What places should you visit to take advantage of your visit to the "Isla Bonita"? We tell you about it here
La Palma is a treasure that concentrates all the charms and wonder of the Canarian archipelago in only 706sq. km. Crafts, gastronomy, history, traditional architecture, volcanoes, sea, lush forests and mountains, all without losing sight of the ocean. If we visit the island on a stopover of our cruise it is important to take into account the distances, as well as the winding roads of the island, with magnificent views. Once our itinerary has been set, these are the places that must be discovered once we disembark on the Canary Island of La Palma, declared a Biosphere Reserve.
Go on an Adventure in the Los Tilos Fores
About 40 minutes by car from the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, a visit to the Los Tilos Forest is essential because you can boast of having been in one of the best preserved laurel forests in the world, especially considering that this plant formation disappeared from most of the planet hundreds of thousands of years ago. Several trails allow you to explore and enter this natural reserve, so to discover its particularities it is best to inquire at the Los Tilos Visitor Center. You also don't want to miss a stop at the spectacular Los Tilos waterfall.
Take in the Views from Roque de los Muchachos
One of the most valued excursions, but also the longest, is the one that would take us to the Astrophysical Observatory of Roque de los Muchachos. More than 45km from the Port of La Palma, approximately 90 minutes out and as much back through a mountain road with many curves, this is another must-sees: contemplate the fabulous natural spectacle that extends at the foot of the Roque de los Muchachos Viewpoint, a place from where scientists from all over the world scrutinize the universe in the powerful telescopes of the Observatory of the same name, one of the most important in the world. From here you have unbeatable views over the adjacent Caldera de Taburiente National Park, one of the four National Parks of the Canary Islands, the volcanic landscape and the immensity of the Atlantic. To finish, you can complete the visit by approaching the Roque de los Muchachos Visitor Center.
Swimming in the Waters of Charco Azul or Pools of La Fajana
The natural pools are a particularity – and a great attraction – of this Canary Island. One of the most famous is located in the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces and responds to the beautiful name of Charco Azul. A journey of just 40 minutes separates the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma from this wonder of nature. A little further north, approximately 30 minutes from those pools, that is, one 1 hour and 15 minutes from the port, one way and another way back, we will find the pools of La Fajana in the municipality of Barlovento, three pools protected from the waves in which you can enjoy a quiet bath. Between the immensity of the ocean and volcanic rocks, nature has achieved the impressive feat of capturing these crystalline waters where to bathe quietly and with the comfort of enjoying all services.
Photograph the Traditional Architecture of Santa Cruz de La Palma
This charming city that invites you to take a relaxed walk through its cobbled streets or a no less relaxing coffee on its terraces along the Avenida Marítima, is also an ideal setting for photography. The island capital is home to an architectural heritage of great value, characterized by colonial-style buildings and striking wooden balconies. Careful squares and streets with a lot of cachet round the highly photogenic scenery in a city full of island charm.
Discover the Art of Salt in Las Salinas
Listed as a Site of Scientific Interest for also being a nesting place for migratory birds, Las Salinas de Fuencaliente sits on one of the most beautiful landscapes on the island, where the contrast between the almost blinding white of the salt and the pink of the ponds with the black of the volcanic rock is overwhelming. It is worth visiting these facilities where tradition and modern extraction techniques coexist in a unique natural environment. To get there, we must travel the almost 40km that separate the capital of the island from this white ocean, approximately 1 hour from the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, one way and the same way back.
Do not hesitate to take a dip in the beach at your feet, Faro Beach or in one of the nearby beaches such as Echentive, a little further on returning to the main road that took you to the coast. Actually, traveling this road, to the LP-207 from this point to La Zamora Beach (another great place to take a dip) and go up Los Quemados, is highly recommended, especially the views obtained when descending, crossing Las Caletas, and going up Los Quemados.
Walk Among Volcanoes
The Route of the Volcanoes is one of the jewels of La Palma. However, a stop with a cruise ship obviously isn’t sufficient time. However, do not miss admiring 2 of the volcanoes of La Palma that are part of this route.
In the south of La Palma, in Los Canarios, capital of Fuencaliente, about 40 minutes from the port of La Palma and just as much on the way back, is the San Antonio Volcano, a must-see during the stopover of your cruise. You can climb up to the crater, formed during the eruptions that took place on the island of La Palma in 1677, and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Islands from the volcano's viewpoint. While during the day this enclave offers spectacular views of the crater and the slopes of the volcano, at night it becomes a real window to the universe. Those who wish to learn a little more about the place can do so in the visitor center. For the most intrepid, you can already visit the last volcano born on the island, named the new volcano of La Palma, and whose birth arose after the last eruption of the island in September 2021. Visits should always be arranged through an active tourism company, and never independently. Reservations must be made in advance. The route lasts approximately 2 hours, the level of difficulty is easy and the departure point is around 30 minutes away from the capital.
Admire the Caldera de Taburiente
The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is located in the center of the island and is one of the greatest natural spectacles of La Palma. This cleft measuring 8km in circumference and 1500m deep has an exclusive view from the La Cumbrecita Viewpoint, approximately 1 hour away from the port, and another one back, a natural balcony that hangs in the abyss of the caldera and can only be accessed by car if a parking space has been reserved. If you are going to access it between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. you can reserve the parking space through the national park website.
Swimming on a Volcanic Sand Beach
A bay protected by a volcanic rock breakwater that offers calm waters throughout the year and an enormous wealth of underwater life. This is the beach of Los Cancajos, located in the east of the island about 15 minutes by car from the port and the same on the way back. You can go on foot, in a pleasant walk of about 45 minutes from the port and another one on the way back. Or, also, by bus, taking line 500 (airport direction), which departs very frequently from the nearby bus stops, just outside the port. With warm black sand and low waves, this semi-urban beach allows diving. Other beaches where you can enjoy this pleasure are Santa Cruz Beach, which is reached in a pleasant walk along Avenida Marítima for about 10-15 minutes. Ideal for the practice of water sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing or windfoil, being able to even contact companies that provide that service. Another good option, a stone's throw from the port, is the beach of Bajamar, which is reached in a comfortable walk of about 15 minutes from the port. Finally, in addition to those indicated, the Salemera, a huge natural pool in Villa de Mazo, about 30-40 minutes, one way and another way back, by car. A small fishing village, pure Palmerian tradition.
Finally, in addition to those indicated, the Salemera, a huge natural pool in Villa de Mazo, about 30-40 minutes, one way and another way back by car. A small fishing village, pure Palmerian tradition. And let's not forget the ones we have already mentioned about Fuencaliente.
