Looking for epic hikes, otherworldly landscapes, and a little Canarian magic? La Palma has you covered. Nicknamed “La Isla Bonita,” this island is a nature lover’s paradise – and there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in La Palma, from volcano trails and prehistoric forests to stargazing and black-sand beaches.
I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my affiliate links.
Hi, I’m Hazel – a travel writer, nature-lover, and unapologetic Canary Islands obsessive. I visited La Palma in 2025 and completely fell for its wild landscapes and volcanic drama.
Here are my favourite things to do on La Palma island, based on real wanderings. From lava flows to leafy hikes, dragon trees to dazzling stargazing – let’s dive in!
1. Hike the Caldera de Taburiente 🌋
La Palma’s showstopper is the Caldera de Taburiente, a vast, ancient volcanic crater turned national park.
It’s all towering cliffs, pine-covered slopes, and hidden waterfalls – like stepping into a prehistoric dream.
You can hike straight into the caldera via Los Brecitos, or catch epic views from La Cumbrecita lookout. Either way, bring your camera (and your legs) – this is La Palma at its most dramatic.
2. Volcano Adventures: San Antonio & Cumbre Vieja 🌌
Want to walk on lava? Head south, where La Palma’s volcanic story is still sizzling.
Start with a walk around the crater of Volcán de San Antonio – it’s an easy trail with seriously dramatic views over the 2021 eruption zone below.
From there, it’s a quick hop to Tajogaite, the newest volcano on the island, born during the 85-day eruption of Cumbre Vieja in 2021. The surrounding landscape is still raw and surreal; all black ash, twisted lava, and ghost roads that lead to nowhere.
For an unforgettable adventure, lace up your boots for a section of the Ruta de los Volcanes. It’s one of the island’s most legendary hikes, winding through a Martian-like world of craters, vents, and sky-high viewpoints.
3. Stroll Through Santa Cruz de La Palma 🏛️
La Palma’s capital is a charming colonial town with wooden balconies, cobbled lanes, and relaxed Canarian vibes.
Pop into a museum, grab a Canarian barraquito coffee, and take a slow walk along the seafront.
Don’t miss the famous sea-facing balconies draped in flowers – they’re one of the island’s most Instagrammed spots (and rightly so).
👉 Read more: La Palma’s Prettiest Towns: From colourful seafronts to peaceful highlands
4. Explore the Los Tilos Laurel Forest 🌳
Tucked in the misty northeast, Los Tilos is like something out of Jurassic Park – minus the dinosaurs.
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is all mossy trees, gushing waterfalls, and damp, fern-filled trails. It’s a magical contrast to the sunbaked lava fields down south.
Tip: If Los Tilos is closed (which can happen in winter), head to nearby Cubo de la Galga instead. It’s just as lush (and less visited) but arrive early if you want a parking spot.
5. See Banana Plantations Up Close 🍌
Bananas are everywhere on La Palma – and it’s a glorious sight.
Drive around the island and you’ll pass row after row of leafy green plants clinging to cliff edges and carpeting the valleys.
You can stop by local farms to see how they’re grown and harvested, or just pull over for a photo (they’re surprisingly scenic!).
And yes, those tiny sweet Canarian bananas are absolutely worth the hype – don’t leave without tasting one.
6. Chill on a Black-Sand Beach 🏖️
La Palma’s beaches are wild and volcanic – no golden sand here, but plenty of atmosphere. Favourites include:
- Playa de Nogales: Dramatic cliffs and crashing surf
- Puerto Naos: A lively spot for swimming and sunsets
- Charco Verde: Sheltered, family-friendly, and great for a picnic
7. Drive the LP-1 Scenic Loop 🛣️
The winding coastal road that circles the island is a road-tripper’s dream.
Stop for coffee in colourful towns like El Paso, Tijarafe, and Barlovento – or pull over for wow-worthy miradores (viewpoints) along the way.
Don’t miss Mirador de los Dragos near Puntagorda, where you can admire La Palma’s iconic ancient dragon trees and views of the lush ravines.
Another must-stop is Mirador El Time – perfect for sweeping panoramas over the Aridane Valley, Tazacorte, and the 2021 lava fields stretching to the sea.
8. Taste Volcanic Wines in Fuencaliente 🍷
If you’re into wine (or just curious), don’t miss the chance to sample La Palma’s distinctive volcanic wines. The island’s southern slopes are covered in vines grown in dark, mineral-rich soil – and the results are delicious.
Bodegas Teneguía in Fuencaliente is one of the most established producers. I popped in for a tasting and loved the sweet Malvasía and bold red blends – all served with a side of Atlantic views and local pride.
Many bodegas welcome visitors without a booking, but check opening times before you go. You can also pick up a bottle (or three) to take home.
