Where does the magic of La Palma begin?
When you stand on the terrace of one of our apartments in Los Cancajos, with a fresh Atlantic breeze rustling the palm trees and the first golden rays of sunlight reflecting on the ocean, you know: you’ve arrived – not just on an island, but in another world.
La Palma is not an island for all-inclusive seekers. It’s for people who seek authenticity, depth, and nature. For travelers who would rather hike through volcanic gorges than lie on deckchairs. For those who see more than just pretty lights in the night sky. What makes this island so special? Let’s dive in – through 5 layers of experiencing La Palma.
1. Wild Greenery – Nature That Isn’t Curated
La Palma isn’t just “green” – it’s vividly, lushly, wildly green. A glance at the map reveals a mountainous terrain of gorges, craters, lava flows, and forests that often appear to vanish into the mist. No surprise that 40% of its surface is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
– In the Caldera de Taburiente, a vast erosion crater up to 2,000 meters deep, you can hike through water streams, bathe under waterfalls, and feel small in the best possible way.
– The laurel forests of Los Tilos seem like a fairytale wood transplanted to the Canary Islands. No birdsong – only dripping water, shimmering moss, and the rich scent of damp earth accompany your steps.
Our local tip: An early morning walk from Los Cancajos to Playa del Hoyo is like pressing a reset button for your mind and body. Ocean to your left, volcanic rock to your right – and often, you’re alone.
2. Fire and Origin – The Volcano as Part of Identity
The volcanoes of La Palma aren’t just photo ops. They are part of life. The 2021 eruption of Cumbre Vieja was dramatic. Entire settlements were buried under lava – and yet the island adapted: it survived, reshaped itself, and still exhales warm air through its cracks, as if to say: I’m alive.
– The new lava fields around La Laguna and Todoque are reminiscent of Iceland – black, rugged, vast. Guided tours with local geologists offer fascinating insights into the island’s formation.
– The old craters in the south – like Volcán San Antonio and Teneguía – can be circled on foot, revealing breathtaking views of the island, the ocean, and one’s own inner wonder.
3. The Sky Over La Palma – Where Night Becomes a Stage
La Palma offers something few places on Earth can: true darkness. Not due to power cuts – but because excessive artificial light is banned by law. Why? Because the sky here is a protected natural treasure.
– At Roque de los Muchachos, the island’s highest point (2,426 m), stands Europe’s largest optical telescope. Scientists from around the world come here to study galaxies.
– But you don’t need a telescope: from our apartment balconies, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye – if you just put your phone away.
Tip: Each month, local guides offer stargazing hikes where you learn how the island’s first inhabitants interpreted the stars – and why Orion means something very special on La Palma.
4. Culture That’s Lived, Not Staged
Culture on La Palma isn’t a tourist show – it’s part of daily life. People live with the rhythms of nature, seasons, and the moon. And they celebrate – loud, colorful, and from the heart.
– Fiesta de los Indianos isn’t a typical carnival. It commemorates the return of Palmeros from Cuba – with white clothes, cigars, and baby powder as symbols of lightness and renewal.
– Bajada de la Virgen (every five years) is a grand religious and cultural event where the island’s patron saint is carried from her mountain chapel into the town.
– Every Sunday at the Villa de Mazo market, you’ll witness how goat cheese, mojo, avocados, honey, and pottery aren’t just sold – but shared as stories.
5. Calm, Clarity, Arrival – What La Palma Does to You
Many guests staying at Apartamentos Los Cancajos say the same thing after a few days: “I feel like I can breathe again.”
La Palma doesn’t force you to slow down – it gently seduces you. There’s no hectic nightlife, no beach vendors, no jet-ski convoys. Instead:
– Sunrises over the Atlantic.
– A café solo in Santa Cruz harbor overlooking colonial houses.
– The scent of pine along a trail in Puntagorda.
– A warm breeze on your balcony as you reflect on your first day of vacation.