La Palma, one of Spain’s most beautiful Canary Islands, has been called “La Isla Bonita” for a long time. Many people were curious about how the area would recover after the 2021 volcanic eruption changed the landscape in the west. La Palma is now a symbol of strength, new life, and the beauty of nature. Its lush forests, black sand beaches, starry skies, and friendly people have not only survived but thrived, inviting travelers to discover a place that has changed because of nature’s power but is still full of timeless charm.
This guide tells you about the best things to do in La Palma (Canary Islands) after the volcano erupted. It includes activities that honor both the island’s natural beauty and its people. La Palma promises a mix of peace, authenticity, and adventure that few other places can match, whether you like to hike, look at the stars, go to the beach, or learn about new cultures.
1. Discover the New Volcanic Landscape: The Legacy of Cumbre Vieja
One of the most amazing things to do on La Palma today is see the island’s newest land, which was made by the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupting in 2021. This event changed coastlines, added new land, and created new lava fields that have become a living geological museum.
Take the Volcano Route
The most famous hiking trail on La Palma is the Ruta de los Volcanes. It goes through the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park for more than 17 kilometers and gives you great views of both old and new volcanic cones. After the eruption, guided tours now include safe places where people can see the new lava flows and learn how the eruption changed the island’s landscape.
Check out Tazacorte’s New Coast
The lava from the 2021 eruption made new land called the “lava delta” when it reached the sea near Tazacorte. For safety and environmental reasons, access is limited, but viewing points near the coast show an amazing sight: nature’s creative force at work. Tazacorte is still a lovely seaside town where you can walk along the promenade or eat fresh fish with a view of the Atlantic.
2. Learn About Caldera de Taburiente National Park
The Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the best places to see La Palma’s wild heart. This huge volcanic crater is 8 kilometers wide and more than 2000 meters deep. It is home to pine forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails that let you experience nature at its best.
The Best Things to Do in Caldera de Taburiente
- Hike to the Cascada de Colores: This waterfall is one of La Palma’s most famous sights because of the rainbow colors that come from mineral deposits.
- Mirador de la Cumbrecita: A great place to look at the stars, with beautiful views both day and night.
- Barranco de las Angustias: A difficult but rewarding hike through the park’s dramatic gorge and riverbed.
La Palma’s careful management of the environment makes sure that this pristine ecosystem stays that way for future generations. This is an important part of the island’s long-term tourism recovery.
3. Look at the Stars from the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
La Palma is known for having some of the best stargazing in the world because the skies are clear and there are strict laws against light pollution. Some of the most advanced telescopes in the world are at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, which is 2,396 meters above sea level.
What to Look Forward To
- Visitors can take guided tours of the observatory or drive up to the viewing platforms near the top.
- At night, the Milky Way looks so bright that it seems like you could almost touch it.
- The Starlight Reserve designation protects La Palma’s dark skies, making astronomy tourism a year-round attraction.
Tip from the Inside
- Plan your trip around the new moon phases for the best stargazing.
- Dress warmly, as temperatures drop quickly at high altitudes even in summer.
4. Walk Around Santa Cruz de La Palma
Santa Cruz de La Palma, the capital of the island, has a maritime soul and colonial charm. With its cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and promenade along the sea, it is one of the prettiest towns in the Canary Islands.
Things to Do and See
- Calle O’Daly (La Calle Real): The city’s main pedestrian street, with shops, bakeries, and historic buildings.
- Balcones de la Avenida Marítima: A row of wooden balconies with flowers — one of the most photographed places in the city.
- Museo Naval del Barco de la Virgen: A maritime museum in a replica of Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria.
- Local Cuisine: Try papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce or freshly caught fish at traditional restaurants with views of the port.
Santa Cruz hasn’t been hurt by mass tourism, so visitors can experience authentic Canarian life — a timeless appeal that travelers love.
5. Walk the Island’s Famous Trails
La Palma is often called the “Hiking Island,” and for good reason. With over 1,000 kilometers of marked trails, it is perfect for walkers of all levels. Many paths traverse volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and stunning ridges.
Best Hiking Trails
- Ruta de los Volcanes: From El Pilar to Fuencaliente.
- Los Tilos Forest: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and lush laurel forest.
- La Zarza and La Zarcita: Ancient rock carvings from the island’s Benahoaritas culture.
- Roque de los Muchachos to Pico de la Nieve: A high-altitude path with panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding islands.
Advice from a Pro
- Always check weather and trail conditions, as terrain and microclimates vary between the north and south.
- Local tourist offices provide maps and daily updates.
6. Go to the Beaches and Natural Pools
La Palma doesn’t have extensive golden sand beaches, but its black volcanic beaches are unique and scenic. These formations showcase the island’s volcanic history and offer tranquil escapes.
The Best Beaches to Visit
- Playa de Nogales: A wild, scenic beach with cliffs, ideal for surfers and photographers.
- Playa de Tazacorte: Family-friendly, sunny all year, located in the warmest region.
- Playa de Los Cancajos: Calm waters with rich marine life, perfect for snorkeling.
- Charco Azul (San Andrés y Sauces): A natural seawater pool, safe and picturesque for swimming.
La Palma’s dramatic coastlines and clear Atlantic waters make its beaches an evergreen attraction.
7. Try the Local Wines and Foods
La Palma’s cuisine reflects its volcanic soil, mild climate, and rich traditions. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and locally produced wine create an authentic culinary experience.
