The green Canary Island where nature is the main target

The Canary Islands are known throughout Europe for his or her beautiful beaches, resort hotels and low-cost “summer” holidays. Unlike its busier counterparts, La Palma is a smaller island known for its natural environment and increasing commitment to ecotourism.

With year-round spring temperatures between 18 and 26 °C and the cooling influence of the trade winds, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers in search of something different from the standard Canarian beach holiday.

Geologically speaking, La Palma is one in every of the youngest islands within the Canary Islands. It was formed two million years ago. It remains to be volcanically lively. The most up-to-date eruption occurred just a few years ago and reminds visitors of the dynamic forces that shape the island.

Notably, 35% of La Palma is designated as a national park. The island’s lush landscapes are dominated by chestnut and Canary Island pine trees, alongside lush avocado, banana and sugar cane plantations. La Palma can also be known for its wine and Palmera cigars, with cigar rolling being a conventional craft passed down through generations.

Mass tourism exists on La Palma, with large ships often including the island of their Canary Islands cruise routes. There are also every day flights from London and other European cities. However, the island lacks the high-rise hotels that characterize most of the archipelago’s tourist attractions.

Instead, La Palma focuses on sustainable tourism and offers quite a few mountaineering trails, stunning viewpoints and, because of its observatories and minimal light pollution, among the clearest skies for stargazing.

Volcanic activity on La Palma continues

In recent years, Iceland has made headlines world wide attributable to its frequent volcanic eruptions, nevertheless it just isn’t the one destination that has to contend with the world’s natural disasters.

Volcanic activity continues on La Palma; essentially the most recent eruption occurred only just a few years ago.

Visitors can experience the facility of nature first hand by exploring the island’s quite a few volcanic features, starting with the aftermath of the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption, from which locals are still recovering.

About 7,000 people were evacuated when a virtually six-kilometer-long lava flow poured down the mountainside into the ocean.

The recent five-kilometer mountaineering trail to the bottom of the Cumbre Vieja volcano starts in Llano del Jable and follows the Cabeza de Vaca path. Guided tours can be found because, although the volcano is inactive, it emits gases, so access is restricted and controlled.

Don’t feel like being so lively? The Tajuya viewpoint in El Paso is one in every of the closest places to the Cumbre Vieja volcano. During the volcanic eruption, it was the foremost location for international television crews. From here you possibly can see your complete panorama, including the brand new a part of the mountain range and the lava flow all of the approach to the coast.

Hiking trails where nature blooms

This ongoing volcanic activity has shaped La Palma’s rugged terrain and fertile soil, creating a singular environment where agriculture thrives. The island’s volcanic past is clear in its dramatic landscapes, from rugged cliffs to lush, green valleys.

Lush chestnut and Canarian pine forests are punctuated by lush avocado, banana and sugar cane plantations, made possible by the fertile volcanic soil. Vineyards thrive here, producing distinctive Canarian wines, while tobacco plantations are known for his or her traditionally rolled Palmera cigars.

This dramatic landscape can also be suitable for Long-distance mountaineeringalthough most of the steep trails are best explored by experienced hikers or with a guide.

The Markus and Lamb Springs and The Linden Trees The waterfall hike is one in every of the essentially the most attractive mountaineering trailswith tunnels, rainforests and waterfalls. Enthusiastic hikers must book a taxi to/from the start line at House of the Mountainwhile a rain jacket and a flashlight (for unlit tunnels) are useful items.

For experienced hikers, the ten.5 mile route Volcano Route The hike is a difficult trek with excellent rewards, especially within the early summer months when the brilliant yellow flowering clovers contrast with the green pines and dark volcanic soil.

Hiking blogger Fay Doyle described the route as “another world,” with “incredible volcanic landscapes meeting dense forests, all the way down to the rugged volcanic coast.”

A beach town with a difference

Unlike the standard Canarian beach towns known for his or her whitewashed holiday hotels, Puerto de Tazacorte is understood for its vibrant houses, historic architecture and wealthy agricultural heritage.

The city’s popular black sand beaches are set against a backdrop of banana plantations and rugged cliffs, creating a surprising contrast.

The energetic waterfront is lined with cafes, seafood restaurants and small shops that give a taste of the local cuisine and culture. The marina is the perfect place to benefit from the Tazacorte Belt Lava deltas, while fishing boats and yachts bob within the small harbor.

The streets of Santa Cruz

Although nature is La Palma’s foremost attraction, don’t overlook the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. Strolling through this charming town, you will find brightly painted houses with picket balconies along cobbled streets and a vibrant local life.

The foremost pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, O’Daly StreetIts shops, cafés and historic sights, comparable to the Renaissance-style town hall and the impressive El Salvador Church, are bustling with activity.

Further into town you’ll discover fascinating sights, including the Naval Museumwith a duplicate of Columbus’ ship Santa Mariaand the Island Library and Museum of Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Ethnography, housed in a former monastery.