Activities and Sports on La Palma

La Palma is a true paradise for walkers and hikers. With its spectacular volcanic landscapes, lush forests, deep ravines and breathtaking views, the island offers an incredible variety of walking routes for all levels of experience.

As La Palma is a volcanic island, some paths can be steep, rocky and covered with loose stones. Sturdy walking shoes, suitable clothing and plenty of drinking water are therefore essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. Weather conditions can also change surprisingly quickly, especially at higher altitudes, so it's always wise to be prepared for wind, rain or cooler temperatures.

For your own safety, we recommend avoiding hiking alone, particularly in remote areas. Some parts of La Palma are wild and rugged, and finding someone who has lost their way can be extremely difficult.

Fortunately, the island now has an extensive network of well-maintained, clearly signposted walking trails. Many of the most beautiful routes are described in local hiking guides, making it easy to plan your own adventures.

Would you prefer to explore La Palma with an experienced local guide?

Guided walks are a wonderful way to discover the island's hidden treasures, learn more about its fascinating nature and enjoy the scenery without having to worry about finding your way.

For information about organised walks and guided hiking tours, take a look at the website of Graja Tours.

An unforgettable experience beneath one of Europe's most spectacular star-filled skies!

La Palma is a true paradise for astronomy enthusiasts. Thanks to its exceptional natural conditions and very low levels of light pollution, our beautiful Isla Bonita offers extraordinary opportunities for stargazing.

At the small private observatory of Astropalma, located in Tacande near El Paso, you can discover the secrets of the universe during a fascinating evening of astronomical observation.

A Journey Through the Universe

Your experience begins with an audiovisual presentation introducing you to the celestial objects you'll be observing: the Moon, planets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies.

Then comes the most exciting part: exploring the night sky through a powerful 400 mm telescope, revealing astonishing details of some of these distant celestial wonders.

Weather and observing conditions permitting, your hosts will also try to capture an astronomical photograph of one of the objects you've observed using a CCD camera.

Depending on the time and your interests, the experience may also include a guided tour of the constellations visible from La Palma, helping you identify them with the naked eye.

Comfortable Stargazing, Even on Cooler Nights

Most of the experience takes place inside the observatory building, where you'll be sheltered from the wind and cooler night-time temperatures.

The observatory is situated at an altitude of approximately 760 metres, near El Paso, in an easily accessible location. There's no need to drive to remote parts of the island to enjoy this remarkable experience.

Practical Information

• Starting time: 10:00 pm in summer and 9:00 pm in winter.
• Duration: approximately 2½ hours.
• Language: English.
• Price: €20 per person, with a minimum of three participants.
• For one or two guests: a total price of €60, with the opportunity to enjoy a more personalised experience.

Let the beauty of the universe take your breath away and discover La Palma from a completely different perspective!

Find out more about Astropalma here

Did you know that La Palma is also a little paradise for mushroom enthusiasts?

During November and December, particularly after the autumn rains, the forests of our beautiful Isla Bonita offer wonderful opportunities to discover a surprising variety of wild mushrooms.

It's a different and rather special way to experience La Palma's natural beauty, well away from the usual tourist trails.

Would you like to join a guided excursion and discover the fascinating world of wild mushrooms?

For groups, it may be possible to arrange guided mushroom-foraging excursions on request, accompanied by experts from a local mycological association.

If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, just ask us! We'll be delighted to help you find out more.

Important: Never pick or eat wild mushrooms unless they have been positively identified by a qualified expert. Some species can be poisonous, and mushroom picking may be subject to restrictions in certain areas.

La Palma is also a fantastic destination for mountain biking enthusiasts!

With its spectacular volcanic landscapes, lush forests and breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean, every mountain bike ride becomes an unforgettable adventure.

The island offers numerous forest tracks and trails where you can enjoy exciting rides surrounded by nature, provided cycling is permitted along your chosen route.

But don't forget – La Palma is a volcanic island!

The terrain can be very uneven, rocky and, in some places, quite challenging. That's why we recommend using a suitable mountain bike and choosing routes that match your experience and fitness level.

To protect the island's natural beauty and prevent damage to its fragile volcanic landscape, it's important to stay on designated cycling routes and respect any restrictions, particularly in protected natural areas.

