Getting Around La Palma: Best Options for 2025
Looking for the best options for getting around La Palma?
We’ve created your ultimate resource for navigating this beautiful island with ease!
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous exploration of its natural wonders, knowing the best transportation options for getting around La Palma can make all the difference.
We understand the importance of seamless travel experiences, which is why we’ve curated essential information on renting a car, driving tips specific to La Palma, utilizing public buses, arranging tours, and getting taxis.
With our expertise gained from a La Palma trip in 2023, where we relied on a rental car for transportation, we’re here to provide insider tips and helpful advice for travelers of all kinds.
Let’s embark on your La Palma journey together!
Getting Around La Palma: The Landscape
Ever wondered if you could explore an entire island without spending your whole vacation in transit? Then you’ve picked the right spot with La Palma!
Covering an area of about 708 square kilometers (273 square miles), it rarely takes more than an hour to get anywhere on the island.
Our favorite part was that the roads in La Palma meander through changing landscapes. From the lush, cloud-kissed forests of Los Tilos to the stark, dramatic beauty of the volcanic landscapes, it is no wonder La Palma is called ‘La Isla Bonita’.
But what are the best ways for getting around La Palma?
There are 4 main options: Car, Bus, Tour, and Taxi. Let’s dive into each option!
Getting Around La Palma by Car
The easiest way to get around La Palma is by car. It’s hands-down the best way to soak up everything the island has to offer, on your schedule.
Like we said, the island isn’t that big so having a car enables you to explore all corners of the island. Some of our favorite memories on La Palma were from following a cool-looking road until we found the hidden gem at the end!
That being said… we would say driving on La Palma is a 7/10 on the difficulty scale. The roads vary in how well-maintained they are, and there is a lot of mountainous driving. Having a car with good tires and brakes is critical.
If you are up for the challenge, then we say rent a car!
Renting a Car on La Palma, Canary Islands
Renting a car on La Palma is relatively easy.
You can pick up your rental car right at La Palma Airport (SPC) or the Santa Cruz de La Palma Port, depending on how you arrive to La Palma.
We recommend getting the best prices by booking your car on DiscoverCars. We like that it is easy to filter for location and other things we care about (like an automatic transmission).
Be sure to check the car tires and brakes before you leave! The big elevation changes while driving in La Palma are no joke.
Renting a Car in the Canary Islands
If you are traveling to La Palma on a ferry from another Canary island, you can bring your rental car with you!
We did this during our month-long Canary Island stay, and it was awesome. We loved that we could keep the same car the entire time without the hassle of returning and re-renting vehicles.
Plus, driving onto a ferry was very cool!
It’s a convenient way to explore the Canary Islands. We still recommend renting with DiscoverCars!
Driving in La Palma Tips
Here are our top tips for driving in La Palma, Canary Islands:
1. Be Prepared for Big Elevation Changes
No matter if you are in a manual or automatic car, you need to know your options for switching gears for big elevations.
If you’re driving an automatic, you have some control over the gears. Most automatic vehicles have a gear selector that allows you to choose between D (Drive), L (Low Gear), and sometimes an intermediate option like 2 or S (Sport mode).
When going uphill, if you notice the engine struggling, you can shift to L or S to give your vehicle more power. On steep descents, shifting into a lower gear can help manage your speed by utilizing engine braking, reducing the need to use your brakes continuously.
2. Monitor Your Speed
Maintaining a consistent speed is key in areas with elevation changes, like when you are heading up to the Roque de los Muchachos. Uphills will naturally slow you down, so you may need to gently press the accelerator to keep up your momentum.
When descending, it’s important to keep your speed under control; let the car’s engine braking help you with this. If your vehicle starts to pick up too much speed, gently apply the brakes to slow down to a safer speed.
3. Believe Local Signs Over Google Maps
Google Maps was mostly good at getting us to our destinations. There were 2 instances where a sign said to go one way and Google Maps said to go another. In both cases, the sign was correct.
Be vigilant and watch for signs when driving in La Palma! Especially if Google Maps says to turn down a road that doesn’t quite look like a road… 🙂
Getting Around La Palma by Bus
If you are looking for a cheap way to get around the island then take advantage of the La Palma buses!
The local buses are run by Transportes Insular La Palma, TILP, and are relatively punctual and reliable.
You can use their website to look for your specific route or click on the bus below to go to the route details. These are the bus routes you are most likely to use:
- Bus 500: From Santa Cruz de La Palma to the airport, passing through Cancajos
- Bus 300: From Santa Cruz de La Palma to Los Llanos de Aridane, through El Paso and the Centro de Visitantes de La Caldera de Taburiente
- Bus 210: From Los Llanos to Fuencaliente, passing by Caños de Fuego
- Bus 200 and 201: From Santa Cruz de La Palma to Fuencaliente
- Bus 100: From Santa Cruz de La Palma to Barlovento, passing by Bosque de Los Tilos
Note: some gems like Roque de los Muchachos aren’t on the bus routes.
Each trip is about €2.50 per person and will be purchased when you get on the bus. We recommend having the exact amount in cash since the driver may not have any change (they can also not accept a bill over €20.
