MileHacker Logo
Accommodation on La Palma

Accommodation on La Palma

La Palma, Canary Islands

Types of Lodging

Island-Wide Options

  • Hotels

    Budget-friendly to upscale, many with ocean views or set in historic buildings.

  • Apartments / Apart-Hotels

    Self-catering units popular for extended stays and families.

  • Hostels

    A few budget-friendly hostels exist in Santa Cruz de La Palma.

  • Camping

    Designated camping areas in Caldera de Taburiente National Park (permit needed) and private sites.

Unique Rural Stays

  • Rural Houses (Casas Rurales)

    Traditional Canarian houses, often restored, in picturesque rural settings. Ideal for experiencing authentic island life, often with gardens or pools.

  • Fincas

    Rural estates, sometimes with multiple rental units.

  • Villas

    Private, often luxurious, homes for rent, usually with pools.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Widely available via platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo.

Neighborhood Guide

La Palma's distinct areas present different ambiances and conveniences.

Historic Center Santa Cruz

Benefits
  • Charming cobbled streets, traditional balconies.
  • Close to shops, restaurants, attractions.
  • Easy access to port and bus station.
  • Very safe environment.
Considerations
  • Can have street noise.
  • Limited parking spaces.
  • Some streets are steep.

Los Cancajos

Benefits
  • Direct beach access.
  • Many hotels with pools, family-friendly.
  • Good dining options.
  • Very safe environment.
Considerations
  • Less authentic local feel.
  • Can be busy during peak seasons.

Breña Baja / Breñan Alta

Benefits
  • Quieter atmosphere.
  • Often better views, more space.
  • Very safe environment.
Considerations
  • Vehicle generally needed for town/beach.

Location & Ambiance Notes

Proximity to Hubs

Historic Center for Santa Cruz attractions, ferry port, bus station. Los Cancajos for airport and beaches, good bus connections to Santa Cruz.

Ambiance Notes

Historic center can have street noise. Los Cancajos has a resort ambiance. Rural areas provide tranquility.

Booking Strategies

Securing your preferred accommodation at a favorable price.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (Summer, Christmas/New Year, Easter): Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for popular rural houses or specific hotels.
  • Shoulder Season: Book 1-3 months in advance for wider selection and good prices.
  • Low Season: More flexibility, but booking a few weeks ahead is advisable for specific preferences.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher in high season, especially around Christmas/New Year and August.

Platforms & Policies

  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, and local sites like "Casas Rurales de La Palma."
  • Walk-in Rates: Negotiation is not common for established hotels.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary by property. Check before booking. Many offer free cancellation options.
  • House Sitting: TrustedHousesitters is a platform for house and pet sitting exchanges.

Direct Booking Considerations

Smaller Local Properties
  • Direct booking with smaller local hotels or rural houses sometimes results in better rates.
Booking Flexibility
  • Confirm policies directly with the property for unique needs.

Tips for Your Stay

Local Insights

Engage with property owners for local tips and hidden spots.

Accessibility

Verify accessibility features directly with properties if needed.

Location Verification

Confirm exact location relative to your main interests.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks for various budget levels and travel styles.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Stays

Hostels or guesthouses in the historic center of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

  • Look for properties with communal kitchens.
Mid-Range Options

Hotels or apartments in the historic center, or apart-hotels in Los Cancajos.

  • Well-regarded hotels with amenities.
  • Rural houses in nearby villages (Breñan Alta, Breña Baja).

Luxury & Family-Friendly

Luxury Choices

Boutique hotels in Santa Cruz's refurbished historic buildings.

  • High-end rural hotels and villas.
  • Private pools in scenic island locations.
Family-Friendly Places

Apartments, apart-hotels (especially in Los Cancajos with pools).

  • Spacious rural houses with gardens.

Solo Travelers

  • Hostels

    Provide a social atmosphere.

  • Smaller Guesthouses

    In the historic center, convenience and safety.

  • Central Location

    Easy access to dining and attractions on foot.

  • Walkability

    Consider locations that limit the need for vehicle use.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Apartments

    Ideal for longer durations.

  • Rural Houses

    Offer a home-like environment with full kitchen facilities.

  • Kitchen Facilities

    Look for properties with well-equipped kitchens to prepare meals.

  • Connectivity

    Confirm reliable internet access for work or leisure.

Cultural Significance

Historic Buildings

Many hotels in Santa Cruz de La Palma reside in beautifully restored colonial buildings.

  • Architectural heritage is preserved.
  • Experience history and comfort.
Rural Immersion

Rural houses and fincas are distinctive to the Canary Islands, offering a traditional and tranquil experience.

  • Connect with authentic island life.
  • Often set amid lush landscapes.

Homestay & Community Tourism

Homestays

Less formal homestays are rare on La Palma.

Rural Houses

These frequently deliver a localized experience.

Local Connection

Consider engaging with small, family-run establishments for a more personal touch.