Visitors 1
La Palma was 3rd and final Canary Island on grand Spain '25 trek. Coming to the Island from La Gomera energy level was low. I was quite tired of 6 week high intensity Spain '25 trek and as consequence didn't really expect much. And then - it was, as proverbial saying goes, best saved for last. La Palma totally blew me off, even to the point I was (and still am at time of this writing!) considering moving there permanently. Things just clicked; still fairly off the radar, small and peaceful with abundance of wonders. La Isla Bonita - the beautiful Island - name is more than deserved! I spent 4 full days and they just flew by; waking up at eerie hours of morning on my last day in order to catch ferry back to Tenerife I simply did not want to leave.
My accomodation was Aparthotel El Galeon on hill above Santa Cruz de la Palma Ferry harbour. It was good choice, quiet and comfortable with underground parkade and included buffet breakfast. But for longer stays opposite side of the Island is better choice - Los LLanos / Tazacorte area at doorstep of out-of-this-world Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Island is small and well connected and one can easily drive everywhere.
La Palma is site of famous Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysics observatory. It is literally out of this world. I spent full 2nd day there then even drove up once gain on my last day. It is impossibe to describe in words the awe I felt in such amazing place with hosts of telescopes reaching to faraway destination of the space. Nowhere else I felt so much pity for immature human race that engages itself in senseless wars and fights for material possession. It pays off to book a tour because of guided tour inside one of these grand telescope structures. Visitor center is also not to be missed, with museum that feels like it came from A.C. Clarke sci-fi novel.
Hiking on La Palma is outstanding. Developed network of trails with several overnight shelters really impressed me; I found it considerably better compared to benchmark Banff National Park where I spend most of my outdoors mountain time when in Canada. I had time only for 2 short hikes: Montana de la Gallo above Los Llanos and Pico de la Nieve on Caldera de Taburiente Rim. Very famous 1-way highline "Ruta de los Volcanes" is something I dearly regretted not having enough time for; it ended on proverbial bucket list, that seems to grow older by the day.
Anyone reading this: If thinking which Canary Island to visit, include La Palma - you can thank me later. You can fly from Tenerife or take a ferry as I did. Rental car is a must, but it can rented at the airport - book in advance as small cars that work best for narrow and winding roads are in demand.
My accomodation was Aparthotel El Galeon on hill above Santa Cruz de la Palma Ferry harbour. It was good choice, quiet and comfortable with underground parkade and included buffet breakfast. But for longer stays opposite side of the Island is better choice - Los LLanos / Tazacorte area at doorstep of out-of-this-world Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Island is small and well connected and one can easily drive everywhere.
La Palma is site of famous Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysics observatory. It is literally out of this world. I spent full 2nd day there then even drove up once gain on my last day. It is impossibe to describe in words the awe I felt in such amazing place with hosts of telescopes reaching to faraway destination of the space. Nowhere else I felt so much pity for immature human race that engages itself in senseless wars and fights for material possession. It pays off to book a tour because of guided tour inside one of these grand telescope structures. Visitor center is also not to be missed, with museum that feels like it came from A.C. Clarke sci-fi novel.
Hiking on La Palma is outstanding. Developed network of trails with several overnight shelters really impressed me; I found it considerably better compared to benchmark Banff National Park where I spend most of my outdoors mountain time when in Canada. I had time only for 2 short hikes: Montana de la Gallo above Los Llanos and Pico de la Nieve on Caldera de Taburiente Rim. Very famous 1-way highline "Ruta de los Volcanes" is something I dearly regretted not having enough time for; it ended on proverbial bucket list, that seems to grow older by the day.
Anyone reading this: If thinking which Canary Island to visit, include La Palma - you can thank me later. You can fly from Tenerife or take a ferry as I did. Rental car is a must, but it can rented at the airport - book in advance as small cars that work best for narrow and winding roads are in demand.
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