Cheap Holidays to La Palma
Nicknamed ‘the pretty island’, La Palma is covered with mountains, volcanoes, beaches, forests, a tropical rainforest, tiny villages and breathtaking panoramic views. Some say it’s one of the most beautiful Canary island which is unspoilt by tourism and an ideal place to unwind in peace and tranquility.
It enjoys a stable climate in all seasons, which makes lying in the sunshine or going walking or hiking much more pleasurable. For such a small island, it offers a great deal to its tourists. The people are welcoming, cultured and laid back. This is a holiday, no reason to rush a thing.
Things to do
There are volcanic landscapes to lush green forests, beautiful towns and villages and natural salt water pools to see and admire. There are plenty of unusual flowers too
There are organised coach excursions to take you around the highlights of La Palma with a knowledgeable guide. On the other hand you may want to hire a car and explore at your own pace.
For those who like more active and adventurous things to do, La Palma offers some great hiking opportunities together with paragliding, diving and more. Although it is only a small island, there are historical sites to explore, theme parks, mountains, volcanoes and for a real thrill paragliding!
Shopping
The Canaries are a low tax area which means that alcohol and tobacco in particular cost significantly less than in the rest of the European Union.
La Palma is great for souvenirs. For those who appreciate the good things in life, there’s wine, cheese, mojo, honey desserts, jams and rum to entice you. Also there are local handicrafts widely available to remind you of your wonderful holiday visit.
Farmers Markets are plentiful in Mazo, Puntagorda and Barlovento selling just about everything. Fresh season vegetables, fruit, meat and fish are on sale in covered markets in Santa Cruz de la Palma.
Nightlife
La Palma is not a choice if you’re looking for lively nightlife. The hotel may have its own entertainment programme and there’s a good selection of bars and restaurants around the island, but you won’t get raucous all night raves and off key karaoke!
For after dinner entertainment your best bets are the late night music bars of Santa Cruz or the resort areas of Cancajos on the East coast, and Tazacorte on the west coast. Many of the hotels in Cancajos organise night time entertainment and the resort’s Centro Commercial has several lively bars with dancing until the early hours.
Eating out
Eating out at a fine seafood restaurant and an after dinner drink in a music bar is quite typical of a night out in La Palma.
There are plenty of good tapas bars in the towns and villages and some excellent restaurants serving home cooked local fare.
Traditional Canarian restaurants use their freshly caught fish and locally grown produce. Popular local fish dishes include seafood paella and zarzuela (a fish stew). Locally caught tuna, octopus, swordfish and sardines are all to be found on the menus!
Desserts often consist of almonds and honey. Sweet chestnuts, figs, cactus fruit and bananas which are all grown on the island are used in a variety of ways to please the palates of the local “palmeros.”