Would you prefer to explore the mountains with a little less effort?

An electric mountain bike (e-MTB) can be an excellent alternative, making it easier to tackle the many steep climbs and hills of our beautiful Isla Bonita.

Discover La Palma on two wheels and enjoy its extraordinary natural beauty at your own pace!

Discover La Palma's breathtaking natural beauty on horseback!

Exploring our beautiful Isla Bonita on horseback is a truly special experience for anyone who would like to enjoy the island's landscapes in a peaceful and different way.

Imagine riding across wide expanses of volcanic sand, through lush evergreen pine forests or along scenic trails surrounded by impressive volcanic landscapes.

Some routes also offer spectacular views of the coastline and the black sandy beaches that make our island so unique.

Every ride offers a different perspective on La Palma's extraordinary natural beauty.

Whether you're already an experienced rider or simply fancy trying something new, a horse riding excursion could become one of the most memorable experiences of your holiday.

Let the beauty of La Palma take your breath away and enjoy an unforgettable adventure on horseback!

Can you imagine soaring above La Palma's spectacular volcanic landscapes and admiring the Atlantic Ocean from high in the sky?

When weather conditions are favourable, you'll often see paragliders gliding through the skies above our beautiful Isla Bonita, making the most of the air currents and enjoying breathtaking views.

The western side of La Palma is particularly popular with paragliding enthusiasts, thanks to its climate, which frequently provides favourable flying conditions.

Take-off points are usually located at various sites between Las Manchas and Fuencaliente. The exact launch site is chosen according to the wind and weather conditions on the day.

One of the usual landing spots is Puerto Naos, where you can also find information about paragliding opportunities.

An Unforgettable Experience – Tandem Paragliding!

Would you love to experience the thrill of flying, even if you've never tried paragliding before?

Tandem flights give you the opportunity to discover La Palma from a completely different perspective.

During your flight, you'll be accompanied by an experienced pilot who takes care of controlling the paraglider, leaving you free to enjoy the incredible feeling of freedom and the magnificent views.

A truly special adventure that you'll remember for a long time to come!

La Palma is an island that invites you to explore, discover and enjoy life at a leisurely pace!

The road network of our beautiful Isla Bonita makes it easy to reach many of the island's most interesting places. Many roads are well surfaced and offer spectacular views of the mountains, deep ravines and the Atlantic Ocean along the way.

Away from the main roads, you'll also find rural tracks and country lanes, some of which are only suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles. It's important to respect access restrictions and remember that not all of these tracks are open to traffic.

What's the Best Way to Explore the Island?

La Palma has a network of public buses, known locally as guaguas, connecting many of the island's towns and villages.

However, if you'd like to discover more remote corners, visit hidden viewpoints or explore the island with complete freedom, we recommend hiring a car.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or join one of the organised excursions by coach or four-wheel-drive vehicle.

But discovering La Palma doesn't mean you have to spend every day sightseeing.

Sometimes, the loveliest thing to do is simply leave the car behind and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of the island's charming towns and villages.

Explore their picturesque squares, traditional houses, little shops and welcoming café terraces. Watch everyday life unfold around you and soak up the relaxed atmosphere that makes our island so special.

Our Tip: Find a Lovely Terrace, Sit Back and Enjoy the Moment!

Order a coffee, a refreshing drink or some delicious tapas, and simply watch the world go by.

No schedules, no rushing and no worries.

Because sometimes the most wonderful holiday memories don't come from grand adventures or spectacular excursions, but from those little moments when you simply relax and enjoy life.

Let yourself be charmed by La Palma and discover your very own Isla Bonita!

Taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean is one of the loveliest experiences of a holiday on La Palma!

Our beautiful Isla Bonita is home to wonderful volcanic beaches where you can enjoy the sunshine, the sea and spectacular natural surroundings.

But don't forget that the Atlantic is an open ocean, and conditions can change rapidly. Particularly during the winter months, waves can be powerful and sea currents can be dangerous.

Your Safety Comes First!

