La Palma

The centerpiece of La Palma's incredible National Park is Caldera de Taburiente – a few kilometer-wide crater. An extended period of erosion caused the soil to sink, creating an enormous pit in place of a once-existing mountain. The park itself contains scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, forests, and is characterised by its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Fuencaliente in the island's south is a good base for travellers looking to explore nearby natural attractions. Visit the village of Los Canarios itself, and take trips to nearby volcanoes (de San Antonio and Teneguia) or salt pools to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this region.

Charco Azul (in San Andres y Sauces) is our top choice, followed closely by Piscinas de la Fajana – a similar location just a short drive north from Charco Azul. Both are well-maintained and equipped with visitor facilities. Pool waters are clear and shallow, with surrounding caves providing shelter from the summer sun.

One of the highlights of La Palma is the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory containing the world's largest optical telescope. Book a daytime tour and see professional telescopes used to watch the stars, or join an evening astronomy tour to take a close-up look at the night sky yourself. The island's highest point is a stone's throw away from the observatory and makes for a great hike.

The island's original inhabitants – the Benahoare – have left two circular rock carvings engraved in stone now on display in La Palma's Parque Cultural La Zarza. The on-site museum tells the story of the people who once populated the volcanic island and details the Spanish conquest of the mid-15th century.

Running from Fuencaliente to El Pilar, this well-marked scenic route is easy to navigate and varies in difficulty depending on the route you choose – it's downhill towards Fuencaliente, but becomes more challenging if you venture north to El Pilar.

It's a 3-kilometer uphill hike from Puerto de Tazacorte to this excellent viewing platform, from where sweeping vistas of the La Palma coastline and settlements unfold. There is a panoramic cafe serving refreshments at the top. The viewpoint can also be reached by car or public bus.

La Palma, shaped over millions of years by volcanic eruptions, is one of the few places in the world to have coal-black beaches. These are given their colour by ground up lava rocks instead of ocean sand. The colour does not stain clothes and even boasts higher heat absorption, which allows one to relax on the beach at milder temperatures, too.

Wander off the beaten path and explore this deserted seaside village. Desribed as "Palma's best kept secret", this remote village consists of quaint but abandoned fisherman's houses sandwiched in to caves and cliffsides, overlooking crystal clear water perfect for swimming and diving.

Explore ancient lush green rainforests on the Cubo de la Galga hiking route. Beginning on the LP-1 highway in the east of the island, the starting point is easy to find. The route is 12km long and suitable for all experience levels. However, be warned that parts of this verdant, subtropical jungle are especially steep and slippery. Intrepid adventurers should choose the longer route, which connects to La Galga Mountain, and the viewpoint at San Bartolomé.