Top Activities in La Palma 2026: From Stargazing to Ancient Forests

Beyond the shore: discovering the Isla Bonita

The black sand of Puerto Naos is hard to leave, but La Palma rewards the curious. Known as the Isla Bonita, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a land of dramatic contrasts, a playground for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

1. Stargazing at Roque de los Muchachos

La Palma has some of the darkest, clearest skies on the planet. The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory sits above the clouds at over 2,400 metres, and the view of the night sky from up there is unforgettable.

• Astrotourism: join a guided night tour and learn the constellations through professional telescopes.
• By day: the panoramic views over the archipelago are breathtaking.

2. Hiking the laurel forest of Los Tilos

Los Tilos is a lush, green laurel forest and one of the most important in the world. The misty ferns and giant til trees feel truly prehistoric.

• The waterfall: don't miss the Los Tilos waterfall, a refreshing stop on the trail.
• Marcos y Cordero: for the more adventurous, the water tunnel trek is a unique challenge.

After a day in the cool, damp forest, it’s lovely to come back to the warmth of the coast.

3. Caldera de Taburiente: the heart of the island

At the centre of the island is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a huge volcanic crater about 8 kilometres across, with some of the most iconic trails in the Canary Islands.

• Barranco de las Angustias: walk up the ravine to the colourful Cascada de Colores.
• La Cumbrecita: an easier viewpoint with stunning views over the crater, without a hard climb.

4. Your base on the island

After a long hike in the Caldera or a night under some of the clearest skies in the world, coming back to the warm microclimate of Puerto Naos is a real treat.