array of experiences they have to offer. And while Tenerife and Lanzarote are the ones usually stealing the spotlight, there is only one Canary island they call "la Isla Bonita" (The Beautiful Island)—La Palma.
With lush greenery, stunning volcanic landscapes, and quaint villages, La Palma is arguably the fairest island of them all. Discover 4+1 reasons why Ferryhopper considers La Palma as the most scenic Canary island, and how to travel to this pristine paradise.
The black beach and lush scenery of Puerto de Tazacorte in La Palma
1. Verdant forests and lush landscape
La Palma is a top destination for reconnecting with nature as it boasts a lush, verdant landscape, which stands in stark contrast to the arid terrain of most Canary Islands. With extremely fertile land, rich flora, and a mountainous topography, nο wonder La Palma is also referred to as “la Isla Verde” (the Green Island).
The northern side of the island is dominated by the Los Tilos forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most important natural sites in the world. This is a mystical haven of laurel forests, streams, waterfalls, water tunnels, and diverse wildlife that you can explore through a network of impressive hiking trails. The million-year-old forests also offer a Jurassic-Park-like glimpse into the primeval world.
The Las Nieves Nature Reserve is another one of northern La Palma’s natural wonders. Trekking through its ancient laurisilva, with towering trees, waterfalls, ravines and misty trails, really feels like stepping into a fairytale.
Hiking path in the forest of Los Tilos, straight out of a fairy tale
2. Volcanic majesty
The island's volcanic past has mostly left its mark on the central and southern half of La Palma which captivates travelers with its rugged terrain. Right in the heart of La Palma, the Caldera de Taburiente National Park is definitely its highlight.
The caldera is a hikers’ paradise with a trail network leading deep into the crater, that allows visitors to observe its amazing geological features. The contrast between the green Canary pines and the black volcanic rocks creates an unbelievable landscape that is out of this world. If you feel adventurous enough, head to the Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint, which is the highest spot in La Palma (2,426 m), and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the crater, the island, as well as Tenerife, El Hierro and La Gomera.
If you are interested in the island’s recent volcanic history and witness the island's ever-changing geology, we recommend visiting Volcán de San Antonio and the Volcán de Teneguía, which erupted last in 1971. Walking on solidified lava flows is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Tip: volcanic or verdant, check out the 6 best hiking routes in La Palma and prepare for the ultimate Canary adventure.
Breathtaking view to Caldera de Taburiente from the Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint
3. Stargazing: aperture into the universe
La Palma is a place of unparalleled beauty, but not only on the ground; in fact, the island is considered to have the best sky in the world for stargazing. Thanks to its clear skies, network of high-altitude viewpoints, and minimal light and atmospheric pollution—the skies are even protected by the Law of the Sky—, the island has fairly built its reputation as a top astrotourism destination.
Around the island, you can find over a dozen stargazing spots (Miradores) including panels with detailed information about the stellar objects and events such as equinoxes and solstices. Roque de los Muchachos hosts a top astronomical observatory, equipped with super advanced telescopes. In the surrounding area, stargazing is at its best on a clear night, as you can actually see constellations, planets, and even distant galaxies with the bare eye.
And if you wish to unearth the secrets of the sky with an astronomer by your side or simply try a romantic activity with your partner, there are several stargazing tours and events in La Palma all year round.
Lost in the Milky Way on Volcán de San Antonio
4. Black-sand beaches and natural pools
Although La Palma does not boast the golden sand beaches of neighboring Canary islands, it has something much rarer to offer—black-sand beaches. The island’s volcanic beaches, such as Puerto Naos, Playa de Bajamar or Playa Nogales, contrast with the clear blue waters of the Atlantic due to their dark colors. The black sand, formed by volcanic minerals, gives the beaches an otherworldly air and awe-inspiring appearance.
Another way to admire the rugged coastline of La Palma is to take a dip in the island’s natural pools, carved out of volcanic rock. The popular Charco Azul and La Fajana pools have crystal-clear waters and offer a serene spot to swim—even when there’s rough seas—while being surrounded by towering cliffs and the dramatic charm of La Palma’s rocky landscape. Plus, they are super kid-friendly!
Tip: discover the best month to visit the Canary Islands to make the most of your adventure in La Palma.
The amazing natural pool of Charco Azul with a view straight to the ocean
5. Scenic settlements and exquisite flavors
Beyond its natural beauty, La Palma is home to picturesque settlements that reveal the island’s impressive heritage and culture. The capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma, with its astounding old town, enchants travelers with its narrow cobbled streets, colonial-style buildings, and colorful facades, opening a window into the island’s historic past. Stroll across the city waterfront, have lunch by the sea, and dive into La Palma’s maritime history at the Naval Museum (Museo Naval).
Tip: we also recommend checking out the folklore treasures at the Island Museum (Museo Insular), housed in a 16th-century Franciscan monastery.
If you wish to get a closer glimpse of traditional life, head to the villages of Los Llanos de Aridane, the agricultural center of the island, or El Paso. And don’t miss out on the island’s coastal gem, Tazacorte, stealing the spotlight with its dark-sand beach, lovely architecture and laid-back atmosphere.
Exploring these settlements, you will not only get a taste of the island’s authentic life and unique architecture, but also of its high-quality local products. La Palma’s fertile soil grows amazing fruit, such as cherries, avocados, mangoes, and papayas. And as for delicacies, you should absolutely try freshly-caught fish and seafood, the mouthwatering almond-and-honey bienmesabe dessert, and La Palma’s famous wines.
Colorful street with beautiful architecture in Los Llanos de Aridane
How to get to La Palma
If you wish to travel to the most scenic Canary Island by sea, you can easily catch a ferry from:
- The port of Cádiz in mainland Spain. Note that on the Cádiz - La Palma ferry you can bring along your vehicle (car, motorhome, etc.) to explore the island at your own pace.
- The neighboring islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Lanzarote. Check out our detailed island-hopping guide for the Canary Islands and check out how to include La Palma in your tour itinerary.
Tip: download the Ferryhopper App for free to book your Canaries ferry tickets at the best prices!
Alternatively, you can also catch a direct flight to La Palma from Tenerife, while there are indirect flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and other Spanish airports. Find out all about how to get to La Palma on our dedicated guide.
Green, black, deep-blue, starry-bright; this island really has all the colors. Ready to lose yourself in the unspoilt landscape of the most picturesque Canary island? Book your ferry tickets to La Palma today on Ferryhopper without hidden fees!
