Note (as of 2026): In 2021 the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted on La Palma. The west coast around Puerto Naos in particular was affected for a long time and partly closed off. Please check the current situation before travelling – some of the places mentioned have changed.
I’ve been to La Palma countless times – the greenest Canary Island is beautiful and varied: hiking, biking, diving, beach, wine and good food. You can swim almost all year round. Here are my tips for planning the trip.
The right side of the island
A quick orientation: the north is green and forested (Canary pine), the south is barren with lava landscapes, the east has the airport and the capital Santa Cruz. The green north-east is almost jungle-like. My favourite is the west – the finest combination of scenery and weather.
My tip on location: choose your accommodation according to your activities. I prefer the west between Los Llanos and Puerto Naos – easy to reach and pleasantly warm even in winter (in the rain shadow of Cumbre Vieja and Cumbre Nueva).
Flights and getting there
La Palma has an airport. The winter schedule (November–April) is denser than in summer.
- Condor – year-round weekly direct flights from Düsseldorf, Hanover, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich.
- Iberia – daily from Frankfurt with 1–2 stopovers (handy for flexible 10-day trips).
Accommodation: hotel, holiday home or apartment
I always head from the airport to the west – better weather. Options:
- Los Cancajos – the only classic tourist resort, near the airport in the east.
- Puerto Naos – a large resort on the beach with a promenade.
- Small places to stay – my choice: apartments, small hotels, holiday homes.
You can book through tour operators, La Palma 24 (German-speaking operators) or Airbnb.
Rental car
Book it for your whole stay – it’s cheap and makes you far more flexible. Good providers with German-speaking service: La Palma 24 (also motorbikes & e-bikes), Monta, Tamanca, CAR 7 and Cicar.
With that you’ve got the basics – you’ll find the finest beaches, hikes, dive and bike spots in my active guide to La Palma.
