Last updated on March 9, 2026
La Palma, Canary Islands – One of a kind
La Palma certainly stands out in the background of the other Canary Islands. So far, I’ve visited only four out of seven – Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma.
Although I have not visited the other 3, I know quite a lot about them thanks to my curiosity and poor attempts to speak Spanish with the locals.
First of all, and what I like most, La Palma is not as touristic as the rest of the islands. The small area and the absence of crazy tourist resorts have their perks. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet.
Second, it’s the greenest of the Canary Islands (and we all know Stef loves green). It has long hiking trails throughout the mountain range and beautiful green scenery, which the forest lovers will adore.
And finally, it has a unique energy. Somehow, this island attracts a lot of spiritually-oriented people to itself. The easiest thing to do is to go out and find a free soul. This island is full of nomads, from backpackers and hippies to energy healers and Reiki masters.
Map, population and general information
La Palma, or “La Isla Bonita,” translated as the “Pretty Island,” is a volcanic Canary island. It is the most north-western of the Canarias, and therefore if you go into the vast Atlantic, you won’t encounter anything west for miles and miles away (scary thought).
It’s a small island (about 708 m2) but not overly populated. At last count, the population was 86,000. It might have gone up to 90,000 with all the Germans coming to paradise for their retirement years.
La Palma – UNESCO site
Not only is the island a proud owner of a UNESCO world heritage site, but it is one. In 2002, UNESCO declared the whole island a World Biosphere Reserve. For those of you who don’t know what this means – neither did I. A biosphere reserve comprises terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems and aims to restore “friendly” relations between biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use. And now you know.
Community and public transport
A big city does not exist here. So for those of you who love the big city life, diverse nightlife and giant shopping malls – you’re better off going somewhere else. But don’t worry, the island offers everything that one might need! The two “largest” cities are Santa Cruz de La Palma (the capital city) and Los Llanos de Aridane, located on opposite sides of the island (east and west, respectively).
The airport and the port located in Santa Cruz are the connections to other islands. However, transport around the island is made pretty easy to use by the general public. The connection between the two major cities (line #300) occurs every half an hour. For more detailed information, check La Palma’s official bus timetable. Don’t forget you are on a pretty chill island, and don’t panic if your bus is not there on time.
La Palma weather
La Palma has been called “the island of eternal spring,” which gives you an idea of the yearly weather. It’s never too hot, but it’s also never too cold. However, as for prediction, the weather is absolute madness.
The island has created weather of its own, and no website or news channel can help you plan your week.
Generally speaking, there are three rules to follow that will help you with planning:
- The west side is warmer.
Usually, the west side offers better weather conditions than the east. It’s warmer and drier. - + 100 meters = – 1 degree.
Another thing to consider is that temperature drops by 1 degree every time you go up by 100 meters. BUT a cool breeze doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use sun protection! The sunlight here is more intense than in the rest of Europe. - Beaches on the south side are calmer.
As for choosing a beach – the ocean in the north is generally more aggressive. Plus, there are not so many choices when it comes to beaches. Surfers are welcome there, but if you simply want to dip in calm waters and sunbathe, look into the more southern parts.
What to do in La Palma island – nature and activities
With its 1000km hiking paths, La Palma won’t disappoint the nature lovers! The two large National Parks – Cumbre Vieja and La Caldera de Taburiente offer magnificent views for those who are willing to spear a sweat!
Caves, natural pools, volcanoes, magnificent viewpoints and clear skies, beaches and forests, dinosaur chasing, whatever you think of, La Palma has it all! I personally didn’t encounter a beach, which beauty was breathtaking, but there are quite a few good ones! For more details check out my other posts.
Plan your Canary Island trip
20 things to do in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Are you planning on visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? See what you can do and where to go while you're there
Read More
Paradise Home in La Palma
Last updated on October 12, 2022My Home For Today, 14-17 April 2018 Three days of actual paradise We found a […]
Read More
The Best Secret Public Beach in La Palma
Last updated on October 12, 2022Playa de la veta As probably most of you already know, “playa” is the Spanish […]
Read More
Top 10 restaurants in Las Palmas
Last updated on March 9, 2026Which are the best restaurants in Las Palmas? There are so many. But which ones […]
Read MoreTell a friend about this
Stefani Gospodinova
Founder and Content Creator
Stefani is a travel blogger born and raised in Bulgaria, and the founder of Kiss My Backpack. Having explored the country since childhood, she shares practical tips, local insights, and her own photography to help visitors plan their trip.
Latest blog posts
Hotels in Old Nessebar
Looking for the best hotels in Nessebar Old Town? This guide covers boutique hotels, charming guest houses, and affordable apartments inside the UNESCO-listed historic peninsula. Find the best places to stay, what to expect, and how to choose the right location.
Read More
13 things to do in Kyustendil
Planning a trip to Kyustendil? This guide covers what to see in the city and nearby - from Roman thermae and Ottoman-era baths to mountain hikes, giant sequoias, and Rila Monastery - with practical tips to help you plan independently.
Read More
Events in March 2026
Planning a trip to Bulgaria in February? From wine and food festivals to Kukeri carnivals and ancient rituals, this month is packed with local traditions and recurring events across the country. Here are 16 events and festivals in Bulgaria this February to help you plan beyond the usual tourist spots.
Read More
Osogovo Hut
Osogovo Hut isn't a typical Bulgarian mountain hut - it's got private bathrooms, unlimited water, and a restaurant with amazing food. This guide covers rooms, prices, hiking trails to Ruen Peak, and what makes it worth the short drive from Kyustendil.
Read More
Hi Stefani.
I am visiting La Palma this May to do some astrophotography. However, I would like to shoot the cloud waterfall. I have searched online but need to know one thing.
Is it a regular occurrence or only happens when weather conditions are suitable?
Thanks
David
Hi, David,
I’ve been to this place only once and was lucky to see the so-called “cloud waterfall”. Based on my other experiences, I assume it occurs only during particular weather conditions and not daily.
Wish you a great trip and hope you see it!
Greetings,
Stef