12 of the best things to do in La Palma

1. Go hiking in Caldera de Taburiente National Park

La Palma is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and otherworldly beauty, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The park is centred around a huge volcanic crater, which at 8km (5 miles) wide and around 2,000m (6,562ft) deep, is a truly spectacular sight.

Hike along one of the many trails that run along the caldera and its rim – passing through dense forest, discovering streams and waterfalls, and climbing rugged peaks as you go. You’ll find the highest point in La Palma, Roque de la Muchachos, here too. As you’d expect, the views from the top, out over the caldera, are incredible.

2. Gaze in awe at the some of the clearest night skies in the world

Thanks to its remote location and lack of development, La Palma offers some of the best stargazing in the world. In fact, the sky over the island is so beautiful that UNESCO has named La Palma an official ‘starlight reserve’. With very low levels of light pollution, the skies here are incredibly clear, making it easy to see countless dazzling constellations.

It doesn’t take a telescope or expert knowledge to be awe-struck by how brilliant the stars are in La Palma – you can stargaze from pretty much anywhere. But for the full experience, join a tour or visit one of the island’s many observatories to learn from an astronomer.

3. Spot dolphins and whales on a boat tour

La Palma’s waters are blessed with vibrant marine life, including dolphins, pilot whales, minke whales, turtles and more. To see them in their natural habitat, head out to sea on a guided boat tour.

There are several boat tours available across the island and, while you can spot both whales and dolphins all year round, conditions are often best between April and October. Some tours are all about relaxing and watching the wildlife, while others encourage you to get in and have a swim too. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera!

4. Get a head for heights at Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory

Atop La Palma’s highest peak stands one of its main attractions – a futuristic observatory. At 2,396m (7,861ft) above sea level, the views are spectacular and far reaching. On clear days you can see right across the Atlantic to Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro.

While it’s not possible to visit the observatory at night (this is a scientific research facility, after all), you can take a tour of the facility during the day. During these visits, you’ll learn about the inner workings of the observatory and see some of its massive telescopes up close and personal.

5. Wander the cobbled streets of Santa Cruz de la Palma

Santa Cruz de la Palma is one of the prettiest cities in the Canaries, typified by its colourful 15th-century colonial architecture and balconies laden with flowers.

Explore the cobbled streets of the historic Old Town, wandering past cafes busy with locals and markets selling the fresh fruit and fish of the island. Plaza de España sits right in the centre, fringed by the impressive City Hall and Church of El Salvador.

Be sure to walk along the Avenida Maritima, the beautiful seafront promenade, to admire the sea views and some of the city's best preserved traditional balconies.

6. Be amazed by nature at the salt pans of Fuencaliente

If you’re into more unusual holiday activities, visiting the glistening mounds of salt at the salt pans of Fuencaliente might be your thing. Located at the southerly tip of La Palma you’ll find bright-white piles of salt, set in pools of pink seawater and surrounded by black volcanic rock.

The juxtaposition of colours makes for a surreal view, which you can enjoy on a guided tour, while also learning more about how the salt goes from mound to table. After your tour, head to the site restaurant to enjoy more sea views and sample the freshly made salt firsthand.

7. Go wildlife spotting in the beautiful Los Tilos forest

One of the world’s last remaining laurel forests, lush Los Tilos was recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002 for its rare flora.

Choose from the numerous hiking trails and head off in search of hidden glades, rumbling waterfalls (such as Cascada de Los Tilos), and the wonderful wildlife that calls the forest home. Many of the plants and animals here are endemic species. Keep an eye out for rare white-tailed laurel pigeons and giant ferns – you won’t find them anywhere else.

8. Sunbathe on black sand beaches

Unlike the golden sands of Fuerteventura, some of La Palma’s best beaches are made of brilliant black sand. More moonscape than Spanish island, La Palma’s volcanic sands are nearly always quiet, with the package holiday crowd sticking to the better-known Canaries.

Some of the island’s best shores include family-friendly Puerto de Tazacorte, Blue Flag Puerto Naos, and Playa de Echentive, which is backed by the majestic Teneguía volcano.

9. Party with the locals at Los Indianos Carnival

Every year, around February and March, Santa Cruz de la Palma plays host to La Palma’s biggest event, the lively Los Indianos Carnival. The fiesta is a celebration of the island’s friendly relationship with Cuba and dates back to the 1960s.

A pure spectacle, over 80,000 people, dressed in white period costumes, descend on the capital to celebrate. Expect Cuban music, plenty of mojitos and, on the last full day of the festivities, a huge talcum powder fight.

10. Step back in time at The Museum of La Palma

Housed in a former 16th-century monastery, The Museum of La Palma is a treasure-trove of art, handicraft artefacts and natural history exhibits dedicated to the island’s history and culture.

The building itself is a sight to behold with two cloisters, courtyards and several floors to explore. The rotating ​​astrophotography exhibition is a must-see while here, as is the collections of zoological specimens in the Natural Sciences Hall.

It’s open Monday through to Saturday and entry costs €4.

11. Cool off in pristine natural pools

The coast of La Palma is dotted with natural rocky pools, filled with clear blue seawater. Some of the most popular pools, such as Charco Azul or La Fajana in the north of the island, have been developed to include stairs, and even have designated sunbathing areas and restaurants nearby.

While you’ll find these pretty pools all over the island, the two mentioned above are among the most picturesque.

Summer is the best month to visit, when the rocks are warm to bask on and the sea waves are at their calmest.

12. Discover ancient rock carvings at Cultural Park La Zarza and Zarcita

There’s more than age-old forest to discover at the Cultural Park La Zarza and Zarcita. The archaeological site, located in Garafía, is home to ancient carvings and stone engravings, covering a total of 47 panels across La Zarza and La Zarcita.

Visitors can marvel at the fascinating symbols and figures, plus learn about the island’s first settlers at the information centre. The entrance cost is just €2.