Start our adventure with the island's capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma. It's a charming port city that impresses with its colonial architecture and unique atmosphere. The first item on our list is Plaza de España, the heart of the historic center of the city. This picturesque square, surrounded by historic buildings, is the perfect place to feel the spirit of old La Palma. Note the City Hall and the Salvador Church, which dominate the square. Of particular interest is the monument to Manuel Díaz, considered the first civilian monument in the Canary Islands. Plaza de España is not only a tourist attraction, but also a place where locals meet, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the daily life of the island.

Another must-see in Santa Cruz are the famous Balcones de la Avenida Marítima. These colorful, richly decorated balconies are a landmark of the city and are a fascinating example of traditional Canarian architecture. Walking along Avenida Marítima, you can admire these beautiful structures, often decorated with flowers and plants. This is the perfect place to take souvenir photos. Interestingly, in the past, these balconies served as... toilets, which makes for an interesting anecdote to tell your friends when you return from vacation.

We can't miss the Castillo de La Virgen, an imposing fortress towering over the city. Built in 1820, it now offers not only a history lesson, but more importantly, breathtaking views of Santa Cruz and the Atlantic. Entrance to the fortress is free, making it an attractive option for families traveling with children. The short climb to the top is absolutely worth the effort - the panorama that unfolds from there will remain in your memory for a long time.

The last, but equally important, spot in Santa Cruz is Plaza de La Alameda. This charming park with plenty of shade is the perfect place to relax after sightseeing. The centerpiece of the plaza is a historic music kiosk, and there are numerous benches and fountains around it. It's a great place to sip coffee, eat ice cream (which costs just 1 euro here!) and observe the daily life of La Palma's residents. Plaza de La Alameda is also home to the famous 'El Enano' (the Dwarf) statue, which is the symbol of the important local festival 'Bajada de la Virgen'.

Each of these places has its own unique character and offers something different. Plaza de España impresses with its history, Balcones de la Avenida Marítima with its architecture, Castillo de La Virgen with its views, and Plaza de La Alameda with its relaxed atmosphere. Together, they form a comprehensive picture of Santa Cruz de La Palma, combining history, culture and modern city life. These are the perfect places to start your La Palma adventure and feel the true spirit of this fascinating island.

Leaving the charming streets of Santa Cruz, it's time to delve into the extraordinary nature of La Palma. The island is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and the best way to enjoy them is at the numerous viewpoints scattered throughout the island.

Let's start with Mirador de La Cumbrecita, one of the most impressive viewpoints on La Palma. It is located on the edge of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park and offers incredible views of the volcano's crater and surrounding mountains. It's an ideal spot for trekkers - you can embark on a 1.5-hour loop around the crater from here. Note that entry to the parking lot requires advance reservation through the park's website (for free). After 4pm, entry is possible without reservation, which can be a good option for those who like spontaneous excursions.

Another must-see is the Mirador Caldera, located at the top of Roque de Los Muchachos. This is the highest point on the island (2426 meters above sea level), offering a panoramic view of the entire Caldera de Taburiente crater. On clear days, you can even see the neighboring Canary Islands from here! Mirador Caldera is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important place for science - some of the largest telescopes in the world are located here. It's worth planning your visit so that you can admire the sunset - it's an unforgettable experience.

For those who like a challenge, we recommend a trip to Pico de La Nieve. At 2239 meters above sea level, this peak offers not only beautiful views of the Caldera de Taburiente, but also of the neighboring island of Tenerife with its majestic Teide volcano. The route to the summit is quite challenging, but the satisfaction of reaching the spot is well worth it. In winter, the summit is sometimes covered with snow, which adds to its charm and makes the views even more spectacular.

Speaking of the nature of La Palma, the Cascada de los Colores should not be overlooked. This colorful waterfall, located in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, is a true natural wonder. Its name comes from the different colored rocks that create an extraordinary palette of colors. While the waterfall itself may not be impressive in size, the surrounding landscape is sure to delight any nature lover. It's the perfect place to stop and cool off while trekking in the national park.

When comparing these attractions, each offers something unique. Mirador de La Cumbrecita is the most accessible and offers excellent views of the crater without the long walk. Mirador Caldera requires a longer journey, but rewards with the most spectacular panoramas. Pico de La Nieve is a challenge for more experienced hikers, but offers unforgettable views and the satisfaction of reaching your destination. Cascada de los Colores, on the other hand, is a unique natural attraction, ideal for those who want to see something truly unique.

It's worth remembering that the availability of these sites can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It's always a good idea to check up-to-date information before heading out. Whichever attraction you choose, you're sure to experience the magic of La Palma and its amazing nature.

La Palma, while known mainly for its mountains and volcanoes, also has much to offer sea and beach lovers. In this section of our trip, we'll explore some seaside attractions that are sure to enhance your stay on the island.

Let's start with Playa de Los Guinchos, one of the most picturesque beaches on La Palma. Located in the municipality of Breña Alta, this beach offers not only beautiful ocean views, but also excellent conditions for water sports, especially surfing and windsurfing. The black volcanic sands contrast with the blue of the ocean, creating an unforgettable setting. Note that due to strong currents and high waves, swimming here can be dangerous - the beach is more popular with surfers than swimmers. Nevertheless, it is an ideal place to walk and admire the power of the ocean. The beach is easily accessible and is close to the tourist district of Los Cancajos, making it a convenient option for tourists.

At the southern end of the island is another fascinating attraction - Fuencaliente Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Fuencaliente. This lighthouse, or rather two lighthouses - an old one and a new one - is not only an important navigational point, but also a popular tourist attraction. The site offers not only beautiful views of the ocean, but also a unique experience - right next to the lighthouse are the salinas, where sea salt is still produced today using traditional methods. The contrast between the black volcanic rocks, the white salt pools and the blue of the ocean creates an amazing landscape, perfect for photography. You can buy local salt at a nearby store as an original souvenir of your trip. The lighthouse can be reached by car, by bus line 23, or can be reached by trekking trails from under the San Antonio volcano, making it accessible to different types of tourists.

Comparing the two attractions, each offers a completely different experience. Playa de Los Guinchos is primarily a destination for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts. It offers a more 'wild' and natural experience, ideal for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds. Lighthouse Fuencaliente, on the other hand, is an attraction that combines elements of history, nature and local industry. It's more 'touristy,' but offers unique views and experiences that can't be found anywhere else on the island.

It's worth noting that both of these attractions are free, making them attractive options for families and tourists traveling on a budget. However, accessibility can vary - while the lighthouse is available year-round, beach conditions can vary depending on the weather and season.

Whether you choose the energetic Los Guinchos Beach or the tranquil Fuencaliente Lighthouse, you're sure to experience a different side of La Palma - one that's maritime and full of contrasts. These seaside attractions perfectly complement the mountain and city experiences, creating a comprehensive picture of this fascinating island.

To sum up our La Palma trip, it's clear that this small island offers a remarkable variety of attractions. From the charming streets of Santa Cruz, to the breathtaking views from the mountain peaks, to the picturesque beaches and lighthouses, there is something for everyone. La Palma is the perfect destination for those looking for an authentic experience, closeness to nature and tranquility away from mass tourism. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover or simply looking to relax on the beach, La Palma is sure to delight you and leave you with unforgettable memories.