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ES Are you planning an unforgettable family vacation and looking for a child-friendly destination with beautiful beaches and exciting adventures?
La Palma, the "Isla Bonita" of the Canary Islands, is an ideal destination for families. With child-friendly beaches, exciting leisure activities, and family-friendly accommodations, the island offers perfect conditions for a relaxing vacation with children. In this article, we provide valuable tips for a successful family trip to La Palma.
Why La Palma is a perfect destination for families
La Palma is one of the greenest and most unspoiled Canary Islands. The relaxed atmosphere, low tourist density, and breathtaking nature make it ideal for families. Thanks to mild temperatures all year round, parents can explore the island with their children in any season. Additionally, there are many shallow beaches, natural parks, and exciting excursions for the little ones.
Holiday accommodation La Palma
Child-friendly beaches on La Palma
Not all beaches on La Palma are suitable for swimming with children, as some coastal areas have steep drop-offs. However, there are several wonderful beaches that are perfect for families. Many also offer showers, changing rooms, and restaurants, as well as clear flag markings indicating bathing conditions:
Green flag: Safe swimming possible
Yellow flag: Caution, moderate currents
Red flag: Swimming prohibited
Playa de Los Cancajos
This beach near the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, is ideal for families. It is protected by an artificial rock barrier, keeping the water calm. Children can safely splash and snorkel here. The beach also has showers, changing rooms, and restaurants along the promenade. Lifeguards are on duty.
Playa de Puerto Naos
With its black volcanic sand, this beach is not only visually stunning but also great for families. Lifeguards ensure safety, and there are restaurants and cafés along the promenade. Showers and changing rooms are also available.
Charco Azul
This natural seawater pool on the east coast is perfect for young children, as the water is very calm. There are also showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar. An ideal spot for a safe swimming experience.
Playa Charco Verde
A small, sheltered beach with calm waters, perfect for families with young children. It offers showers, changing rooms, and a small kiosk for snacks and drinks. The green flag is often displayed here, indicating safe swimming conditions.
Santa Cruz de La Palma City Beach
This newly created city beach is easily accessible and has all the necessary amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and nearby restaurants. Centrally located, it’s ideal for families who want to explore the city and take a swim break in between. Lifeguards monitor the beach, and flags indicate current swimming conditions.
Playa de Tazacorte
This spacious sandy beach is one of the sunniest spots on the island and particularly family-friendly. The water is usually calm, and lifeguards are on duty. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants along the promenade, as well as showers and changing rooms for visitors.
Activities for families on La Palma
In addition to beach days, La Palma offers numerous activities for children and parents. Here are some of the best options:
Hiking in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park (Central La Palma)
A must for nature lovers! There are family-friendly hiking trails that are manageable even for younger children. The waterfalls and diverse plant life are particularly impressive. The main entrance is located in Los Brecitos, from where various hiking routes begin.
Our tip: For guided tours and an unforgettable hiking experience, we recommend Graja Tours, an experienced provider with local guides who offer fascinating insights into La Palma’s unique nature.
Observatory Roque de los Muchachos (Northwest of the Island)
For young and old astronomy fans, the observatory is a highlight. La Palma is considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing. It is located at an altitude of 2.426 meters and can be visited on guided tours.
Our tip: It is advisable to book tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get a spot.
Zoo Maroparque (Breña Alta, East Side of the Island)
This small zoo in Breña Alta is home to many exotic animals. Especially exciting for children are the monkeys, parrots, and reptiles. The park is nestled in a natural ravine, providing an exciting environment for exploration.
Boat trips for Dolphin and Whale Watching (From Tazacorte, West Coast)
Several operators offer boat tours where families can observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat – an unforgettable experience! Most tours depart from the harbor in Tazacorte, where tickets are also available.
Horseback riding and donkey trekking
La Palma offers several opportunities for horseback riding and donkey trekking – a great activity for animal lovers:
Yeguada J. J. Ramos Los Llanos offers guided horseback tours through forests and volcanic landscapes.
Sociedad Hípica Miranda La Palma in Breña Alta provides riding lessons and guided tours.
Burros de La Luz in Garafía allows children to hike with donkeys and learn more about these friendly animals.
Amusement park Parque Antonio Gómez Felipe (Los Llanos de Aridane, West Side of the Island)
The Parque Antonio Gómez Felipe is a unique and lovingly designed amusement park in the heart of Los Llanos de Aridane. It not only offers spacious playgrounds for children but also features impressive artificial waterfalls, small bridges, and imaginative sculptures that invite exploration. The colorful design, artistic mosaics, and winding paths make the park a real hidden gem for families. Parents can relax on shaded seating areas while children explore the creative play areas. This park is an ideal spot for families.
