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La Palma is the north-westernmost island of the Canaries and one of the greenest: the whole island is a Biosphere Reserve, and a law has protected its night sky since 1988. In autumn 2021, the Tajogaite volcano erupted, transforming the western landscape for 85 days.
Large hotels are the exception here: almost three out of every four places we’ve selected are holiday homes. We’ll tell you what each area has to offer, with places we choose one by one; the full list is at places to stay in La Palma.
How to choose an area
A mountain ridge divides the island: the capital and airport are in the east, while most of the accommodation is concentrated in the sunnier west.
- El Paso: inland, among pine forests and at the entrance to the Caldera. Ideal for walkers.
- Los Llanos de Aridane: the island’s most populous municipality, with the coast nearby. Ideal for families and groups.
- Tijarafe: a village in the north-west, perched above the cliffs. Ideal for couples seeking peace and quiet.
If you prefer city life, take a look at Santa Cruz de la Palma; for a stay by the sand, try Puerto Naos.
Staying in El Paso
El Paso lies in the centre of the island, among pine forests, vineyards and almond trees. The visitor centre for Caldera de Taburiente National Park is here, and the road to La Cumbrecita starts there; morning access by car is regulated.
The Tajogaite volcano erupted within the municipality, and from the Llano del Jable viewpoint you can see the cone and lava flows. Find more options at places to stay in El Paso; these are our two picks.
Finca Maracuya
A detached house for four, with an outdoor pool and a garden with a barbecue overlooking the sea. Private parking is free, and Puerto de Tazacorte beach is about 8 km away. The upper floors are only accessible by stairs, and check-in starts at 17:00.
Casita La Rosa
Designed for couples, this one-bedroom home has a patio with mountain views and free parking beside the garden. The fully equipped kitchen lets you plan your days as you please. It’s for adults only, and you should let the hosts know your arrival time, from 16:00 onwards.
Staying in Los Llanos de Aridane
Los Llanos de Aridane is the valley’s main town, with its Plaza de España shaded by Indian laurels and pedestrian streets lined with terraces. Puerto de Tazacorte and Puerto Naos are just a few minutes away, both with dark-sand beaches.
Puerto Naos, which is part of the municipality, was in an exclusion zone because of volcanic gases from September 2021 to July 2024. Today, a system measures CO2 in real time, and since late July 2026 the island council has once again allowed swimming at Playa Chica.
Our two picks are ideal if you want to get around on foot, but neither has its own parking; find the rest at places to stay in Los Llanos de Aridane.
Casa Con Piscina en el Centro
Right in the centre, this home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms for up to eight people—unusual in the valley—as well as a private pool, garden and terrace with views of the town. There’s no parking, and the upper floors are only accessible by stairs.
CASA CALAMICHE
Two bedrooms for four people, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio and a terrace with mountain views, about 2,6 km from Puerto de Tazacorte beach. A good fit for families or friends who spend their days out and about. There’s no parking, and quiet hours are from 22:00 to 09:00.
Staying in Tijarafe
Tijarafe looks out over the Atlantic from the north-west, among ravines and terraced almond groves. Beneath its cliffs lies Porís de Candelaria, a fishing refuge with little houses inside a cave; to the south, the El Time viewpoint looks out over Barranco de las Angustias.
It’s the quietest of the three areas. In September, during the Virgen de Candelaria celebrations, the Devil of Tijarafe takes to the streets in a fire dance unique to the Canaries. Find more homes at places to stay in Tijarafe; here are our picks.
El Time
A private pool, hot tub and open terrace overlooking the sea, with El Puerto beach 1,7 km away. A high chair, books and music for children make it a good choice for families. Check-in is from 13:00 to 20:00; if you’ll arrive later, let the hosts know in advance.
Casa Inti
A one-bedroom home for two, with a private patio and garden and views stretching from the ocean to the mountains. Parking is free. Check-in is only from 15:00 to 18:00, with advance notice, and Playa de la Veta is 1,8 km away.
What to see in La Palma
The island’s most striking landscape is the Caldera de Taburiente, a national park since 1954. The classic route descends from Los Brecitos to Barranco de las Angustias, with taxis running to the trailhead in the morning. High above, Roque de los Muchachos (2.426 m) is home to one of the world’s major observatories, where the four large Cherenkov telescopes of the CTAO were inaugurated on 15 October 2026.
In the south, the Route of the Volcanoes follows Cumbre Vieja to Fuencaliente, with its salt flats and lighthouse. The Transvulcania crosses these peaks, linking the Fuencaliente lighthouse with Los Llanos de Aridane from 6 to 8 May 2027.
Getting there and getting around
The airport is on the east coast, south of the capital, with flights from the other islands, mainland Spain and several European cities. By sea, Fred. Olsen, Naviera Armas and Baleària connect Los Cristianos in Tenerife with Santa Cruz de La Palma in about two and a half hours.
Once you’re here, a hire car is almost essential: the bus connects Santa Cruz and Los Llanos, but many homes are far from the stops. Find more details in our guide to getting to the Canaries.
La Palma is part of our guide to where to stay in the Canaries. For the valley, also see where to stay in Los Llanos de Aridane and where to stay in El Paso.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions travellers most often ask when planning a stay in La Palma.
What’s the best area to stay in La Palma?
For most travellers, it’s the Aridane Valley on the western side of the island. Los Llanos de Aridane is the most practical option, with shops, restaurants and beaches just a few kilometres away. El Paso is a good choice if you want to walk in the Caldera de Taburiente and along the Route of the Volcanoes, while north-western Tijarafe suits those seeking peace and sunsets over the sea.
Do you need a car in La Palma?
Almost always, yes. Most accommodation consists of holiday homes scattered across the countryside, and viewpoints such as Roque de los Muchachos aren’t served by regular buses. The bus connects Santa Cruz and Los Llanos de Aridane, stopping at the El Paso visitor centre, but a car is the easiest way to explore the island at your own pace.
Is it safe to stay in Puerto Naos after the volcano?
Yes. Puerto Naos was in an exclusion zone because of volcanic gases from September 2021 to July 2024. Today, a system measures CO2 in real time, and the island council considers both Puerto Naos and La Bombilla safe to visit. Swimming at Playa Chica has also been allowed since late July 2026, so the whole beach is open again.
How do you get to La Palma?
By plane, to La Palma Airport on the east coast. By boat, from Los Cristianos in southern Tenerife: Fred. Olsen, Naviera Armas and Baleària reach Santa Cruz de La Palma in about two and a half hours. From the airport, the road through the mountain tunnel leads to the Aridane Valley, where most of the accommodation is located.
When is the best time to visit La Palma?
The weather is mild all year round. Almond trees blossom between January and February, spring and autumn are ideal for walking, and the sea is warmest in summer. Los Indianos fills Santa Cruz with white on 8 February 2027, and the Transvulcania crosses the peaks from 6 to 8 May 2027. Places fill up quickly at these times, so make arrangements well in advance.
