Discover La Palma: Canary Islands' Hidden Paradise

The first time I set foot on La Palma, I had no idea what I was walking into. My friend convinced me to ditch my typical beach vacation in favor of this "hidden gem." I thought, How different can one Canary Island be from the others? Turns out, La Palma isn’t just different—it’s magical. It’s like stepping into a completely different world where lush forests, rugged volcanic landscapes, and starry skies collide in ways that make you feel like you’re living inside a nature documentary.

I’ll admit, I underestimated how much there was to see and do. I landed in Santa Cruz de La Palma, a quaint little port town that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. The cobbled streets, colorful colonial houses, and tiny tapas bars were so charming I almost didn’t want to leave. Almost. But the real magic of La Palma isn’t in the towns—it’s out there in the wilderness.  

One of the first mistakes I made? Assuming I could tackle La Ruta de los Volcanes in flip-flops. Spoiler alert: don’t. This 17-kilometer hike is no joke. You’re walking along a trail that winds through volcanic craters, barren landscapes, and black sand fields, with sweeping views of the Atlantic on either side. It’s breathtaking—literally and figuratively—but I learned the hard way that proper hiking boots are non-negotiable. My reward for pushing through, though, was an unforgettable sunset at the end of the trail.  

And speaking of sunsets, have you ever seen the sky turn to pure fire? The best spot to catch one is at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, perched at the island’s highest point. This place is heaven for stargazers. La Palma’s low light pollution makes it one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. I spent hours lying on my back, watching the Milky Way stretch across the sky like an oil painting. There’s even a law on the island to keep the night skies dark—how cool is that?  

But La Palma isn’t just about the epic hikes and jaw-dropping skies. There’s a softer side to it, too. I spent an afternoon exploring the lush greenery of Caldera de Taburiente National Park, which feels like a rainforest straight out of a fantasy novel. Cascading waterfalls, wildflowers, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find these days—it’s all there. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Barbary falcon circling overhead.  

Now, I won’t pretend everything went smoothly. Renting a car seemed like a great idea until I realized how narrow and winding the roads are. Let’s just say my knuckles stayed white for most of the drive. But the views? Totally worth it. One second you’re driving through dense pine forests, and the next, you’re looking out over dramatic cliffs that plunge straight into the ocean.  

If there’s one thing I’d recommend to anyone visiting La Palma, it’s to take it slow. This island isn’t about rushing from one tourist attraction to another. It’s about finding hidden beaches, stumbling upon local festivals, and savoring every bite of fresh fish and papas arrugadas (those salty little wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce—absolute heaven).  

So, if you’re looking for a place that feels untouched, where you can reconnect with nature and feel like you’ve truly escaped, La Palma is it. Just bring good shoes, a curious spirit, and maybe a bit of Dramamine for those winding roads. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.