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La Palma. The pretty island
The most scenic and green of all the Canary Islands.

The island with the loveliest green scenery of all the Canary Islands, and all surrounded by one of the best skies in the world for astronomic observation. In fact the most important observatories in the northern hemisphere are on the island. The Pretty Island covers 708 square kilometres and has a population of some 85,000 habitants, and all this is just a 3 hours boat trip away from Tenerife.

The island holds “Los Tilos” forest, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1983 by UNESCO, and La Caldera de Taburiente National Park, one of the largest craters in the world, on the rim of which you will find the above mentioned international observatories.

A combination of volcanic landscapes and lush forests abounding with spring, it is a paradise for ramblers. But it is also a destination for those who love “sun, sea and sand”, as you will find some impressive beaches on this wonderful island for days of rest and relaxation on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
You cannot miss this island that has been awarded a certificate accrediting it as the first “Sustainable Tourist Destination” in the world.

Remember, watching the stars in one of the best skies in the world is only 3 hours away from Tenerife and 120 minutes from La Gomera.

Source: La Palma Tourist Board

Lines and shipments La Palma

La Palma - Tenerife

150 minutes
126 km
0 stops
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What you can not miss? La Palma
What you can not miss?

After visiting La Palma, you'll understand why it's called "La isla bonita" (The Pretty Island). Green hills, vast volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and many small towns to get to know.

Recommendation: La Palma is an ideal island to enjoy on foot or by bicycle, but especially by car or motorcycle.

Essential: visit to Santa Cruz de la Palma, down to the south to Fuencaliente, and to the Caldera de Taburiente are the musts.

Gastronomy La Palma
Gastronomy

La Palma is known for its gastronomy, especially its pastries. If you have an incurable sweet tooth, you'll have a great time with the variety of their typical home-made sweets and desserts. Their mojo, potatoes, cheeses, gofio, and honey are not to be missed. You also can't forget to taste the wines, which are becoming increasingly more recognized both in the islands and outside the Canaries. If you come across a winery, don't hesitate to stop and try one of their wines. You'll surely leave with a few bottles.

What to pack? La Palma
What to pack?

La Palma enjoys pleasant temperatures year-round. However, you have to be prepared for everything. Take note, depending on your travel date: 

During the winter: we recommend bringing warm clothing if travelling during the winter, especially if you'll visit higher areas, where usually temperatures reach 0 degrees at certain times of the day or night!

The rest of the year: It is also advisable to bring appropriate footwear if you want to walk along the hundreds of trekking trails that run across the island. And of course, don't forget your towel and bathing costume!

The Fast Ferry Benchijigua Express, the largest and most modern in the world, offers you the chance to visit one of the most charming of the Canary Islands, the island of La Palma. Commonly know as "The Pretty Island", it is without a doubt the greenest of the Archipelago and has maintained its traditions, customs and personality almost intact. Some of the most breath-taking views in the island can be found in the mountainous area known as "La Caldera de Taburiente" and are a result of the impressive height reached over such a limited surface area. This marvel of nature, home to the one of the most important observatories in the planet, was declared a National Park in 1954, and its outstanding scientific value and rugged landscapes attract visitors from all parts of the world year after year.

Los Tilos, declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1983 is one of the most important examples of laurisilva forests in the Canaries. This type of forest, previously widespread in Europe, is considered a centre of plant diversity and contains numerous rare and endemic species, amongst them lime trees, viñatigo trees, Willard's acacias, laurels, aceviños, barbusanos, fir trees, and a variety of ferns and heathers.

Since the introduction of the ship Benchijigua Express, in 2005, at the head of international maritime technology, the island of La Palma has never been so easy to reach by sea.

Your journey to the island can begin and end in the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife thanks to the free Ferry Bus service offered by Fred. Olsen Express.

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Just after arriving, the first mandatory stop is the capital city of the island. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by stone-paved roads, walking through its streets, having a bite in one of the restaurants close by and, of course, visiting some of its idyllic shops is an experience you cannot miss.

