Canary Island boasts black sand beaches, National Park and £14.50pp hotels
The Canary Islands, a part of Spain, are popular with British holidaymakers who love to flock to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Even Fuerteventura is popular in winter due to the sunny weather the region gets all through winter.
However, the tourists who are sick of how busy the big islands can get should look a little deeper into this collection of gorgeous islands off the coast of North Africa. There’s another, lesser known island that’s bound to meet all of your desires for a great break away.
La Palma, also known as La isla bonita which means the beautiful island, is one of the Canary Islands best spots. It has a population of just over 20,000 but is perfect for those who love a more chilled experience.
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The island is incredibly green and filled with luscious forest and there are volcanos, mountains and rugged ravines which are perfect for challenging hikes. The volcanic island is covered in black and red rocks and lava fields that science buffs will enjoy exploring.
The weather is generally gorgeous compared to here in the UK with the temperatures hitting 20C this week. That means you can still swim, snorkel and paddle board in the sunshine on one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
The coastline includes clear blue waters, natural pools and black sand. Some beaches are totally safe and have calm waters so they’re great to visit with the kids. Puerto Naos or Los Cancajos are great examples of family-friendly beaches.
The best natural pools and ponds include the Charco Azul and La Fajana pools. They’re also near to amenities like restaurants and toilets so you can make a day of it!
Meanwhile those who prefer a little adventure can try beaches like Nogales where it’s less likely anyone else will be around. Just make sure you’re extra careful as strong currents could put you in danger.
When you’re finished with the beach, you can head to the spectacular La Caldera de Taburiente – a national park and one of the islands best treasures. The park has incredible scenic viewpoints, a pine forest, singing birds and clear streams. Plus there’s the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory for those who love to investigate space.
You can stop at the observatory to look up at the planets and stars. It’s a great place to do so too as La Palma is an official Starlight Reserve (that means a site where a commitment to defend the night sky quality and the access to starlight has been established).
The main town of the island is Santa Cruz in the east. It has beautiful churches, carved wooden balconies that look out to sea, colonial-style houses and the Insular Museum which boasts art for those after a cultural experience.
There’s also the Chico and Circo de Marte theatres, lots of shops for some retail therapy, a historic quarter perfect fro stills and lots of restaurants and cafes. The island also has lots of charming villages you can visit.
Skyscanner shows that flights to La Palma aren’t too expensive either. It shows directs journeys from the UK to the island from £104 for a return with TUI.
Plus, you can find great deals on hotels or apartments. You can stay in a hostel as cheap as £14.50 a night, but as most of us prefer a private room you can get a double with a sea view in Las Indias for £146 for five nights. Between two of you that’s £14.50 each per night too!
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