Cruise Holidays To La Palma

Overview

One of the most beautiful spots of the archipelago, La Palma is mainly undeveloped and delightfully lacking in commercialism. The little capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is charming, with some of the few remaining examples of authentic Canarian architecture - houses in shades of lemon yellow and burnt orange with ornate wooden balconies and intricate tiling.

Ships dock alongside here but you need to take a shuttle into town. Most people, in any case, go on excursions, to admire the weird and wonderful scenery. The whole island is sheer-sided, with towering volcanic peaks and rare forest. If you've got time and a head for heights, go on a hike. If not, take a tour to Los Tilos, a national park now designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is pure primeval rainforest, with towering trees, acid green ferns, the occasional screech of a bird and constantly damp air from ribbons of waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet over volcanic cliffs, disappearing into spray before they hit the forest canopy.