One of the more remote of the Canary Islands, La Palma is often overlooked as a holiday destination. But this is just what makes it attractive to many, with more unspoilt beaches and picturesque landscape to be enjoyed by fewer tourists. There are still plenty of great places to stay to suit all budgets, and here’s a selection of the best.
Hotels in the Canary Islands don’t come much more elegantly old-school than this former sugar plantation estate. Museum-worthy artworks and genuine antique furniture are scattered throughout this 17th-century hacienda hotel, which was renovated and is still run by the descendants of the first owners of the estate. It now overlooks banana plantations on the west coast of the island of La Palma, in the pretty village of Tazacorte, and within strolling distance of majestic cliff-trimmed, black volcanic beaches. The 32 individually styled rooms are as ornate as the rest of the property, and with no shortage of luxury touches such as L’Occitane products and fluffy bathrobes.
A real gem of a boutique hotel, and at such reasonable rates you’ll be wondering what the catch is. There may not be a great deal in the way of facilities, but this converted 17th-century townhouse is brimming with charm with friendly and attentive service from the owners guaranteed. It’s located in the oldest part of Santa Cruz de La Palma, and comprises just eight individually styled guest rooms set around a pretty central courtyard. To top it off there’s a small rooftop terrace with sun loungers and sea views, and breakfast is always included in the price.
With a prime position overlooking the sea on the east coast of the island, this chain hotel offers a particularly serene atmosphere popular with the more mature clientele. The vibe is far from dowdy, however, with much of the accommodation fully modernised with jazzy pop art and up-to-date technology. Most of the rooms also open to balconies with sea views, while others offer mountain vistas. Leisure facilities are top-notch, with three swimming pools (one heated in winter) and tennis courts, plus an optional all-inclusive plan takes the stress out of budgeting.
With one of the most impressive pool complexes on the island (featuring 11 pools) this upscale hotel is understandably one of the most popular on La Palma. Its setting is also pretty spectacular, positioned on a volcanic clifftop overlooking the Atlantic and offering some wonderful sunset panoramas. Its traditionally styled Canarian architecture is set in extensive gardens filled with sub-tropical flora, plus there’s a small sandy artificial beach and a luxe adults-only thermal spa with heated pool, sauna, and massage treatments.
The Hotel Las Olas comprises a series of pastel pink and yellow, low-rise blocks set in pleasant gardens scattered with tropical plant life overlooking Los Cancajos seafront. It’s a good-value, all-apartment complex with plenty of resort hotel type facilities including two large outdoor pools, and both buffet and a la carte restaurants, all featuring superb views of the neighbouring ocean. All 182 units are equipped for self-catering and can house up to families of four, plus children are kept entertained with a playground a mini-club.
Set high up on a hillside on the island’s east coast, the Parador de La Palma offers some fabulous ocean view panoramas backed by a dramatic mountain range. Its spacious and impressive grounds comprise of a series of waterfalls and footpaths flanked by lush tropical planting, plus a kitchen garden that supplies the hotel’s restaurant. The stunning views can be enjoyed from many of the rooms, which extend to balconies and all decorated in colonial styling. Guests can cool off in a modest-sized outdoor pool, while a seaview terrace also provides a romantic setting for candle dinners.
Stretching out onto a rocky promontory just south of the black sand Puerto Naos beach, the setting of the Sol La Palma certainly impresses. There’s also no shortage of family-friendly facilities, with three of the five outdoor pools dedicated to kids, children’s play area, and free mini-club. Most of the rooms feature stunning ocean views, many from spacious balconies, while dining options cover both buffet and a la carte restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is throughout the hotel, plus there’s the unusual addition of an observatory for star gazing.
