Sightseeing in La Palma Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Spanish island of La Palma has become a tourist hotspot only recently. This green island can't offer lots of developed beaches or luxurious resorts, but it’s known after its unique natural and historical landmarks. The island has earned its unofficial name for a reason, as it’s widely covered with beautiful wildlife forests. There are also beautiful beaches covered with black volcanic sand for those who prefer to stay near the coastline.

Caldera de Taburiente national park is located in the very center of the island and is the main landmark of La Palma. There's a sleeping volcano there; its eruption has created the island more than a thousand of years ago. Volcano crater is more than 2,000 meter deep and is covered with thick pine forest; unusual stone forms create unique charming effect. There are lots of hiking routes running across the park, while viewing points provide an excellent view over surrounding landscapes. The information center with show-rooms at the park arranges daily educational events for park guests.

Roque de los Muchachos is the highest point of La Palma; it’s known after observatory of the same name located on its top. Opened in 1985, it is the one of the biggest and modern in Northern hemisphere. The biggest European telescope is set up there, while nature creates perfect conditions to study stars. This large observatory resembles a futuristic complex; it regularly hosts important international events. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Los Tilos ecoshpere reserve is another point of tourist's interest. It is located in the northern part of the island and regarded as the world's important place. It features unique laurel-cherry forests with rare plants growing within its area. Nowadays the park is open for public access and experienced guides hold interesting daily excursions.

La Zarza archeological area is highly recommended for fans of history. According to scientists, that’s where the very first island habitants have settled down. Petroglyphs on the cliffs acknowledge that, but their meaning is still a mystery. La Zarza area is probably the most interesting on the island and there are lots of legends and scientific theories associated with it. Belmaco archeological area is also extremely popular among tourists. Scientists found there ten caves decorated with rock engraving. The interesting fact is that it was the very first finding of such sort on Canary Islands, which was made back in 18th century.

There are active volcanos on the island as well; those are Teneguía and San Antonio . The most recent eruption happened in 1971, but nowadays hundreds of tourists visit both volcanos every day. There are also lots of historical and architectural landmarks in the capital city of Santa Cruz de La Palma . It’s an excellent place to walk around the scenic streets with unique history and admire lovely old villas and fountains.

La Palma never ceases to amaze fans of beach recreation. Puerto Naos remains the main beach resort of the region. This is also the location of the largest beach on the island. The beach is very unusual – it is covered with black volcanic sand. In recent years, it has turned into a popular entertainment center in the open air. The beach is the location of numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. To the service of vacationers, there are water sports centers and beach inventory rental offices. This resort will definitely please its guests with a great selection of hotels. Naturally, the most high-class and expensive ones are located close to the beach.

Tourists craving for more private and peaceful resorts will be genuinely pleased with the resort of Charco Verde that is located nearby. This resort also has a picturesque sandy beach that is quite flat and, therefore, the sand is always warm there. That is the reason why numerous travelers with small kids. Fans of quality tobacco will be also delighted with their visit to La Palma. There is an old tobacco factory that is still working and an adjacent thematic museum that is named the House of Tobacco. Here visitors can always buy quality cigars and locally produced accessories.