7 Of The Best Resorts In La Palma

Little La Palma doesn’t make a fuss like some of the bigger Canaries. Instead of high-rise hotels and busy resorts, you’ll find tiny seaside towns, sleepy fishing villages and secluded mountain retreats. On La Palma, peace and quiet is the name of the game.

Yet despite its small size, there are still plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. Whether you’re a keen hiker looking to trek in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park or a family seeking sandy shores, we’ve rounded up seven of the island’s best resorts for your next La Palma holiday.

1. Los Cancajos

Best for families

The coastal resort of Los Cancajos is relaxed and easily accessible, with all the amenities you could need for a great family holiday. Its Blue Flag beach, Playa Los Cancajos, has dramatic black sand with calm water that’s safe for splashing around in.

In Los Cancajos, you’ll find a good selection of restaurants and bars, with options to suit both adventurous and fussy appetites. Wander along the pedestrianised promenade and choose one that takes your fancy, then explore some more and discover the many hidden coves surrounding the main beach. If you want to venture further afield, the number 500 bus takes you to La Palma’s capital, Santa Cruz, in less than 20 minutes.

Where to stay in Los Cancajos

For a laidback family retreat, look no further than Hacienda San Jorge. The three-star hotel is set within lush gardens, has a fabulous pool and is just a stone’s throw from the beach. If you’re keen for a self-catering stay, La Caleta’s apartments are clean, comfy and come equipped with everything you might need.

2. Puerto de Tazacorte

Best for couples

Regarded as the sunniest spot on the island, Puerto de Tazacorte is the ideal place to kick back and relax with your significant other. There are several upmarket villas and private apartments along the beachfront if you’re looking to stay somewhere special, and the general atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful. As the village has grown, so have the drinking and dining options in Puerto de Tazacorte, and there are now lots of lovely dinner date spots along the seafront.

The beach is made up of one long sweep of soft black sand, which stretches out into a turquoise sea, bordered by craggy cliffs on one side and the harbour on the other. To the south there is also a much smaller but totally unspoilt cove, if you’re looking for more privacy.

Where to stay near Puerto de Tazacorte

Those looking for a hotel stay will find their best options closer to Tazacorte town, such as the rave-reviewed Hotel Hacienda De Abajo. Boutique rooms and a hidden garden pool are just some of the highlights here. Alternatively, Apartamentos Finca La Cruz has four simple but charming apartments with romantic sea views.

3. Santa Cruz de La Palma

Best for a culture hit

La Palma’s capital may be half the size of its name-share in Tenerife, but its historic centre certainly makes up for it in old town charm. A hub of cobbled streets, colonial-style buildings and colourful Canarian houses with wooden balconies, it's easily one of the most picturesque towns in the Canary Islands. The Plaza de España is the beating heart, bustling with shops, cafes and restaurants, and where you’ll find a handful of significant buildings, including the 16th-century Church of El Salvador.

As one of the liveliest resorts in La Palma, it has a good mix of accommodation options, ranging from lodges and guesthouses to hotels and apartments. Consider staying close to the coast to combine city and beach vibes – the rich black sand of Playa de Santa Cruz de La Palma is the local go-to spot for relaxing in the sun.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz de La Palma

Hotel San Telmo is a great choice for a traditional stay in the centre of La Palma's capital. The building is over 350 years old with cosy, contemporary rooms overlooking a central courtyard. Just a ten-minute walk from the old town, returning to the peace and quiet of Hotel El Galeón’s sun terrace will feel like a blessing after busy days exploring.

4. Fuencaliente

Best for travellers on a budget

While you’ll find prices steady across La Palma, Fuencaliente, in the south of the island, offers a good range of options for travellers on a budget. The area is made up of three main villages, Las Indias, Los Canarios and Las Caletas, with beaches Faro de Fuencaliente, Playa de Echentive and Playa Punta Larga within 30 minutes’ drive of each. If you’re really looking for a cheap holiday on La Palma, book an apartment with a kitchen and cook for yourself for a couple of nights, too.

The whole region is quiet and relaxed – like most of La Palma – with the main activities being beach days or hiking. If you’re feeling super fit, take on the Ruta de Los Volcanes, a six-hour hike through Fuencaliente’s lush countryside. Stunning coastal views and pretty white-washed villages come as standard.

Where to stay in Fuencaliente

La Palma Princess is the go-to hotel in Fuencaliente and it’s not hard to see why – it has seven pools, a spa and rooms set around tropical gardens. Snapping up an all-inclusive deal here is a great way to lock in your budget before heading on holiday. Base yourself in Las Indias and you’ll find plenty of good-value apartments, villas and guesthouses. Anamcara Suites La Palma is a good bet.

5. Los Llanos

Best for hiking enthusiasts

If you’re travelling to La Palma to make the most of the epic hiking opportunities, base yourself in lovely Los Llanos. Located inland, to the west of the island, the small town is just a 20-minute drive to Caldera de Taburiente National Park and equally close to the famous Pico Bejanado walk.

In the town itself, explore the pretty paved streets of the old town, with its central church, ancient trees and traditional colourful houses. There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy a delicious al fresco dinner after a long day in the mountains. And if you want to mix things up with a day on one of La Palma's best beaches, Puerto de Tazacorte is less than a 15-minute drive away.

Where to stay in Los Llanos

Smart, modern and close to Los Llanos’ main shops and restaurants, Hotel Benahoare goes above and beyond its two-star status. You’ll be on the doorstep of several hiking trails, plus the views from the rooftop are pretty spectacular. With the choice of one and two-bed apartments plus a pool, Apartamentos Adjovimar is a hit with families and groups.

6. Barlovento

Best for authentic La Palma

Lush, wild and remote, green Barlovento, in the northeast corner of La Palma, is perfect for people who really want to get away from it all. With not much more than a handful of hotels, a few bars and a couple of traditional restaurants, this is the Canary Islands at its most authentic.

For the best views in town, make sure you spend a few hours hiking up the Roque de los Muchachos peak – the panoramic seascape is well worth the effort of the trek. Another (slightly more relaxing) way to spend a day in Barlovento is by visiting the La Fajana natural pools. These stunning seawater pools gradually formed into the cliff face and have since been adapted with the addition of steps and paths to allow you to easily dip in for a swim.

Where to stay in Barlovento

Noted for its home-from-home atmosphere, three-star Hotel La Palma Romantica is an idyllic base for anyone after all the facilities of a hotel stay while getting a taste of the island’s traditional side. For other accommodation options in Barlovento, look for private holiday rentals and B&Bs. Casa Las Paredes has a pool and comes well reviewed.

7. Puerto Naos

Best for peace and quiet

Puerto Naos is a sleepy fishing village and beach resort that makes the perfect place to spend a tranquil week surrounded by epic scenery and sea views. On the sunny west of the island, close to the volcanic Cumbre Vieja Nature Park, the resort is not only a great base for beach breaks, but also ideally located if you want to do some hiking.

The resort centre may be small and laidback, but it still provides a good choice of hotels, bars and restaurants. One of the best spots to dine out is the promenade, which runs along the palm-lined beach, so you can enjoy your meal with views of waves crashing on the black sandy shore.

Where to stay near Puerto Naos

Overlooking Puerto Naos beach, you can wake up to the sounds of the sea if you stay at Sol La Palma Hotel. The four-star hotel is a pretty and peaceful base for families and couples alike. Prefer to go self-catering? Apartments La Muralla’s small complex offers simple stays with stunning views.