When you ride the La Palma buses, be sure to indicate to the driver that you’d like to get off at the next stop by pulling the indicator line/button or verbally telling them. The drivers don’t stop unless someone asks them to or someone is waiting to be picked up.
Using the bus system to get around requires a bit of planning and flexibility but can be a very affordable way to explore La Palma!
Getting Around La Palma by Guide
There are a lot of fantastic tours on La Palma, exploring the different regions. If you are looking to primarily explore via tour(s), you can forgo driving in La Palma or figuring out the La Palma buses altogether!
Here are some of our favorite tours to explore every corner of La Palma:
Southern La Palma Tour
The Southern area of La Palma is home to some very cool sites like Fuencaliente, home of the salt pans, San Antonio and the Teneguía volcanos, and Las Manchas (where the recent Tajogaite volcano was born).
This tour takes you to all these sites with an expert guide who tells the stories behind these Southern La Palma sites. You will have time to get out and explore at various locations.
The guide with their expert knowledge and the fantastic itinerary for Southern La Palma are why we recommend this tour.
Picking a reputable company is so important! Below is the company we trust to give you the best Southern La Palma experience:
La Palma Transfer & Tours
Northern La Palma Tour
This private tour of Northern La Palma has a jam-packed itinerary!
You’ll visit Mirador de San Bartolomé, Bosque de Los Tilos, Barrio de San Andrés, Charco Azul, Mirador de La Tosca, Puntagorda, Tijarafe, Mirador de El Time, and Puerto de Tazacorte.
That is a full itinerary of all the best sites the Northern section of La Palma has to offer in a single day.
Plus, this tour is private so you will have maximum flexibility on your tour!
La Palma by Sea Tour
We think the best way to take in the grandness of La Palma is to see it from the ocean. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the dramatic landscape!
This boat tour does just that! On the tours, you’ll visit 2 caves, La Cueva Bonita and La Cueva Colorada, see the coastal town of Prois de Candelaria, and stop for a swim at La Playa de la Veta.
Hopefully, you’ll run into some marine life as well! The dolphins and pilot whales are the highlight for us.
Highlights of La Palma
If you are tight on time when visiting La Palma, this Island Highlights tour is for you! The tour has a very impressive itinerary, hitting almost all the “top” sites on La Palma and going around most of the island.
You’ll see Roque de Los Muchachos, Tajuya Square, Mirador de El Time, Farmer’s Market in Puntagorda, and Mirador de La Concepción.
The tour is conducted on a large bus and in multiple languages (English, Spanish, and German).
For us, we look for tours that avoid these 2 scenarios typically, but the itinerary of this tour makes these “cons” worth it if you only have 1 day to see as much as possible!
Getting Around La Palma by Taxi
Taxis are available in La Palma, especially in the main towns, but there are not a lot of them.
If you are looking to get around La Palma by taxi or private transfer, we would recommend reaching out to the team at Taxi La Palma to pre-arrange transport.
Alternatively, you can ask your accommodation for help securing transportation. We find hotels tend to have preferred vendors they work with!
La Palma, Canary Islands Travel Tips
Easiest Way to Get to La Palma
The easiest way to get to La Palma is either by ferry or plane from Tenerife. There are some direct flights from mainland Europe as well, but typically, you’ll need to go to Tenerife first.
We recommend taking the ferry. You can book with Fred Olsen or Naviera Armas. Both ferries have an “express” or “fast” option that runs daily and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
You’ll take off from the port in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, and arrive at the port in Santa Cruz de La Palma. From there, it will be a breeze getting around La Palma!
Best Time to Visit La Palma
The best time to visit La Palma is whenever you can make it! The moderate climate makes Isla Bonita a great place to visit year-round.
Spring, from March to May, has comfortable temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), ideal for hiking amid blooming wildflowers and attending events like the Fiesta de la Cruz.
Summer, between June and August, sees temperatures averaging 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), perfect for beach outings and enjoying festivals such as the Bajada de la Virgen.
Autumn, from September to November, features clear skies and temperatures around 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F), perfect for stargazing during the Festival of the Stars.
Winter, from December to February, offers mild temperatures averaging 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F), ideal for exploring.
No matter the season, La Palma promises an unforgettable experience.
Top Attractions in La Palma
There are A LOT of great attractions on La Palma. A few of our favorites are:
- Roque de los Muchachos Observatory: one of the world’s premier stargazing destinations
- Caldera de Taburiente National Park: a breathtaking volcanic crater and lush landscapes of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Los Tilos La Palma: the island’s verdant rainforest with an awesome waterfall
- San Antonio Volcano: hike to the rim of this dormant volcano and learn at the great visitor center
- Salinas de Fuencaliente: historic salt pans at La Palmas southern point
- El Charco Azul Piscina Natural: natural rock pools with swimming
Check out all 30 of our favorite things to do in La Palma here 👈
Where to Stay in La Palma
There are a lot of great places to stay in La Palma.