Los Cancajos

Just a few kilometres away from Santa Cruz, the most well-known tourist spot in La Palma will welcome you with a small black sand beach that invites you to relax for a few hours before continuing your journey.

Fuencaliente

Down the south of the island, you'll find this awe-inspiring landscape. Peering out at San Antonio volcano crater will amaze you, as you can see how the most violent side of nature has been moulding, until recently, this area of La Palma. The coast is just a few minutes away by car, with black sand beaches where you can enjoy a dip in the Atlantic.

Caldera de Taburiente

With a surface of 4,690 hectares, it mainly represents the Canarian pine forest ecosystem. Multiple volcanic eruptions, huge landslides, the erosive force of water, and time have moulded its geomorphology over time. The landscape of the La Caldera de Taburiente is dominated by a cirque summit with an 8 km diameter with slopes of up to 2,000 m, and a spectacular network of streams and torrents with great erosive force. In this environment, a large variety of plant and animal species have developed, including many endemic Canarian species.

Puerto Naos

The Puerto Naos beach is one of the most well-known on the island. It is located in a semi-urban environment, with a palm grove on the sand, surrounded by a boardwalk full of restaurants and terraces. It has numerous apartment complexes and a large hotel along the beach. A great place to walk and stay the night.

Roque de los Muchachos

A visit to La Palma wouldn't be complete without ascending to the highest point of the island (2,396 m). Here we will discover why the island is so "dark" at night. The telescopes that crown this summit take advantage of the most absolute darkness, and billions of stars demonstrate this by appearing each day after sunset.

Timetables La Palma

Ferry schedules La Palma Tenerife

Port of departure: S.C. de La Palma
Port of arrival: Los Cristianos
  Monday
14/10
Tuesday
15/10
Wednesday
16/10
Thursday
17/10
Friday
18/10
Saturday
19/10
Sunday
20/10
06:30 150 min
06:30 - 09:00
150 min
06:30 - 09:00
150 min
06:30 - 09:00
150 min
06:30 - 09:00
150 min
06:30 - 09:00
150 min
06:30 - 09:00
10:00 150 min
10:00 - 12:30
17:00 150 min
17:00 - 19:30
150 min
17:00 - 19:30
150 min
17:00 - 19:30
150 min
17:00 - 19:30
150 min
17:00 - 19:30
150 min
17:00 - 19:30
150 min
17:00 - 19:30
Benchijigua Express
Bencomo Express
Ferry schedules Tenerife La Palma
Port of departure: Los Cristianos
Port of arrival: S.C. de La Palma
  Monday
14/10
Tuesday
15/10
Wednesday
16/10
Thursday
17/10
Friday
18/10
Saturday
19/10
Sunday
20/10
08:30 150 min
08:30 - 11:00
150 min
08:30 - 11:00
150 min
08:30 - 11:00
150 min
08:30 - 11:00
150 min
08:30 - 11:00
150 min
08:30 - 11:00
09:30 175 min
09:30 - 12:25
19:00 150 min
19:00 - 21:30
150 min
19:00 - 21:30
150 min
19:00 - 21:30
150 min
19:00 - 21:30
150 min
19:00 - 21:30
150 min
19:00 - 21:30
19:30 150 min
19:30 - 22:00
Benchijigua Express
Bencomo Express
Address:

Terminal Marítima

38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma.

How to arrive:
  • From the south of the island, take highway LP-2 to S/C de La Palma.
  • From the north, highway LP-1 to S/C de La Palma.
  • From the west area (Los Llanos de Aridane), highway LP-3 (through the tunnel) to S/C de La Palma.
Port services:

Fred. Olsen services:

  • Pre-boarding area for customers travelling with their vehicle.
  • Luggage trolleys available right next to the vessel to be used up to your destination.

 

In-port services:

  • Taxi service, public transport (buses), and car hire. There are catering services and public parking lots nearby.