Pirate caves of Cueva Bonita (Near Tijarafe, West Coast)
The Cueva Bonita, also known as "The Beautiful Cave," is an impressive sea grotto that can only be reached by boat. Located on the west coast near Tijarafe, it once served as a refuge for pirates. The most fascinating aspect is the play of colors that illuminates the cave in glowing blue and orange hues at sunset. Many boat tours visit Cueva Bonita, where visitors can hear thrilling stories about the island's past. Children will love the mystical atmosphere and the cave’s mysterious history. A trip to Cueva Bonita is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Family-friendly accommodations on La Palma
A family-friendly accommodation is essential for a relaxing vacation. Instead of large hotel complexes, La Palma offers numerous private holiday rentals that are ideal for families. Depending on your needs and preferences, there are different types of accommodations:
Country houses (Casas Rurales)
These charming rural houses are often located in peaceful countryside settings and offer plenty of space, as well as gardens or terraces. They are perfect for families looking for tranquility and a close connection to nature. Many holiday homes also come with barbecue facilities, making it possible to enjoy cozy family evenings outdoors.
Holiday apartments
Mostly found in coastal towns or cities like Santa Cruz de La Palma or Los Llanos de Aridane, apartments are ideal for families who want to stay centrally and be close to restaurants, shops, and beaches. They provide a convenient self-catering option and are often more affordable than holiday homes or villas.
Holiday houses and villas with pool
Private houses and villas with pools are particularly popular because they offer maximum comfort. They are usually located outside the cities, surrounded by banana plantations, rural areas, or in the mountains. These accommodations are perfect for families, as they often feature spacious outdoor areas where children can play safely. When booking, make sure the property is child-friendly. Pools should be fenced or equipped with safety measures to prevent unsupervised access by children.
One major advantage of holiday rentals over hotels is flexibility. Families can plan their days freely, have their own kitchen, and enjoy more space than in a hotel room. Additionally, booking a private accommodation can be more affordable than a package holiday, especially for larger families or longer stays.
Our tip: Book early to secure the best options!
During holiday seasons, popular accommodations sell out quickly. To ensure your family vacation turns out exactly as you envision, it’s worth planning and booking well in advance. This way, you’ll have the best selection and can secure the perfect place for your stay.
Discover holiday accommodations on La Palma
Food & drink: Family-friendly restaurants
La Palma offers a wide variety of restaurants that are great for families with children. Many places have a relaxed and child-friendly atmosphere, and some even offer play areas or special kids’ menus. Here are a few recommendations:
Restaurant Chipi-Chipi (Santa Cruz de La Palma): A popular grill restaurant with a shaded garden area. It serves delicious grilled meats as well as vegetarian options. Kids love the grilled chicken skewers and fries.
Kiosco 7 Islas (Puerto Naos): Located right by the beach, this restaurant offers Canarian specialties and tasty fish dishes. Children can enjoy small tapas portions or pasta with tomato sauce.
El Duende del Fuego (Los Llanos de Aridane): A restaurant focusing on organic and vegetarian dishes. It is especially suitable for families with allergies or special dietary needs.
Tips for kid-friendly food on La Palma
Papas Arrugadas with mojo: Small wrinkled potatoes with mild or spicy sauce – very popular with kids.
Arepas: Cornmeal pockets filled with cheese or meat – a hearty and easy meal.
Fresh fruits: La Palma is famous for its bananas, mangoes, and avocados – healthy snacks for in between meals.
Churros con chocolate: A sweet treat for children – fried dough sticks with chocolate sauce.
Fish dishes: Many restaurants offer mild, grilled fish fillets that are also suitable for kids.
Our tip: In many restaurants, it is common to share multiple dishes in tapas style, allowing children to try different flavors without committing to a single meal.
Practical tips for a family vacation on La Palma
Best travel time: La Palma is a great destination year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended. Find out more in our post Best Travel Time for La Palma
Rental car: A rental car is highly recommended as it allows you to quickly and conveniently reach many attractions and beaches while staying flexible during your trip. However, during holiday seasons, it’s advisable to book a rental car in advance, as demand can be high.
Sun protection: Since the sun in the Canary Islands is very strong, don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing to keep your family safe.
Child-friendly activities: Many hiking trails are difficult to access with a stroller – a baby carrier is a great alternative for exploring nature with little ones.
Conclusion: A family vacation on La Palma is worth it!
La Palma is a true paradise for families who love nature, beaches, and adventure. With child-friendly beaches, exciting excursions, and family-friendly accommodations, the island offers everything needed for a perfect vacation. Now is the best time to start planning your trip – discover the beauty of La Palma with your family!
Our dedicated team offers personalized advice and customised offers that are perfectly suited to your family’s needs. As experts on La Palma, we work directly with property owners to ensure that we can accommodate your preferences and provide the best recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday house, a spacious villa, or a cozy apartment, we are here to help you find the perfect place for your family vacation.
Contact us today and benefit from our expertise to make your family holiday on La Palma truly unforgettable!
Email:
Phone +34 675 400 700
