Essential information for La Palma
When to go
La Palma, the quietest of the Canary Islands, has a mild subtropical climate with daytime highs ranging from 17°C in the winter to 24°C in the summer.
Winter evenings can get quite cool but, even on the coast, it won’t drop below 10°C. Wintertime is very popular for visitors who are coming to enjoy the hundreds of miles of hiking available in La Palma, without the scorching heat. If you want to experience the Canaries’ carnival season then book your holiday during the week of Ash Wednesday in February.
Health and safety
Make sure you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before going away, especially if you are planning on doing hiking, surfing, diving etc.
It is also a good idea to get a European Heath Insurance Card – or EHIC – before travelling in Europe. While not a substitute for health insurance, it does entitle you to emergency treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment.
A full travel insurance plan will cover you for any mishaps, even with your accommodation or travel plans. For the latest health and safety information, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/health.
Passports and visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter La Palma as it is a Spanish island, but you and your party will all have to have valid passports. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements.
Getting around
La Palma Airport is located in Brena Baja and Villa De Mazo, just eight-kilometres south of the capital city of Santa Cruz. If you are planning to drive in La Palma there are picturesque roads following the coastline. The speed limit on motorways is 120km/h (74.5mph) and in cities it’s 50km/h (30mph), unless otherwise indicated.
Renting a car is advisable as taking a taxi ride around the island can be just as costly as hiring a vehicle for the day. Public transport is also available to take you around La Palma in reasonably good time.
Advice for travellers with children
There are several resorts in La Palma that are very family-friendly. La Palma is known for its beautiful nature and scenery and most of its activities comprise of enjoying the great outdoors. As long as your children are old enough, activities can involve all the family include hiking, snorkelling, and exploring the black sand beaches and natural salt pools.
One of the joys of cheap holidays to La Palma is that there are so many free, family-friendly activities to get stuck into, so you can keep the whole gang entertained.
Emergency information
Dial 112 for all emergencies and an operator will put you through to the necessary services.
British Consulate
If you are a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate. The Tenerife Consulate covers the island of La Palma.
Tenerife Consulate
Plaza Weyler 8, 1º, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Tel – 902 109 356 / +34 913 342 194 (international/alternative number)
Fax – 922 289 903
Email – Spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk
Health/pharmacy information
There are pharmacies available in all the bigger cities and towns. In each pharmacy, you can find information on which stores stay open all night. The pharmacy’s addresses are also published in the newspapers.
Opening times are usually from 8am – 1pm and from 4pm – 8pm
Hospitals
The hospital in La Palma is located on the eastern side of the island near Santa Cruz and the airport. For more minor ailments most towns will have a local doctor’s surgery or ‘Centro Medico’.
Telephone numbers
Emergency calls – 112
Hospital La Palma (Hospital Insular) – 922185000
Red Cross Los Llanos – 922461000
Airports
Airport La Palma – 902 42 61 10
Useful links
Outdoor Views La Palma – Tourist information about La Palma, including maps, weather, things to do and more.