Before entering the water, always pay attention to warning signs and beach safety flags:

• 🟢 Green flag: Swimming is permitted and conditions are generally favourable. Nevertheless, always take care.
• 🟡 Yellow flag: Swimming is permitted with caution. There may be dangerous waves or currents. If you're not a confident swimmer, it's best to stay out of the water.
• 🔴 Red flag: Swimming is prohibited! Do not enter the sea under any circumstances.

Strong currents and powerful waves can create dangerous situations, even for experienced swimmers. Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and local authorities.

Is the Sea Too Rough? No Problem!

On days like these, you can simply relax in our large solar-heated swimming pool at Jardín de Aridane, or take the opportunity to explore another beautiful corner of the island.

Volcanic Beaches with a Charm of Their Own

Many of La Palma's beaches are characterised by their black volcanic sand, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dark sand can become surprisingly hot in the sunshine, so we recommend bringing suitable footwear to make walking along the beach more comfortable.

In general, some beaches on the western and southern coasts may offer more favourable swimming conditions, but this always depends on the wind, waves and currents on the day.

Enjoy our wonderful beaches, respect the power of the Atlantic and take home unforgettable memories of your stay on La Palma!

The Most Beautiful Beaches and Natural Swimming Pools on La Palma

Discover the Wonderful Beaches of Our Isla Bonita!

From wide stretches of black volcanic sand to hidden little coves and spectacular natural swimming pools, La Palma offers countless beautiful places to enjoy the sunshine and the Atlantic Ocean.

Beaches on the West Coast of La Palma

• Playa de Tazacorte: One of La Palma's best-known and most popular beaches. Its location beside the harbour and its pleasant seafront promenade make it an ideal place to spend a few relaxing hours by the sea.
• Puerto Naos: A long beach of black volcanic sand, lined with palm trees and featuring a lovely seafront promenade. It's particularly famous for its spectacular sunsets.
• Playa de Las Monjas: A small naturist beach located south of Puerto Naos. Take particular care with waves and currents, especially during the winter months.
• Playa de Charco Verde: A beautiful beach south of Puerto Naos, on the way towards El Remo. A lovely place to enjoy the volcanic scenery and the sea.

Beaches in the South of La Palma

• Playa de La Zamora: One of the island's most romantic little coves, situated near Las Indias in the municipality of Fuencaliente. It's reached by a steep stone staircase. Its dark volcanic sand and beautiful natural surroundings give it a very special charm.
• Playa de Echentive (Playa Nueva): Located near the Teneguía volcano, surrounded by an impressive volcanic landscape. A particularly special beach for anyone who loves wild, unspoilt nature.
• Playa del Faro de Fuencaliente: A small beach beside the lighthouses at the southernmost tip of La Palma. Its volcanic surroundings and wonderful ocean views make it well worth a visit.

Beaches on the East Coast of La Palma

• Playa de Los Cancajos: One of the best-known beaches on the eastern coast, with black volcanic sand and several swimming areas. You'll also find some lovely little coves worth exploring in this part of the island.
• Playa de Santa Cruz de La Palma: Situated beside the island's capital, this beach is perfect for combining a few hours by the sea with a stroll through the beautiful historic centre of Santa Cruz.
• Playa de Nogales (Puntallana): A spectacular beach surrounded by towering cliffs, accessible only on foot via a path involving a considerable descent. It's particularly popular with surfers, but its strong currents and powerful waves can make swimming extremely dangerous.

Natural Swimming Pools in the North of La Palma

• Charco Azul (San Andrés y Sauces): A beautiful collection of natural seawater pools beside the Atlantic, perfect for enjoying a truly special coastal setting.
• La Fajana Natural Swimming Pools (Barlovento): Located on the island's northern coast, these pools offer spectacular scenery and a different kind of swimming experience, provided sea conditions are safe.

Our Tip: Before choosing a beach, always check the sea conditions and respect all safety warnings. The Atlantic can catch you by surprise, even on the sunniest days.

Enjoy the sea, the sunshine and the unique landscapes of our beautiful Isla Bonita!

Discover the Atlantic Ocean from a completely different perspective!

The waters surrounding our beautiful Isla Bonita offer plenty of opportunities for anyone looking to enjoy an active holiday by the sea.

