La Palma: the wildest out of all the Canary Islands
Jairo Díaz
Discover the wildest island in the archipelago. Landscapes that will take your breath away such as La Caldera de Taburiente or Roque de Los Muchachos, imposing routes between forests and volcanoes, hidden beaches to lose yourself in and one of the best skies in the world to watch the stars.
Get to know La Palma, the wildest volcanic island in the Canary Islands in 3 days
DAY 1
Nogales Beach
Nogales Beach is arguably the best beach on the island. More than 500 meters of black sand, surrounded by great cliffs. You have to go down a simple path of about 10 minutes. Beware of the swell and currents!
Los Tilos Forest
The Bosque de Los Tilos is one of the most iconic places on La Palma. You'll enter it through a small path between caves and wild vegetation until you reach an imposing ravine with a beautiful waterfall. During summer you can even bathe, although the water is quite cold. Behind the waterfall there is a path where you can get lost inside the forest.
Roque de Los Muchachos
Crown jewel. Watching the sunset at El Roque de Los Muchachos is a spectacle. Go down the small path to the viewpoints and enjoy the rugged landscape with El Teide in the background—and if the day is good, see more islands. If you have the opportunity to stay and see the stars, I recommend it 100%. The road that goes up to the viewpoint closes at night, but you can stay at other nearby viewpoints and take some good photos of the landscapes and stars.
DAY 2
Llano de Las Brujas
Spectacular views of the Aridane Valley in the Llano de Las Brujas. An ideal place to take your breakfast and enjoy the first rays of sunshine on volcanic land. If you have a few more days, I recommend that you also visit it during sunset.
La Cumbrecita
La Cumbrecita offers short and easy trails to enjoy spectacular views of La Caldera de Taburiente. You have to book in advance to enter and park. There are several trails of different difficulties and distances, but there is a circular one that is ideal for short visits.
Porís de Candelaria
The Porís de Candelaria is a small town hidden in a cave at the foot of the sea. It only takes a few minutes to walk to find this unreal-looking place. The road that goes down to the car parks is narrow and quite uneven. It is always best to visit this place in the afternoon when the sun begins to enter the cave. There are some natural pools at the entrance, but be careful with the sea. Also, on your return back, you must stop at the La Isla Verde brewery.
DAY 3
Eat at Asador El Campesino
Nothing better to recharge your batteries, and prepare for another drive around the island, than eating a typical meal at the Asador El Campesino de Barlovento. I recommend ordering the wheat stew and any of the meats they offer, although the chops are spectacular.
Salinas of Fuencaliente
A place with a lot of history where you can see one of the best sunsets between volcanoes with the famous Salinas de Fuencaliente and the lighthouse in the background. I recommend crossing the road that goes through Echentive Beach. If you have the opportunity and stay one night you can enjoy one of the best skies that exist to watch the stars.
Walk and dinner in Santa Cruz de La Palma
Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island, where its streets carry a lot of history. Strolling along Calle Real, visiting the Plaza de España or photographing the houses from the balconies on Avenida Marítima is almost mandatory. There are many places to shop or eat. I recommend the restaurants of La Placeta and La Isla de Goya.
Before you travel
- Suitable sports footwear.
- If possible, distribute the driving hours. There is a lot of road and curves ahead.
- Don't let the gas tank get too low. Outside of the capital the gas stations are quite scattered.
