La Palma in the Atlantic Ocean and the most north-westerly Canary Island, is also known as "La Isla Bonita" (the pretty island).

It is UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a designated Starlight Reserve.

La Palma offers rugged, mountainous landscapes, unspoilt nature, volcanoes, deep forests and intimate beaches.

One of the seven Canary Islands, La Palma offers 706 square kilometres of lush scenery, ideal for hiking and mountain biking with a network of more than 1,000 kilometres of marked trails.

For cyclists, September will see the Transvulcania Bike, crossing spectacular mountainous terrain with distances of 30 km or 75 km reaching a maximum of 1,600 meters of altitude.

For water enthusiasts, the island is dotted with secluded coves where visitors can take a dip in the sparkling waters or enjoy many natural seawater swimming pools.

Historic volcanic eruptions have created a unique marine ecosystem providing new perspectives for divers.

Visitors can also hire a canoe or kayak or take a boat trip from Port of Tazacorte to spot whales and bottle neck dolphins.

Thanks to the natural conditions and the high quality of its clean sky, La Palma has achieved acclaim for stargazing.

The world's first official Starlight Reserve

Considered one of the best places to observe the night sky, La Palma is the world's first official Starlight Reserve and has multiple viewing points dedicated to starlight viewing.

At its highest point, over 2,400m above sea level, the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory rises above the clouds and offering fine astronomical observation.

Cuisine

La Palma has a selection of restaurants serving traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients including fresh fish such as moray eels or parrot fish, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with the local mojo rojo or verde (green or red local salsa), as well as hearty meat dishes.

For local island produce, La Recova in the capital; Santa Cruz de La Palma, is the island's main food market selling local specialities including cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables and the island's wines.

The bustling farmers' markets in Villa de Mazo, Puntagorda and El Paso have local seasonal produce and local pastries.

Useful links

​ www.visitlapalma.es