Boat Trips Along La Palma's Coastline

If you've arrived on La Palma by ferry, you'll probably already have experienced the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and, depending on the weather, the power of its waves.

But discovering the island from the sea on a boat trip is a completely different experience.

Excursions departing from Puerto de Tazacorte give you the opportunity to admire La Palma's spectacular volcanic coastline from the ocean.

Its towering cliffs, impressive rock formations and dramatic coastal scenery provide truly unforgettable views.

Deep-Sea Fishing

For fishing enthusiasts, there are also opportunities to join organised deep-sea fishing trips.

It's a wonderful way to spend time on the Atlantic and enjoy a different kind of adventure during your holiday.

Surfing on La Palma

La Palma also offers some exciting opportunities for surfing enthusiasts.

During the winter months, when wave conditions are favourable, surfers can sometimes be seen gathering at Playa Nueva, on the island's west coast near Puerto Naos.

In summer, the spectacular Playa de Nogales, in the municipality of Puntallana, is another well-known spot among surfers.

The waves here can be extremely powerful, making it a destination particularly suited to experienced surfers.

Scuba Diving on La Palma

Would you like to discover the underwater world of our beautiful Isla Bonita?

The waters surrounding La Palma hide fascinating volcanic landscapes, impressive rock formations and a rich variety of marine life.

Scuba diving offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore this lesser-known side of the island.

There are diving centres offering guided dives for different levels of experience, always taking the prevailing sea conditions into account.

Whether you're sailing, surfing, fishing or exploring the underwater world, the Atlantic Ocean is waiting to offer you unforgettable experiences!

Discover the fascinating secrets hidden beneath the surface of La Palma!

Our beautiful Isla Bonita is not only impressive for its volcanoes, mountains and spectacular landscapes. Beneath the surface lies another equally fascinating world: one of caves and volcanic lava tubes.

Cueva de Las Palomas and Caños de Fuego – A Truly Special Experience

If you're interested in discovering how our island was formed, we recommend visiting the Caños de Fuego Volcanic Cavities Interpretation Centre, located in Las Manchas.

This fascinating centre offers an insight into the geological processes that created the volcanic lava tubes during the eruption of the San Juan volcano in 1949.

Through exhibitions and audiovisual presentations, you'll discover how lava formed impressive underground tunnels as its surface cooled and solidified while molten rock continued to flow beneath it.

One of the main attractions is Cueva de Las Palomas, a spectacular lava tube situated within a protected natural area.

From the interpretation centre, you can follow walkways across ancient lava flows and enjoy extraordinary views of the volcanic landscape.

Would You Like to Venture Inside a Real Volcanic Lava Tube?

You can also join a guided tour inside Cueva de Las Palomas, accompanied by experienced specialists and equipped with the appropriate safety gear.

It's an unforgettable opportunity to discover La Palma from a completely different perspective!

Visits inside the lava tube must be arranged in advance and are subject to access restrictions and safety conditions.

Find out more about Caños de Fuego and Cueva de Las Palomas

Would You Like to Discover More of La Palma's Volcanic Caves?

The island is home to other caves and volcanic cavities of considerable geological and natural interest.

However, many of these are not equipped for tourist visits and may present serious hazards. For this reason, you should never attempt to explore them on your own.

For information about possible specialist caving excursions, you can contact the following associations:

Junonia Speleological Group

Email: active@arrakis.es

Benisahare Speleological Group

Paco Govantes
P.O. Box 591
38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma

Telephone: 922 181 008
Mobile: 619 140 025
Email: fgovmor@gobiernodecanarias.org

Please note: The contact details for these associations are old and should be verified before use.

Our Tip: Start with a visit to Caños de Fuego and Cueva de Las Palomas. It's a wonderful opportunity to gain a better understanding of the fascinating volcanic history of our beautiful Isla Bonita.

Let yourself be amazed by La Palma's extraordinary underground world!

La Palma also offers exciting experiences for climbing enthusiasts and adventure lovers!

With its impressive rock faces, deep ravines and spectacular volcanic landscapes, our beautiful Isla Bonita is a very special destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures.

