La Palma: The Canary Island That Charms Visitors With Its Untouched Beauty
An Irishman who arrived for a short stay has found a home on the lesser-known Canary Island, drawn by its relaxed pace, natural wonders, and authentic charm.
La Palma, a Canary Island often overlooked in favor of its more developed neighbors, offers a unique travel experience characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, stunning natural landscapes, and authentic local life. For Jay Burke, an Irishman who initially planned a brief visit 19 years ago, the island became an unexpected home.
Burke, who had been made redundant from his IT job, sought a respite and found himself captivated by La Palma. He has since spent 16 years working as a TUI holiday representative, gaining deep insight into what makes the island distinct. "People sometimes arrive thinking La Palma will be another version of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, but it isn't geared up for tourism in the same way," Burke explained. "For the vast majority, that ends up being the whole appeal."
The island's relaxed pace makes it an ideal destination, especially during the shoulder seasons, with temperatures often hovering around 22C (72F) even in November. Burke describes it as a place where visitors "completely switch off" due to the absence of large nightlife strips. Instead, the appeal lies in "amazing scenery, local life and a really authentic Canarian feel."
Many of La Palma's best experiences are free, including an extensive hiking network, natural swimming pools, and parts of the national park. The Los Tilos rainforest and waterfall are also accessible without charge. For a small fee, visitors can explore the San Antonio volcano visitor centre, where the €8 (£6.70) adult ticket allows exploration around the volcano's rim.
One of La Palma's peculiar features is the "Tunnel of Surprises," a road tunnel through the island's volcanic spine where weather conditions can shift dramatically within minutes. Travelers might emerge from sunshine into a scene reminiscent of a "Scottish winter," encountering entirely different landscapes on the other side.
Notable attractions include the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Roque de los Muchachos, the volcanic terrain shaped by the 2021 eruption, the northeastern rainforest, and the historic capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma. Burke describes the views from Roque de los Muchachos as "jaw-dropping."
For dining, Burke recommends La Placeta in Santa Cruz, a courtyard restaurant offering excellent food and a place to observe local life. Sunset views are best enjoyed from Tazacorte, where seafront restaurants provide spectacular vistas.
Travelers planning a trip should be mindful of the island's winding, mountainous roads, where distance alone is not a reliable measure of travel time. Burke also highlights La Palma's exceptional night skies, noting that its clear conditions make it one of the world's premier locations for stargazing.
Burke encourages visitors to consider La Palma for a "traditional, real Canarian experience," emphasizing its beauty, safety, and unique throwback feel, advising them to "just go with the flow."