La Palma Car Hire

Guide of La Palma

History

An island created from a volcano that rises 4 miles above the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, La Palma’s topography moves from black sand beaches and turquoise waters to the 7,959ft peak of Los Muchachos. When the first Europeans arrived in the 14th-century and the colonisation process began, the islands were the homeland of indigenous Auritas, who it’s believed were originally North African Berbers. Tragically, their population was wiped out following the Spanish conquest of the islands (albeit after a fierce struggle lasting most of the 15th century). Today, little remains of their culture other than cave dwellings (and paintings) and linguistic remnants such as the whistled Silbo language of neighbouring island La Gomera. Under Spanish control, La Palma became wealthy as a trading post positioned strategically on the way to the Americas and its population was bolstered by immigrants from throughout the Iberian peninsula.

Culture in La Palma

So you like to party? You’ve picked the Canary Island that arguably hosts the most creative and entertaining fiestas. There are national celebrations like Carnavales and Semana Santa (Carnival and Holy Week) as well as colourful local celebrations like Los Caballos Fufos and El Diablo. These events are a great opportunity to see amazing costumes as well as tasting delicious traditional dishes. Las Palmas is also famous for crafts like pottery, embroidery, cigar making and traditional crafts using materials like stone, wood and leather. And if you’re a fan in architecture, the local culture is also embodied in beautiful buildings like the churches of San Juan Bautista and Nuestra Senora del Rosario, the striking Villa de Mazo (Red House) and amazing Tazacorte (Banana Museum) – yes, it’s yellow!

Alternative La Palma

If you like attractions that are a little bit different, La Palma has several unique and unusual sights. If you like diving for instance, the Sunken Crosses of Malpique is an underwater graveyard commemorating a group of murdered 16th-century missionaries, and the Los Cancajos tidal waterspout is spectacular – water jets 16ft in the air when the tide comes in. Another unusual industry here is salt farming and the Fuencaliente Saltworks are quite a sight – located at the foot of an active volcano. As well as the typical attractions of a tropical island, La Palma’s unique geography means there’s something mind-blowing around every corner.

Things To Do in La Palma

Stargazing

With some of Europe’s clearest skies, La Palma is the perfect place to gaze at the stars and planets. The skies here are actually a starlight reserve and renowned for ultra-low levels of light pollution, so you’ll see crystal-clear views of lots of different constellations. You can stargaze with the naked eye (or your own telescope) from anywhere in the island, but the powerful telescopes at the Astro La Palma and Roque de Los Muchachos observatories take your experience into a truly interplanetary dimension. Viewed from these official sites, the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn look so close that you could reach out and touch them. Cosmic!

Whale & dolphin spotting

Always wanted to scoot along the sea alongside whales and dolphins? The Atlantic Ocean waters around La Palma are the perfect place and there are several reliable boat and catamaran tour operators at various spots around the island who will take you on an ocean safari. Dolphins play carefree alongside your vessel and whales breach the surface dramatically before slapping back down into the depths with awesome force – it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Discovering Santa Cruz de la Palma

Santa Cruz de la Palma is the island’s laid-back, colourful capital and it’s always a wonderful place to explore. Some buildings here date back to the 15th centuries and their colourful facades and floral displays never fail to make you smile. Strolling through the cobbled streets, you can stop to cool off at charming cafes, bars and markets. Avenida Maritima is the perfect place to snap a selfie and Iglesia del Salvador is one of the most impressive buildings. Wherever you’re based in La Palma, Santa Cruz is an accessible drive away and it’s an ideal day trip.

Eating Out in La Palma

Traditional fare

Located in Santa Cruz de la Palma, Habana is a superb restaurant serving authentic Canarian cuisine in an eye-popping pink and white building with a terrace next to a calming fountain. The signature dish is bruschetta and fried cheese with mojo (spicy Canaries salsa) and the freshly-made pizzas are also delish. Lots of people pop in for the gourmet coffee and Cuban music too – it’s a lively spot that’s a local favourite.

Fine dining

Want some top-notch, authentic food in Fuencaliente? Don’t miss La Casa del Volcan. Located next to the San Antonio Volcano (hence the name), it’s an eco-friendly establishment which operates on the Zero km farm to table principle that reduces carbon emissions and supports local suppliers. Traditional dishes you can get your chops round here include tender goat goulash, delectable tapas and a vast selection of sumptuous local wines. A family-run restaurant with a rustic feel, otherworldly surroundings and fabulous food, La Casa del Volcan is experiential eating at its best.

Local favourites

When Santa Cruz de la Palma locals want gorgeous grilled meats with papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) and spicy mojo, they head straight for one place – Restaurant Chipi-Chipi. It’s located just west of Santa Cruz in the hills near the town of Velhoco, so the setting’s rather nice too. As well as more mainstream barbecue meats like chicken and beef, there’s black pudding, rabbit, ox and more. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, lemon cream, mousse and ice cream covered in lashings of delicious bienmesabe sauce more than satisfy.

Transport in La Palma

Airport

The main airport is Santa Cruz de la Palma (SPC) – located 8km from the capital city, it’s an ideal spot to pick up your hire car. There are regular routes from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia and the main carriers are CanaryFly and Binter Canarias. There’s free wi-fi access, a meeting room and food outlets in the departures area.

Public transport

Public transport in La Palma consists of the local buses (known as ‘guagas’). The routes connect all of the main towns, but not more isolated and remote areas, so it’s always advisable to check the timetables beforehand.

Driving

When you want to travel independently, hiring a car is the best way to get around the island. You can travel at your own pace and stop whenever and wherever you like. Roads here are generally of a good standard and the main routes are the LP-1 (covering the north of the island), the LP-2 (covering the south) and the LP-3 (east to west). Meanwhile, the LP-4 takes you to Roque de Los Muchachos and the LP-5 leads to Los Cancajos resort. There’s also a good network of secondary roads which let you explore more remote (and beautiful) areas like Barlovento, El Paso and Roque el Faro.