La Palma: 5 Highlights for Your Vacation

The hiking trail was once the main connection between the island's villages. The route is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, winding through lush green pines and vibrant yellow lotus flowers up to 6,330 feet. From that elevation, there is a spectacular view over the whole island, with its sun-soaked western side and parts of the east shrouded in clouds.

The nature park in the massive 6-mile-wide caldera is a must-see for visitors to La Palma due to its stunning natural beauty. Springs bubble up everywhere, streams flow, and waterfalls cascade throughout the park. In the past, La Palma's indigenous people used this landscape to resist Spanish conquerors armed with firearms for nearly 100 years using only slingshots. Today, the vast circle of volcanic rocky peaks still inspires awe.

The old town of the island's 'metropolis' (with just under 16,000 inhabitants) has been declared an art historical monument. Walking over the cobblestones here feels like stepping back in time. Many buildings are constructed in the Canarian or colonial style with intricately decorated wooden balconies.

The quaint harbor town knows nothing of hustle and bustle. The fortress Castillo de Santa Catalina is a reminder of more exciting times: in the 16th century, its cannons prevented the infamous English pirate Francis Drake from plundering the trading houses of Santa Cruz.

If there is a magical place on La Palma, it is this millennia-old enchanted forest. Here, trees and clouds touch, water drips from branches and twigs along lianas, dropping onto giant ferns and mosses.

The ecosystem dates back to the Tertiary period, a time when mammoths and saber-toothed tigers roamed the Earth. Absolute silence reigns under the closed canopy of the laurel forest, broken only by the occasional cooing of laurel pigeons. A hike through this enchanted misty forest is a must-do on the island.

La Palma's most famous black sand beach is about 164 feet wide and 656 feet long. On the island's sun-drenched west side, you can sunbathe, swim in the spectacular surf, or watch paragliders. The beach is bordered by a promenade with cafés, restaurants, and a hotel. There are also fresh water showers and some loungers and sun umbrellas for rent - but Playa de Puerto Naos is far from the hustle and bustle of other Canary Island beaches.