Natural Beauty, Stable Climate, and Good Location of La Palma
La Palma is the fifth largest of the Canary Islands situated 200 kilometers to the west of the Moroccan coast in the Atlantic Ocean. La Palma is around 30 kilometers across with the widest point and less than 50 kilometers long. The 728 square kilometers, which make up the island, are home to some eighty thousands of inhabitants.
Some people living on the island are employed in the subsidized banana growing trade while others are involved in its tourism industry. Banana plantations are spread on the island, especially in the coastal regions of the island.
Magnificent volcanoes and mountains, picturesque forests and sandy beaches, a tropical rainforest, breathtaking views, and tiny villages, these all are about La Palma. Such a small area offers much to explore. According to the opinions of many people, La Palma is the most beautiful island of the Canaries, unspoilt by tourism and perfect for peace, rest, and quiet walking and hiking. La Palma is world-wide known for its surprisingly different areas of natural beauty and stable climate: pleasant weather in La Palma in any season of the year, warm in the winter and not too hot in the summer.
There is no surprise that La Palma is known as “La Isla Bonita,” what means a pretty island. Being home to untouched natural resources with landscapes of incredible beauty, the island is a green area which reveals a wide range of colors beneath one of the world’s best skies in terms of astronomical observation. For this reason, no one is surprised that the most important astrophysics observatories in the northern hemisphere are located on the island.
The development of tourism on the island has been strictly controlled. This is not a destination for those, who are after a typical package holiday scenario. La Palma is popular with those seeking a rural tourism option, eco-tourists, or those wanting to chill out in stunning natural surroundings.
The island is made up of three main tourist zones: Tazacorte and Puerto Naos to the west, and Los Cancajos to the east. The capital of La Palma is Santa Cruz de La Palma, which is located on the east coast and set between the sea and a steep hillside. Los Llanos de Aridana is the largest town located on the west coast of La Palma. It combines old charm with a modern infrastructure.
Leisure in La Palma: Attractions and Outdoor Activities
The La Palma island itself is very steep for its land mass with a lot of territories growing steeply upwards from coastal regions to volcanic tips. This is a perfect place for paragliding, some interesting walks, and cycling, but since a lot of the roads are steep, narrow and winding, they do not suit to roadside cycling and walking. The volcanoes of La Palma are a highlight of the island, varying greatly in their time of formation.
In the center of the island, there is Caldera de Taburiente. Being the largest known crater, it is one of the best possible walks on La Palma. Aside from a place to enjoy the sun and relax, the island offers a great variety of outdoor activities, including cycling, walking, diving, paragliding, caving, pot holing, fishing, and horse riding. For keen hikers and walkers, the island of La Palma offers 1080 kilometers of way-marked paths, all of which provide stunning and varied flora and scenery along the way.
Those visitors, who cannot imagine their holidays without playing golf, will not be bored on the island of La Palma as well. Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas is the most popular golf club in La Palma with its high-end golf course and a cozy cafe with an abundance of beverages and foods waiting for visitors.
Those who like outdoor activities are recommended to visit the charming Parque de San Telmo. An abundance of cozy gazebos and benches, colorful and fragrant flower beds, as well as a great area for families with children have made this area one of the most popular parks in the city. Doramas Park is also very popular with both tourists and local people, who are fans of active holidays in La Palma.
In the center of the city, there is a well-known Union Deportiva sports complex with its fitness center, well-equipped gym, spa, swimming pool, and several massage cabinets on the territory. For those looking for a perfect way to enjoy the natural splendor and relax from the bustle of the city, Playa de Las Alcaravaneras is the perfect place to go. Close to the coast, there is scenery park, which makes the beach the best place for a relaxing and peaceful stay.
Those who have long dreamed about surfing, should definitely visit Hotzone Surfschool. Thanks to the professionals who are working there, everybody will be taught the basics of this sports entertainment just in a couple of lessons. Shoppers should look no further than the Artesania Santa Catalina shopping complex with its abundance of goods and attractive prices. Trendy accessories, fashionable clothes, original jewelry, and cosmetics are also available in this shopping center. For souvenirs, it is better to go to Fisaldo, which is the biggest street market.
Beautifully carved wooden balconies, charming villages, old churches, and old style towns can be found across La Palma and are worth a visit either by bus or excursion. To sum everything about La Palma up, it is a peaceful, traditional island to explore and relax in. Those who are looking for a wild party atmosphere with bars and nightclubs, should know that this island probably is not the place for them!
Cuisine & the Best Restaurants in La Palma
There are more than 300 restaurants, bars, and cafes on the island of La Palma, which are trying to attract more visitors with their special delicious treats. The Deliciosa Marta restaurant is extremely popular with both tourists and local people. The basis of its menu is presented by Canarian; there are delicious entrees, exquisite seafood dishes, and original desserts among them. In the evening, a live entertainment program is offered. The restaurant is also suitable for special events and banquets.
The fans of tapas dishes should definitely visit the Allende restaurant, which attracts people with not only a wide range of treats, but also with its affordable prices. The restaurant serves visitors almost around the clock. One of the popular restaurants of national cuisine is La Pasta Real. It is a quiet and cozy place, where everybody can relax with their families and taste local dishes. Those who enjoy Canarian wines would also enjoy this restaurant, as the finest wines are available there in a large variety.
The visitors of the island of La Palma point out the Baluarte among European cuisine restaurants. The chefs of the restaurant are perfect in both meat meals and classic fish dishes. For fans of vegetarian food there is a large selection of vegetable salads and soups. A perfect place for business meetings during the day is the Clandestino restaurant. In the evening, it is full because of nice music and romantic atmosphere. The restaurant serves its visitors until late at night.
Another restaurant, which won recognition of the customers, is the La Cuchara restaurant, which menu includes all popular dishes of Spanish cuisine. This family-run restaurant is known for its casual atmosphere and premium food. Those looking for simple home-cooked meals will definitely like this restaurant.
The Segundo Muelle restaurant serves its visitors with dishes of Peruvian cuisine. Those who prefer seafood, will like this place. Visitors of the restaurant could taste here the most incredible delicacies and signature dishes. Those who are coming to La Palma for family holidays, will enjoy their stay at the Jacaba. This company combines a restaurant and apartments. Here, visitors with children have their own menu while connoisseurs of fine beverages will be happy to see a large wine list.