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La Palma attracts huge numbers of spelunking amateurs and geologists. It has turned out to be a popular volcano-spelunking destination and there is an extensive choice of places on the Island to explore. The most significant groups of caves on the island are located in Villa de Mazo. The area is filled with some intriguing volcanic tubes. Todoque cave offers the most diverse spelunking opportunities due to its length, strange shape and widespread fauna.
With water temperatures around 25˚C during the summer and seldom dropping below 18˚C during the winter, La Palma offers the perfect location for scuba diving. There is excellent visibility and a mesmerizing underwater landscape to discover and is suitable for all levels of diving skills. Walls, grottos, canyons, tunnels and some incredibly fascinating caves and chimneys are all waiting to be explored. Marine life includes schooling fish, barracudas, groupers, sea hares, scorpion fish, flounders, octopuses, moray eels, sting rays, eagle rays and you may see a manta ray or even better, a turtle.
The reef at Los Cancajos is huge and is considered as one of the best places to go diving on La Palma and it is suitable for all diving levels. For the majority of dives, boat dives are not essential; a shore dive will get you to the best dive sites with little effort.
A wide variety of Whale and dolphin watching tours which range between two and four hours are available off the shores of La Palma, both species can be seen all through the year. There is also the possibility of seeing turtles, sharks and flying fish too. In Tazacorte, you can arrange a catamaran trip where you're almost certain to see dolphins or whales.
Paragliding is another favourite pastime for visitors to the Island, as the climatic conditions on La Palma are perfect. It is believed to be one of the top places in Spain to fly during the winter months. The odd climate and landscape create some exceptional flying conditions. Taking you over some impressive mountainous settings with astounding views, leaving you captivated by all the surrounding natural beauty.
La Palma offers scrumptious cuisine, dishes accompanied by sauces, desserts and liqueurs. Some of the main fish on offer are tuna, swordfish, Vieja, sardines and octopus. Potatoes and yams, or sweet potatoes, are part of the staple diet of the Islanders. Many local desserts are based on two products of La Palma - almonds and honey.
Accommodation on the Island consists of hotels, private villas and apartment complexes. Do not expect to have a vibrant nightlife on La Palma, there are a few bar-discos, but these are mainly in Santa Cruz and Los Llanos. An abundance of authentic Tapas bars can be found too.
There are three main tourist areas on La Palma; Los Cancajos, which is located on the east coast (near the airport) and is the liveliest. The resort has a few bars and restaurants and a number of hotels which are usually less expensive than the holiday accommodation available on the west coast.
La Palma is divided in half by the mountainous ridge and offers a remarkable setting to Los Cancajos; Tenerife and the little Island of Gomera can be seen to the east. Puerto Naos and Tazacorte on the west coast benefit from a warmer climate. Self-catering apartments provide the majority of accommodation for tourists here.
Santa Cruz de la Palma is the capital of La Palma and is located on the east coast. During the Colonial days, it was a significant transatlantic port. These days, Santa Cruz has the gives the impression of being of an authentic outdoor museum. With colonial houses and carved balconies lining the streets, this picturesque town still retains the quaint charm of its glory days. The impressive volcanic crater Caldereta is located behind Santa Cruz de la Palma creating a vision of a gigantic amphitheatre.
The 16th Century Town Hall and the Church Iglesia del Salvador, are among the most significant attractions. There is also the Museum of Natural Science which has some interesting facts. The Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves (a sanctuary of the Island's patroness) is located just a few kilometres out of town.
Playa de Los Cancajos
Playa de Los Cancajos is the main tourist destination and is located on the east coast of the Island. The resort is part of the town of Brena Baja, and is houses a number of large self-contained hotels and apartments, yet offers a peaceful tranquil ambience.
The fine volcanic sand beach of Playa de los Cancajos is quite wide and comprises of three small bays situated within the rocky coves of the coastline. Its crystal clear waters are protected by wave breakers; making conditions safe for swimming. There is also a children’s playground on the beach. This resort is considered as one of the best places to scuba dive and snorkel, and the subtropical waters with their deep coves and tunnels are home to a dazzling array of trumpet fish, rays, barracudas and turtles.
There are some first-rate fish restaurants, a good nightlife and some amazing dive sites here. For nightlife, there is a selection of bars and two clubs in the resort and is the busiest on the Island. Spectacular views of the beach and the whole eastern side of the island can be seen from Montana de La Brena.
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