Sport Climbing on La Palma

Two areas have traditionally been particularly well known for sport climbing:

• Barranco de la Madera: Located near the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves, this area offers numerous climbing routes with varying levels of difficulty, ranging from approximately grade IV to 7b+.
• Tajuya, near El Paso: Another popular area among climbing enthusiasts, with routes of different difficulty levels, ranging from approximately grade IV to 7a.

These areas offer interesting opportunities for climbers with different levels of experience, provided the routes are officially open and conditions are safe.

Canyoning – Discover La Palma's Most Spectacular Ravines

Fancy a different kind of adventure?

Canyoning allows you to explore some of the island's impressive ravines, combining routes through steep and rugged terrain with descent techniques that require specialist knowledge and equipment.

Some of the areas known for their spectacular scenery include:

• Barranco de Marcos y Cordero, in the Los Tilos area.
• Barranco de Las Grajas, near Roque de los Muchachos.
• Barranco de Fagundo, in the north of La Palma.

These natural areas are particularly sensitive, and some present considerable technical challenges, access restrictions or risks associated with changing weather conditions.

Safety Comes First!

If you'd like to try rock climbing or canyoning during your holiday, we recommend checking current conditions, any necessary permits and the availability of qualified local guides beforehand.

Canyoning in particular requires experience, suitable equipment and a good understanding of the terrain and its potential hazards.

Discover La Palma's adventurous side and enjoy its extraordinary natural beauty responsibly!

La Palma is a true paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts!

Our beautiful Isla Bonita is not only impressive for its spectacular landscapes above sea level. Beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic lies an equally fascinating world, shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity.

Solidified lava flows, impressive rock formations, underwater cliffs, natural arches, deep crevices and mysterious caves make every dive a truly special experience.

Volcanic Landscapes Beneath the Waves

La Palma offers numerous dive sites, both for those who would like to discover scuba diving for the first time and for experienced divers.

Some sites can be reached directly from the shore, while others require a boat trip.

Depths and diving conditions vary considerably from one location to another, so it's important to choose dives that match your qualifications and experience.

An Amazing Variety of Marine Life

The waters surrounding La Palma are home to an extraordinary variety of marine species.

During your dives, you may encounter colourful fish, groupers, moray eels, octopuses, rays, starfish and many other fascinating creatures living among the volcanic rock formations.

In certain areas, you may also discover remarkable black coral communities, particularly at greater depths.

And with a little luck, you might even come across a sea turtle!

Where Can You Go Scuba Diving on La Palma?

Some of the island's best-known diving areas are located along its eastern, western and southern coasts.

Los Cancajos

On the east coast, near Santa Cruz de La Palma, you'll find several dive sites and diving centres. The underwater scenery offers excellent opportunities to explore the island's volcanic seabed.

Puerto Naos and the West Coast

The western coastline also offers attractive diving locations, characterised by impressive rock formations, underwater walls and fascinating volcanic landscapes.

Puerto de Tazacorte

Diving excursions can be organised from this area, allowing you to discover various dive sites along the west coast.

Fuencaliente and Southern La Palma

The southern tip of the island offers some of its most spectacular underwater scenery, with remarkable volcanic formations and a fascinating diversity of marine life.

The Crosses of Malpique – A Very Special Dive Site

One of La Palma's most unusual diving attractions lies off the coast of Fuencaliente.

On the seabed at Malpique, numerous crosses commemorate the Martyrs of Tazacorte, a group of religious missionaries killed by pirates in the 16th century.

This impressive underwater memorial, surrounded by a fascinating volcanic landscape, makes diving here an extraordinary experience combining nature and history.

La Palma Marine Reserve

The La Palma Marine Reserve is located off the island's south-western coast. This protected area plays an important role in conserving the island's marine ecosystems.

Scuba diving within the reserve is subject to specific regulations and may require permits. We therefore recommend checking the current requirements with an authorised diving centre before planning your visit.

Diving Safety

The Atlantic Ocean can experience strong currents, powerful waves and sudden changes in sea conditions.

Along the northern coast in particular, conditions can be challenging even for experienced divers.

For your safety, we recommend diving with qualified professionals and always respecting the regulations designed to protect the marine environment.

Dive into the waters of our beautiful Isla Bonita and discover a fascinating volcanic underwater world full of life, colour and surprises!