Dishes You Have to Try
- Gofio: Traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grains, served with milk or honey.
- Queso Palmero: Smoky goat cheese with a protected designation of origin.
- Mojo Rojo and Mojo Verde: Iconic sauces for potatoes, fish, and meat.
- Bienmesabe: Sweet almond dessert, paired with local rum or coffee.
The Wine Culture of La Palma
- Vineyards in Fuencaliente and Tijarafe produce distinctive wines, especially the Malvasía variety.
- Visit a bodega to learn about winemaking on volcanic soil — a practice as old as the island itself.
8. Go to Charming Mountain Towns
La Palma’s soul is in its small mountain villages, not just its beaches and forests. These towns showcase centuries of Canarian culture and panoramic views.
Best Villages to Visit
- Los Llanos de Aridane: Largest town on the west coast, lively cafes and art galleries.
- El Paso: Gateway to Cumbre Vieja, with museums about the 2021 eruption.
- Barlovento: Green and lush with traditional farming and scenic walking paths.
- Garafía: Rugged coast, stargazing viewpoints, peaceful rural life.
These villages preserve a slower pace, demonstrating that community-based tourism can thrive long after the news fades.
9. Watch Whales and Dolphins
The waters around La Palma are rich in marine life, making it ideal for ocean excursions. Most tours depart from Tazacorte, where conditions are calm year-round.
Things You See Often
- Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally sperm whales.
- Ethical tours follow conservation guidelines to ensure respectful wildlife encounters.
This activity supports local guides and promotes marine conservation, aligning with La Palma’s sustainable tourism goals.
10. Enjoy the Festivals and Culture of the Area
La Palma’s cultural life is rich and rooted in tradition. Many festivals have been celebrated for centuries, highlighting the island’s strong community bonds.
Don’t Miss
- Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves: Grand festival in Santa Cruz every five years, with music, parades, and religious devotion.
- Carnival of Los Indianos: White-themed celebration symbolizing the return of emigrants from the Americas.
- Romerías (Pilgrimage Fairs): Traditional rural festivals with folk music, dancing, and local cuisine.
These events reflect La Palma’s lively, welcoming, and historically proud spirit.
11. Go to the North: See Untouched Nature and Secret Waterfalls
While the south has volcanic drama, the north of La Palma is lush, green, and full of hidden gems.
Things to Do in Northern La Palma
- Los Tilos Biosphere Reserve: Subtropical laurel forest with foggy paths.
- Cubo de la Galga: Quiet hiking area that feels like stepping back in time.
- San Andrés: Picture-perfect village with whitewashed houses and banana plantations.
- Marcos y Cordero Waterfalls: Adventurous hike accessible through mountain tunnels.
The north offers peace, biodiversity, and the raw beauty of La Palma’s natural world.
12. Get a New Lease on Life with Wellness and Eco-Tourism
La Palma is ideal for wellness retreats and eco-tourism due to its peaceful environment and clean air. Many accommodations combine relaxation with sustainability.
Recommended Activities
- Stay in solar-powered eco-lodges in Tijarafe or Puntagorda.
- Join yoga and meditation retreats with ocean or forest views.
- Experience agrotourism, supporting local farmers and learning traditional farming methods.
Wellness travel reflects the island’s harmony between people and nature — a lasting attraction.
13. Take the Scenic Routes
La Palma’s winding roads offer some of the most beautiful drives in the Canary Islands. Despite its small size, the island’s mountains make each journey an adventure.
Drives You Can’t Miss
- LP-4 to Roque de los Muchachos: Ascends from Santa Cruz to the highest point.
- LP-1 North Loop: Circles lush forests and coastal cliffs.
- LP-2 South Route: Features lava fields, vineyards, and the Fuencaliente lighthouse.
Stop at designated miradores (viewpoints) for unique perspectives of La Palma’s evolving landscape.
14. Go to the Fuencaliente Salt Pans and Lighthouses
At the southern tip lies the Fuencaliente Lighthouse complex, a famous landmark with two lighthouses — one historic, one modern.
Beside them, the Salinas de Fuencaliente produce artisanal sea salt using centuries-old methods. Lava flows surrounding the area make it ideal for sunset photography and quiet reflection. A nearby visitor center explains the balance between industry and ecology, showcasing La Palma’s blend of tradition and sustainability.
15. Look into the New Era of Eco-Friendly Tourism
After the volcano, La Palma adopted a tourism model focused on sustainability, resilience, and authenticity, aiming to benefit residents and visitors alike.
Important Steps
- Reforestation of affected areas with native trees.
- Community-led tourism cooperatives supporting local businesses.
- Promotion of slow travel, encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore deeper.
This approach ensures La Palma’s recovery is enduring, not temporary, offering lessons for destinations worldwide.
Conclusion: La Palma is Always Beautiful
La Palma’s story is one of change, strength, and timeless beauty. Nature’s dramatic forces may have reshaped the island, but they also gave it new life and purpose. Today, the island welcomes visitors to reconnect with the earth, the stars, and authentic life rhythms.
The best things to do in La Palma (Canary Islands) after the volcano travel comeback prove that the island’s charm is eternal. Whether hiking through ancient forests, exploring lava fields, tasting volcanic wines, or stargazing, La Palma embraces travelers with open arms, stronger and more beautiful than ever.
