As the westernmost of the Canary Islands La Palma is the most remote, yet its natural beauty, earning it the nickname of “La Isla Bonita”, grants that tourists still stream to the paradisiacal island. The natural diversity is mind-blowing: on such small space there is room for dense pine forests, rugged volcanic hills, black beaches, and green rolling landscapes. Regulations have provided that this beautiful scenery has survived the popularity of the Canary Islands; mass tourism as on Gran Canaria or Tenerife is not the path La Palma chose.The island’s capital is Santa Cruz de La Palma, a small town with just 17,000 citizens who gather along the charming beach promenade after a long day at work. The central square is called Plaza de Espana, and around it you will find Casas Consistoriales, the old town hall dating back to the 16th century, as well as the main church, San Salvador.The biggest town on La Palma is Los Llanos de Aridane with a population of 20,000. Los Llanos, located inland, is a great day trip destination in your car hire, as is El Paso, an atmospheric little town popular among Western European expatriates.For some touristy fun check out Los Cancajos and Puerto de Naos on the west coast. Typical Canary tourist resorts they offer all the pleasures of organised fun: from jet skiing to sky diving the entertainment programme is extensive and tiring.Recharging your batteries after a day of adventures is easily done, as the large number of tourists seems to be catered to by an even larger number of excellent restaurants. The menu is heavy on fish, as to be expected, and dishes are likely to come with one of two signature sauces produced on the island: Mojo Rojo with meat dishes or Mojo verde with fish.Turning away from the busy tourist hubs you should not forget to explore the natural assets of La Palma in your car hire. Its popularity among outdoor fans is easily explained: the scenery is stunning and diverse. You can mountain bike through avocado and banana plantations or test your free climbing skills on the rough volcanic mountain walls. The ultimate adventure is of course the climb of Roque de los Muchachos, peaking at 7900 ft (2400m). The peak towers 6560 ft (2000 m) above the Caldera de Taburiente erosion crater, millions of years old and measuring a total 6 mi (10 km) across. On top you will find the largest astronomical observatory anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Beware though that the trails around the crater require some hiking experience.Exploring the island is quite easy due to its small size and a decent road network. Booking a car hire will allow you to be independent from public transport and therefore explore the more remote parts of the islands, away from seaside resorts and fellow travellers. Book your car hire and discover this wonderful island!
