If you want wild beauty, a sprinkle of Spanish charm, and an actual volcano (or two) under your flip-flops — La Palma’s your island.

Holidays to La Palma highlights

• Known as La Isla Bonita (the pretty island) - Madonna was onto something.

• A hiker's paradise

• Year-round sunshine

• Over 100 miles of coast

When is the best time to go on your La Palma holidays?

Trying to figure out the best time to visit La Palma? Good news: this little Canary Island beauty delivers sunshine, warm temps and dreamy volcanic scenery pretty much all year round. But if you want the best conditions for beach days, stargazing and exploring those epic natural pools, here’s how each season stacks up.

• Spring (March to May) - Spring is one of the best times to visit La Palma if you want warm days, clear skies and quieter beaches. Temperatures hover in the low-to-mid 20s, the island is bursting with greenery and it’s perfect hiking weather. The sea is cooler, but the natural pools? Chef’s kiss.

• Summer (June to August) - hot, sunny, beach-perfect days incoming. Summer brings the warmest La Palma weather with long days, calm seas and ideal conditions for snorkelling and swimming. It’s the most popular time to go to La Palma, so expect livelier resorts (and pack the good SPF).

• Autumn (September to November) - Autumn is a total gem. The sea stays warm well into October, temperatures are still balmy and the summer crowds melt away. It’s one of the best times for couples and hikers thanks to cooler evenings, golden-hour sunsets and great visibility for stargazing.

• Winter (December to February) - Winter is mild compared to mainland Europe, with daytime temps around 18–22°C. It’s not peak beach season, but it is ideal for walking, exploring volcanic landscapes and bagging a bargain. Resorts are quieter, and you’ll still get plenty of sunshine between the odd shower.

What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to La Palma?

La Palma is famous for its dramatic volcanic coastline, black-sand beaches and natural swimming pools carved straight into the lava rock. They're the kinda beaches that are begging to make it to the Insta-feed. If you’re after crystal-clear waters, unreal snorkelling and coastlines with personality, this island is your girl, and these are her babies:

• Puerto Naos – the largest beach on the island, with fine black sand, palm trees, parasols, a promenade bursting with bars and cafés, and a Blue Flag status. A top Canary Islandday out.

• Puerto de Tazacorte  – a family-friendly beach with calm waters and local facilities where you can grab a bite to eat

• Bajamar – this 700m stretch of beach is popular with swimmers, and if you're an early riser, then you're in for one hell of a sunrise over the coast!

• Echentive – this small coastal spot offers a bit of peace and quiet, located at the foot of the Teneguia volcano with hot springs and natural pools to dip into

• Los Cancajos  – a bay with fantastic scuba diving opportunities, and calm waters all year round, thanks to the volcanic breakwaters sheltering the shore

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to La Palma?

Looking for the best hotels in La Palma? If it's a last-minute jaunt with a side of cliffside views you want, or a cheap and cheerful escape to a quiet volcanic hideaway, these picks are always a hit and we think you'll see why...

• La Palma & Teneguia Princess - home to seven pools, a pizzeria and a kids' club - need we say more? Oh, and it's located in the cliffside overlooking the seafront.

• Hotel Las Olas - a stylish four-star apartment complex with sea views and a choice of pools to dip into

• La Palma Romántica - a charming family-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool and tennis court

• H10 Taburiente Playa - with a beachfront location, a choice of pools, a snack bar and a playground for the younger guests, this one's a great all-rounder

• Hacienda San Jorge - comfortable apartments set among scenic gardens, with outdoor swimming pools and a panoramic buffet restaurant on site

Where to stay on your La Palma holidays

When it comes to laying your noodle down, you've got two main resort areas to choose from, each offering completely different experiences.

• Los Cancajos - a bustling coastal district conveniently close to the airport, offering black-sand beaches and magical natural swimming pools trapped in volcanic rock. You're also just a short taxi ride from all the cosmopolitan and culinary facilities the capital has to offer. Win, win!

• Puerto de Naos - a purpose-built West coast resort famous for its spectacular black sand, fresh seafood restaurants, and gorgeous sunset views. This spot's a lot calmer than the capital, making it brilliant for families and couples seeking a romantic, laid-back vibe.

Your La Palma holidays travel guide

Things to do for families

Keep the kiddos entertained with adventures that range from prehistoric jungles to spotting majestic giants in the Atlantic.

• Whale and Dolphin Watching - set sail from Puerto de Tazacorte to see pilot whales and dolphins jumping through the waves in their natural home.

• Cubo de la Galga Forest - take an easy stroll through this prehistoric laurel forest that looks like a scene straight out of Jurassic Park.

• Maroparque Zoo - explore this unique animal rescue centre built into a ravine, where kids can get up close with exotic parrots and monkeys.

• Charco Azul Natural Pools - splash around in these volcanic rock pools that are perfectly sheltered from the waves for a safe, family-friendly dip.

Things to do for couples

From world-class stargazing to sunset wine dates, La Palma is a total mood for those looking to level up the romance.

• Stargazing at Roque de los Muchachos - visit the world’s most famous observatory for a lush view of the Milky Way that is legitimately out of this world.

• Salt Flat Sunsets - head to the Fuencaliente salt pans for a sunset stroll where the pink pools meet the deep blue ocean.

• Picnic at Mirador de la Concepción - grab some local snacks and enjoy a bird’s-eye view over the colourful balconies of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

• VIP Private Night Tours - book a private telescope session under the stars for a rom-com worthy moment that's giving major La La Land vibes.

Things to do for groups

If you're travelling with the squad, get the adrenaline pumping with volcanic treks and buggy tours through the island's wilder side.

• Tajogaite Volcano Trek - hike across Europe’s youngest landmass to see the dramatic craters and lava flows from the 2021 eruption firsthand.

• Volcano Route Buggy Tour - zip through pine forests and volcanic ash on a massive 4x4 adventure.

• Sea Kayaking to Cueva Bonita - paddle along the west coast to discover hidden sea caves that are only accessible by water for a squad mission.

• Santa Cruz Tapas Crawl - hit the cobbles of the capital for a night of bar-hopping, sangria, and live music with the whole gang.

Things to do for foodies

Treat your tastebuds to the island’s unique flavours, where every dish tells a story of volcanic soil and Atlantic traditions.

• Bodegas Teneguía Wine Tasting - visit the island's top-tier winery in Fuencaliente to sample delish wines grown in actual volcanic ash.

• Restaurante Chipi-Chipi - join the locals at this legendary spot for huge portions of grilled meats and Canarian "wrinkly" potatoes.

• Jardín de la Sal Dining - indulge in a Michelin-recognised meal at the salt pans, where the fresh seafood and fleur de sel are truly world-class.

• Farmers' Market Treats - visit the Puntagorda market to grab some rapadura (local sugar sweets) and fresh almond-based desserts that are simply delicious.

Other Canary Island holidays:

• Tenerife

• Gran Canaria

• Fuerteventura

• Lanzarote