Wild? Dramatic? Blissfully under the radar? Yep, that’s La Palma in a nutshell. While its buzzier neighbours like Tenerife and Gran Canaria draw the crowds, this is the cool Canary Island that seasoned travellers whisper about. Here you’ll find dramatic peaks, jungle-like forests and some of the darkest skies in Europe, which means – you guessed it – stargazing!  

La Palma fact file 

Where: Part of the Canary Islands 

How to get there: We’ve got two weekly services (Monday and Friday) on sale year-round from Manchester and London Stansted. 

Language: Spanish 

Climate: Think year-round sunshine and balmy temperatures with winter highs around 20°C and summer temperatures often reaching the high twenties. Thanks to the Atlantic breeze, it rarely feels too hot either, making it perfect for exploring outdoors. 

What to do 

Laze on one of the black-sand beaches 

Being a volcanic island, La Palma is blessed with a menagerie of black-sand beaches. The beach in Puerto Naos is relaxing and ideal for lazy days by the sea, plus it’s the biggest on the island, so you can expect fab facilities nearby. Long lingering lunches, here you come. If you’re after something more secluded, the coves along the west coast have got you covered. 

Stargazing 

La Palma’s night skies are the jewels in the island’s crown – no joke – there are few places in Europe where the stars shine quite so brilliantly. Thanks to strict light pollution laws and the island’s lofty peaks, La Palma is one of the best places on Earth to look up and truly appreciate the universe.  

 Make a beeline for the world-renowned Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, where astronomers study galaxies millions of light years away. Whether you join a guided stargazing experience or simply sit back with a glass of local wine from your villa terrace, the moment the stars appear is pure magic.  

Savour the island’s flavours  

You won’t be short of authentic Canarian cuisine here! Expect freshly grilled fish, traditional papas arrugadas served with vibrant mojo sauces, and creamy local goat’s cheese. Wine lovers are in for a treat too. The island’s volcanic soil produces distinctive wines with plenty of character. Many small vineyards welcome visitors for tastings, offering sweeping views of the ocean while you sample crisp whites and bold reds, made just a few miles away. 

Top travel tips 

1. Hire a car to reach hidden gems 

A car’s the best way to explore La Palma at your own pace. 

2. Bring layers for the mountains 

While it’s flip-flop weather down on the coast, the mountains get a little chillier, especially after dark!  

3. Explore the island’s hiking trails  

Trails criss-cross the island, from gentle forest paths to dramatic volcanic routes inside Caldera de Taburiente National Park. 

4. Order barraquito coffee like a local 

Layered Canarian coffee made with condensed milk, espresso, cinnamon and lemon peel – yum! 

5. Seek out a guachinche-style meal 

Small, family-run eateries serving homemade food and local wine are a Canarian tradition. These informal spots often aren’t fancy, but they serve some of the island’s most authentic dishes.