The holidays are the moment we wait for throughout the year and they are, of course, to be enjoyed with the most important people in our lives, our family. This is the reason why we search for destinations that meet all the needs, desires and hobbies of each member of our family. And La Palma does this.
Photos and text by the Patronato de Turismo de La Palma.
We want everyone to have a good time together and live unforgettable moments. And La Palma, with a total area of 708km², is an ideal place for young and old. These are some of the fantastic plans for the whole family to take part in on Isla Bonita (cit. beautiful island).
Let’s discover unbelievable paths
Grab the bakpacks, walking boots, cane, cap and camera and don’t forget water, food and appropriate clothing. We’re going on tour! The offer of trails in La Palma is varied and there is something for everyone, depending on the types of trails you are used to walking.
Easy options for the family are: Cubo de la Galga (PR LP 5.1) or the Los Tilos laurel forest-Mirador del Espigón Atravesado (part of the PR LP 6) which offers the opportunity to get to know the beautiful native flora known as laurisilva; GR 130.1 going down from Tricias to Buracas to admire the beautiful dragos; or a part of the GR 131 from Los Canarios to Teneguía. We also can walk around the crater of the volcano Volcán de San Antonio or admire the Caldera de Taburiente from the lookout Mirador de la Cumbrecita.
A little longer and demanding are the routes Nacientes de Marcos y Cordero (part of the PR LP6) going through 13 water tunnels, which is why you shouldn’t forget a flashlight and a rain jacket, and the Caldera de Taburiente (PR LP 13), approaching the impressive Parque Nacional. More information about all the routes at the official web www.senderosdelapalma.es.
Let’s have fun with zip-lines and other attractions.
Have you ever visited a multiadventure park? They are quite entertaining and offer different attractions, such as zip-lines, Tibetan bridges, ladders… which allow you to have a very good time among the Canary pines.
A ride with a quad or a bicycle.
Another way to discover the natural environment of La Palma is by quad or mountain bike tour. The island has mountain bike routes of varying difficulty and requirements. You can also find attractive routes for buggies offered by specialized companies.
Let’s have a picnic in the middle of La Palma’s privileged nature
Just prepare some sandwiches, take some water and fruit (if possible Canary bananas) to get ready for a nice lunch below Canary pines or surrounded by the exuberant pure nature of La Palma. The Refugio del Pilar, the Laguna de Barlovento and the El Jable en Tijarafe are some of the recreational areas with facilities for kids that allow us to enjoy a pleasant lunch outdoors.
Let’s go to the beach or a natural pool.
Picture this: you and your family on a beach you have almost to yourselves or with very few people; picking up sand and piling it to make a black castle. Yes, black … because the sand is black on Isla Bonita. Also imagine this: running to the shore to dive, playing in the waves, letting them carry you along.
Or imagine simply this: playing or taking a walk with your family on the beach. You can also imagine the whole family jumping together into a natural pool excavated from volcanic rocks and with the smell of salt instead of chlorine. The beaches Charco Azul, La Fajana, Los Cancajos, Puerto Naos, Bajamar and Echentive are a few of the family beaches of La Palma.
We will observe whales and cruise along the coast on a boat
Another of the most entertaining activities is a boat trip. Boats depart from the port of Tazacorte, following routes along the coast of Tazacorte and Tijarafe, offering the opportunity to watch whales and flying fish. Without any doubt a great experience for the whole family.
Let’s study the sky
At night you must look up to the sky of La Palma. You will be amazed at the incredible number of stars you can see. And if you use the services of one of the specialized companies, the experience will be so good that you will feel almost like a real astronomer. The sky of La Palma is the best astronomic encyclopedia for your children and for yourself.
A visit to the Observatorio Astrofísico del Roque de los Muchachos.
We can also feel like astronomers during the day on La Palma. We just have to visit the ORM or observatory of Roque de los Muchachos after having made an appointment in advance. You will have the opportunity to visit a telescope and to learn the meaning of astronomy and what kind of work is done up there. Fascinating.
Strolling through old towns
Santa Cruz de La Palma is the charming capital of La Palma. It’s a friendly and coquettish seaside town that welcomes you with the smell of the sea and a very rich historical, architectonical and cultural heritage. Walking through the legendary Calle Real and the Avenida Marítima is a unique experience for the whole family. Along the way, lets go shopping!
Los Llanos de Aridane is the other large town on La Palma. Here we find Antonio Gómez Felipe Park, where we can see very modern and curious sculptures.
Visiting museums with history
An enormous shark or a kid goat with two heads are only two of the curious species found in the Museo Insular de Santa Cruz de La Palma. A map with sea routes that reminds us of the old times of pirates and corsairs can be seen in the Naval Museum also located in the capital. Bones and even a mummy or rock carvings can be admired in the Benahoarita Archeological Museum or at the La Zarza y La Zarcita Cultural Park or the Belmaco Archeological Park. The culture of La Palma also reaches out to the smallest ones.