Here are our favorite places to stay in each corner of the island:
⬆️ North: Lighthouse on La Palma Island
- Barlovento, on the Northeastern La Palma coast
- Highlights: stunning sea views, an infinity pool, lovely breakfasts, and rooms with a kitchenette and air conditioning
⬇️ South: La Palma Princess
- In Fuencaliente, a 5-minute drive from La Zamora Beach
- Highlights: beachfront hotel with 7 outdoor swimming pools (2 heated), 1 children’s pool, several restaurants, tennis courts, and wellness center and spa
➡️ East: Hotel Emblemático Holiday Time
- Located in Santa Cruz de la Palma
- Highlights: Steps away from the top Santa Cruz de la Palma sites as well as the beach, a great breakfast, and comfortable rooms
⬅️ West: Hotel Hacienda de Abajo
- In Tazacorte’s historic center, just 2 km from the beach
- Highlights: an outdoor heated pool and a spa featuring a Finnish sauna and hydromassage pool
What to Eat in La Palma
When you’re getting around La Palma, be sure to stop by local restaurants to try the island’s specialties!
Here are some top foods to try:
- Mojo Rojo: A spicy red pepper sauce made with garlic, paprika, and olive oil, perfect for dipping bread or accompanying grilled meats.
- Papas Arrugadas: Small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in saltwater until tender and served with Mojo Verde (green pepper sauce) or Mojo Rojo.
- Queso Palmero: Sample the local cheese, typically made from goat or sheep milk, with a unique flavor influenced by the island’s volcanic soil.
- Puchero Canario: A hearty stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and legumes, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices.
- Gofio: A staple food in the Canary Islands, made from roasted corn or wheat flour, and used in soups, bread, and desserts.
- Almogrote: A spreadable cheese paste made with matured cheese, garlic, peppers, and olive oil, perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.
- Bienmesabe: This rich and creamy dessert lives up to its name, which translates to “tastes good to me.” Bienmesabe combines almonds, egg yolks, sugar, and lemon zest to create a lusciously sweet concoction.
- Príncipe Alberto: Named after a historical figure, Príncipe Alberto is a luxurious chocolate mousse dessert that often includes almonds.
- Polvito Uruguayo: a delectable dessert featuring a delightful mix of dulce de leche, whipped cream, crushed cookies, and topped with meringue.
FAQs for Getting Around La Palma, Canary Islands
Can you get around La Palma without a car?
Yes, you can get around La Palma without a car using public buses, taxis, and by hiking. The island’s bus service connects major towns and attractions, but for remote spots, consider biking or joining guided tours.
Does La Palma have Uber?
La Palma in the Canary Islands doesn’t have Uber. You can use local taxis, buses, or rental cars to explore this beautiful island.
Is La Palma walkable?
La Palma isn’t walkable from one side to the other; crossing on foot could take a whole day! While there’s plenty of hiking to enjoy, traversing the island is quite the trek.
Is there public transport in La Palma?
Yes, La Palma offers a network of buses (TILP) connecting major towns and attractions, making it convenient for travelers to explore the island without a car.
Does La Palma have a metro?
La Palma does not have a metro system. Travelers explore its beauty mainly by car, bus, or on tour.
In Conclusion: Getting Around La Palma, Canary Islands
As we wrap up our guide on getting around La Palma, we trust you’re feeling confident and prepared to explore every corner of this captivating island.
From navigating the winding coastal roads to hopping aboard the local buses, we’ve equipped you with the knowledge and insights to traverse La Palma with ease.
As you continue your adventures, whether it’s discovering secluded beaches, trekking through lush forests, or savoring local delicacies, remember that the journey is just beginning.
With our tips and recommendations in your back pocket, you’re ready to make the most of your time on this enchanting island. Happy travels!
We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”
🌟 Loving our content? Support the journey and buy us a coffee! ☕️
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Canary Islands Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in the Canary Islands?
Yes! Renting a car is a necessity in the Canary Islands if traveling between cities! If you want to go on day trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you can use public transportation, but we recommend renting a car. Discover Cars is our go-to choice for car rentals in the Canary Islands.
📲 Will my phone work in the Canary Islands?
Maybe, but it will be expensive! Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe. To use your phone in the Canary Islands and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel. There is not a lot of free WIFI in the Canary Islands, so you’ll need your phone for navigating.
🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in the Canary Islands?
While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime. NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my the Canary Islands?
Our go-to for Canary Islands hotels is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to the Canary Islands?
For finding cheap flights to the Canary Islands, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive. Vueling and Iberia are usually our airlines of choice to get to the Canary Islands. Air Europa and Binter Canarias are the main inter-island airlines.
🚐 Should I book tours in the Canary Islands? Do the guides speak English?
We LOVE taking tours in the Canary Islands. We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English. For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.
🚑 Should I buy Canary Islands travel insurance?
100% YES! Spain has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which provides universal healthcare coverage to all Spanish citizens and legal residents in the Canary Islands! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!
💧Can you drink the water in the Canary Islands?
The water in the Canary Islands is safe to drink. In some rural or remote areas, or in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems, water quality might not be as high. For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.
🎫 Do I need a visa for the Canary Islands?
Likely Not! US passport holders don’t need Spanish visas for travel less than 3 months. If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you will be considered a resident and must have an entrance visa.
