The Canary Islands Up Close The great outdoors and beautiful accommodation in La Palma

Specks of land in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands comprise no fewer than eight islands. Only one, however, has claim to the title of Isla Bonita, the "beautiful island": La Palma. Watered by frequent rains, the wedge-shaped island has the most forests in the archipelago. Rooted to the ocean floor, its volcanoes create a bold landscape. With its clear skies, far from the lights of the African coast, the small island is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. It is also home to one of the archipelago’s three marine reserves. Both above and below the sea, volcanoes inform the local topography: underwater, divers love the caves, arches and sheer drops, while volcanologists monitor any changes on the surface. To tame the beautiful island, the journey begins in its capital: Santa Cruz de La Palma. From its beaches of black sand, beautiful little streets wind along the hillside. The traditional Canarian houses are nestled side by side, as if daring visitors to compare them. Some feature beautiful arches supported by stone columns, while others have traditional wooden balconies. The overall effect is beautiful. On the opposite side, on the western flank, Tazacorte sits on a bay of black sand. The two towns couldn't be more different. The only reason for staying here is because it makes a better base for setting off to explore the island’s splendours, especially in the northwest. With its volcanic cones transformed into calderas, the rugged coastline dotted with dragon trees and dark shoreline, the island’s beauty is both dramatic and breathtaking. Not everywhere can call itself the Isla Bonita.

Your journey

As you would expect on an island, everything slows down and you move at your own pace. What better way to do this than with a rental car along and our app, that comes with GPS and loaded with our recommendations. You’re free roam to wherever you want. To minimise travel time, we have chosen two strategically placed stop-offs on either side of the island. These are not just bases: meticulously selected, they are an integral part of the journey. In Santa Cruz, you stay in a typical 17th-century house with wooden balconies, ceilings and patios. In Tazacorte, your accommodation is a former sugar plantation transformed into a hotel and museum. Your activities have been chose with the same care: a tour of the capital with a local who speaks your language, followed by two hikes to explore the region’s natural wonders - in a private group as always. And if, along the way, you feel like extending your exploration of the island with a trip to Barranco de la Galga, just tell our on site Concierge. Together with your travel specialist, they are trained to respond to your every request and make any changes during your trip.