La Palma Travel Guide 2025 – The 88 Best Highlights of the Isla Bonita
La Palma — the "Isla Bonita" — is a green, rugged and surprisingly quiet gem of the Canary Islands. In this La Palma Travel Guide 2025 we've pulled together the top 88 highlights from the guidebook by Unaufschiebbar (in German) and added practical tips, sustainable recommendations and inspiration in the typical Back to Outdoor style: personal, down to earth and ready to take straight onto your trip.
Why La Palma? A personal introduction
La Palma is different: everywhere you turn there are trails leading into dense laurel forest or up to jagged volcanic plateaus, small villages with black lava-sand coastlines, and nights so clear you can count the Milky Way with the naked eye. This guide helps you not just tick the island off, but actually experience it — mindfully, slowly and with respect.
How this travel guide works
The 88 highlights are organised by region and theme — hiking routes, viewpoints, beaches, cultural spots and insider tips. For each highlight you'll find practical notes: location, a short description, and often a link to a map or to the more detailed source onUnaufschiebbar.de.
Regional overview – the island at a glance
- North-west (Los Llanos, Tijarafe): steep coastlines, lava pools, cosy villages.
- North-east (Breña Alta, Santa Cruz): forests, botanical gardens, historic sites.
- Central (Caldera de Taburiente): the heart of the island, deep gorges and alpine trails.
- South coast (Fuencaliente): volcanic landscapes, salt pans and quiet beaches.
- East coast (Avenida & San Andrés): traditional fishing villages and natural spectacles.
Top highlights & spots (a selection from the 88)
From the 88 highlights, here's a selection that really captures the island's soul — with a short explanation and a link to the source.
Caldera de Taburiente
The heart of La Palma: a deep, green caldera with streams, rock walls and views that stay with you long after. Ideal for day hikes. More info & maps: Unaufschiebbar – Caldera.
Roque de los Muchachos
The island's highest point delivers spectacular sunrises and star-studded nights. Perfect for photography and for anyone who wants to feel the universe up close.
Los Tilos – laurel forest
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: dense vegetation, green ravines and pleasantly humid air — hiking here feels like stepping into another world.
Puerto Naos & Charco Azul
Black sand beaches, natural lava pools and relaxed beach days with regional cuisine.
Fuencaliente salt pans
Full of contrast: black lava fields, white salt basins and lighthouses – a photo spot quite unlike any other.
Detailed theme sections (for your planning)
Hiking & nature
La Palma is a hiker's island. The levadas — paths running alongside old water channels — the caldera trails and the routes through laurel forest suit all kinds of levels. Tips:
- Start early, especially at higher altitudes.
- Bring drinking water, a hat and several layers.
- Download offline maps (Maps.me/Google Maps) — signal is weak in some valleys.
Viewpoints & photo spots
Roque de los Muchachos, the west coast near Tijarafe and various miradores offer spectacular panoramic views — perfect at sunset. Tip: use the golden hour for photos.
Beaches & natural pools
La Palma has many small coves with black sand, natural lava pools and quiet stretches of beach. Note: not every spot is suitable for swimming — check locally before you dive in.
Practical day routes (based on the 88 highlights)
Here are three compact day-trip ideas you can put into action straight away — no extra planning needed, based on the top highlights:
Route A – North-west day
- Start in Los Llanos (market and café)
- Quick stop at viewpoints (miradores)
- Easy hike and natural pools in the afternoon
Route B – Caldera day
- Early start to the Caldera de Taburiente
- Day hike, picnic by the waterfalls
- Evening at a local restaurant
Route C – South & salt pans
- Morning: Fuencaliente & the salt pans
- Afternoon: beach break in Puerto Naos
- Sunset at a viewpoint
Sustainable travel on La Palma
La Palma thrives on its untouched nature. Our recommendations for sustainable travel are built on the Back to Outdoor philosophy and the values of Unaufschiebbar:
- Leave No Trace: take your rubbish with you, respect marked trails and avoid off-trail shortcuts.
- Local & seasonal: shop locally, eat in small taverns and support the island economy.
- Gentle mobility: use public buses where possible or share rides with other travellers.
- Respectful photography: respect local residents and nature – no drones without permission in protected areas.
Practical tips & packing list
Before you set off, here's a compact packing list so you don't forget anything important:
- Good hiking boots & socks
- Weatherproof jacket & layers
- Water bottle & snacks
- First-aid kit & sun protection
- Camera / smartphone & power bank
- Offline maps app (Maps.me or Google Maps Offline)
Internal & external links – everything to explore further
For more in-depth trip planning, here are all the relevant links (internal to Back to Outdoor & external to Unaufschiebbar and maps):
- La Palma travel guide (original source):Unaufschiebbar – 88 La Palma Highlights
- More island guides: Tenerife Travel Guide 2025, Madeira Travel Guide 2025
- Google Maps collection (example search): La Palma on Google Maps
- Instagram inspiration: @unaufschiebbar & @backtooutdoor
FAQ – Frequently asked questions (from the guide's context)
1. When is the best time to visit La Palma?
Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Summer is warmer, but the island stays noticeably greener than the other Canary Islands.
2. Are the hiking trails safe for beginners?
Many trails are well marked and suitable for beginners. Some routes (for example in the caldera or exposed coastal paths) require sure-footedness. Check difficulty levels in advance.
3. Do I need a car?
A car gives you the most flexibility, especially for remote viewpoints and varied day routes. Public buses exist, but are less flexible.
4. What's the best way to use the 88 highlights?
Treat the list as a collection of possibilities: pick 2–3 spots per day in one region, rather than trying to "tick off" the whole island. That way you stay relaxed and experience the island more intensely.
5. Where can I get the complete travel guide?
You can buy the full guide with all 88 highlights directly from Unaufschiebbar.de. It includes clickable maps, detailed descriptions and practical notes.
Final word – travelling with heart & respect
La Palma is a place that needs time. Time to take in its landscapes, to hear its silence and to notice the small details. With the La Palma Travel Guide 2025 from Unaufschiebbar and the tips added here, you can plan your trip thoughtfully — while leaving plenty of room for the spontaneous, most beautiful moments.
👉 Get the complete guide: La Palma – 88 Highlights (Unaufschiebbar)
👉 More travel guides & inspiration: Madeira Travel Guide 2025 •Tenerife Travel Guide 2025
👉 Follow for real outdoor moments: @backtooutdoor • Inspiration & reels: @unaufschiebbar