9. Stargaze at Roque de los Muchachos 🌟
At 2,426 metres above sea level, Roque de los Muchachos is literally the high point of La Palma, and one of the best stargazing spots on Earth.
Thanks to strict light pollution laws, the skies here are crystal clear, earning the island its Starlight Reserve status.
The photo above is me standing next to those incredible honeycomb-style Cherenkov telescopes – part of a cutting-edge gamma-ray observatory tucked up on the LP-1. It’s surreal up there: volcanic rocks, sweeping views, and science fiction-level tech all in one place.
Sadly, the observatory was closed due to snow when I visited (yep, snow in the Canaries!), but I had to include it in this list. If you get a clear night and the gates are open – go. It’s officially one of the best places to see the stars in the Northern Hemisphere.
10. Swim in Natural Pools 🏊
While the Atlantic can be wild and wavy, La Palma hides some gorgeous natural lava pools where the swimming is calm, safe, and oh-so-scenic.
Charco Azul, tucked into the lush northeast coast near San Andrés, is one of the best. Think turquoise pools framed by volcanic rock, with changing rooms, showers, and even a bar for a post-dip snack.
It’s family-friendly, photogenic, and a perfect spot to cool off after a hike.
11. Visit the Salt Flats 🧂
Driving to Salinas de Fuencaliente feels like crossing a lava desert. The southern tip of La Palma is coated in dark, jagged rock left behind by the 1971 eruption of Volcán Teneguía.
You’ll pass eerie stretches where the road weaves through frozen waves of lava, and the landscape suddenly shifts from green to black.
Then, just when it feels like you’ve landed on the moon, you’ll arrive at the salt flats – a patchwork of pink and white pools glinting in the sun.
You can watch salt being harvested by hand, stroll past the red-and-white lighthouse, or follow a rugged coastal path along the cliffs.
There’s also a shop selling local flor de sal and volcanic souvenirs, plus a café with unbeatable views over the ocean. It’s remote, surreal, and totally worth the detour.
Bonus Tips ✨
- Base yourself in: Los Llanos (west), Santa Cruz (east), or Puntagorda (quiet rural charm).
- Pack layers: Even in summer, mountain weather changes fast.
- Bring hiking shoes: Almost every day trip involves a walk or trail.
Map of La Palma 🗺️
Need help visualising where everything is? Here’s a Google Map to pin the best hikes, viewpoints, beaches, and villages around the island.
La Palma FAQs ❓
Got questions? Here are a few helpful answers to help you plan your La Palma adventure – from transportation to timing and everything in between.
Is La Palma suitable for non-hikers?
Yes! While it’s a hiking hotspot, there are plenty of scenic drives, cultural spots, beaches, and observatories that don’t require much walking.
What’s the best time to visit?
March to June and September to November offer great hiking weather and fewer tourists. Summer is warmer and good for beach days, while winter is mild but wetter in the north. See my La Palma Travel Guide for more info.
Do I need a car in La Palma?
Yes – unless you’re staying in a major town and doing guided tours, a car is essential for exploring La Palma’s remote areas and national parks. Try Discover Cars for car rentals.
Is it safe to visit near the volcano zone?
Yes – the eruption is over and the affected area near Tajogaite is now open to visitors. Guided tours offer insight into the island’s recent volcanic history. You can also see the impact from San Antonio and other viewpoints.
Can I swim in the ocean in La Palma?
You can, but always check the conditions. Some beaches have strong currents, so it’s safer to swim in designated areas or natural pools.
Are there any luxury stays on La Palma?
La Palma isn’t flashy, but for comfort and style, check out La Palma & Teneguía Princess or boutique gems like Hotel Hacienda de Abajo in Tazacorte – a historic manor turned luxe hotel with a lush garden and art-filled rooms.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in La Palma 🌍
Whether you’re chasing volcano trails, soaking in starlit skies, or hunting down hidden beaches, this list of things to do in La Palma shows just how much this little island packs in. It’s wild, beautiful, and quietly unforgettable.
Related Reading 📖
🍷 La Palma Travel Guide: Where to eat, stay and explore.
🗓️ 5 Days in La Palma, Canaries: A compact itinerary with one base area.
🗻 Cumbre Vieja: My Visit to the 2021 Eruption Zone: A personal story from the lava fields.
🏛️ La Palma’s Prettiest Towns: From colourful seafronts to peaceful highlands.
🌋 7 Days in La Palma: A Week of Volcanoes & Forests.
🦀 Food in the Canary Islands: 14 Traditional Dishes.
Pin It for Later! 📌
Love this post? Save it to your travel board so you can find it again when planning your trip to La Palma – or share it with a friend who’s dreaming of volcano hikes and dragon trees!
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
