SPAIN & PORTUGAL LA PALMA DESTINATIONS
Hemmed in by steep cliffs, capital Santa Cruz is the island’s focal point. Cruises dock here, and main street Calle O’Daly – named after an Irish merchant – thrums seductively. Galleries and fashionable boutiques occupy handsome, multicoloured buildings, some with balconies built from fragrant tea pine.
available but must be booked a few weeks ahead. La Palma initially rose from the
Atlantic due to volcanic activity, and continues to be reshaped by eruptions, most recently in 1971. The best place to learn more, and see extraordinary footage, is the centre beside San Antonio volcano (entry €5). Displays are in English, and visitors can also amble around a circular crater. Volcanoes can also take credit for
creating La Palma’s distinctive beaches: their black sand is water-softened lava. The one at Puerto Naos, halfway up the western coast, has Blue Flag status, plus relatively gentle waves, sunbeds, space and a palm-lined promenade dotted with restaurants. A few banana plantations to the north, boats depart from Puerto de Tazacorte for dolphin-watching and scuba diving. Up in the northeast is the coastal village of Charco Azul, best known for its seawater swimming pool – a deep basin protected from waves by a wall, and ringed by diving points. Nearby, smaller, crab-happy rock-pools and restaurants add to the temptation – as does La Palma’s last-remaining rum distillery, Destilerías Aldea.
w STAY: TAKING A SIDE The Palmero hotel scene ranges from a few larger, resort-style properties to heaps of two-star hotels and homely rural fincas. The first decision to settle involves choosing sides. More average hours of sunlight, better beaches and a position for sunsets sees La Palma’s western flank lure most visitors; eastern advantages include airport proximity. But uniformly excellent roads mean clients will only ever be a few hours’ drive away from everywhere else. So west is generally best. Best of all is 32-room Hacienda de Abajo, a former sugar-plantation estate outside Tazacorte and near the sea. “It’s by far our best-seller,” says Prestige Holidays marketing manager Nicky Shafe. “And it’s classified as the island’s sole ‘emblematic hotel’ thanks to its history.” The top-notch spa, fine-dining restaurant and pool among mazy tropical-plant gardens all help too.
Los Llanos’ nicest residence is Hotel Benahoare, centrally located and refurbished in 2016. Rooms are smart if small, and the boldly upholstered lobby and restaurant-bar makes a nice place to loiter or sip local craft beer. At one end of Puerto Naos beach is
four-star Sol La Palma, a glossy resort from the Meliá chain which headlines Thomson’s accommodation portfolio for La Palma. On site are five pools (three for children), wellness facilities, a kids’ club and tennis courts. Following a similar formula is this
isle’s sole all-inclusive property, set further southeast. There are some 625 rooms spread over La Palma & Teneguía Princess’s several low-rise buildings, along with 11 pools – including one in the nudist area – and a large spa, but no decent beach. Inland, several lovely farmhouses dot the verdant, fertile-soiled hills and provide a more intimate option. Prestige’s portfolio, for example, includes east-coast Finca Arminda, which boasts friendly owners, a pool and peaceful orchard gardens. As well as a hotel-to-hotel itinerary,
Inntravel alternatively offers a handpicked range of self-catering cottages; clients stay in just one or two. Thanks to its bell-chimney kitchen and handy airport proximity, Casa Carlota is the perennial favourite.
FIND OUT MORE
l finca
arminda.es
l hotel-bena
hoare.com
l hotelhacienda
deabajo.com l
melia.com l princess-
hotels.com
Hotel
Hacienda de Abajo
31 August 2017
travelweekly.co.uk 67
PICTURES: LA PALMA TOURIST BOARD/SAUL SANTOS, VANMARTY; INNTRAVEL; PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS
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