Millions of tourists travel to Costa Rica annually to witness its stunning wildlife and national parks in person. However, with flights from London taking over 15 hours and costing hundreds of pounds, this dream destination remains out of reach for many budget-conscious travellers. Fortunately, there is a remarkable alternative much closer to home, located in sunny Spain.
A Green Paradise in the Canary Islands
Just a short four-hour flight from the UK lies the lesser-known Canary Island of La Palma. Spanning approximately 708 square kilometres, it is one of the smaller islands but is renowned for its lush, vibrant landscapes, earning it the nickname 'la isla bonita' or 'the beautiful island'. Despite its modest size, La Palma offers abundant green spaces to explore, including a spectacular national park.
World-Class Hiking and Natural Wonders
Similar to Costa Rica, La Palma features world-class walking treks. One standout is the Caldera Taburiente hike, which guides walkers through the expansive Caldera de Taburiente National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is blanketed in Canarian pine woods and deep ravines, providing a habitat for diverse fauna, birds, and reptiles. Dubbed the 'Costa Rica of Spain', La Palma boasts plenty of wildlife and greenery for visitors to enjoy.
For those seeking adventure, a drive up to La Palma's highest point, the Roque de Los Muchachos, is a must. At 2,426 metres high, this rocky mound offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island. Additionally, the coastal areas serve as a perfect base for whale watching. Holidaymakers can set sail from Tazacorte on the west coast and quickly spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Affordable Holidays and Unique Attractions
The island's beaches are covered in distinctive black sand, and it provides excellent stargazing opportunities. Experiencing all of La Palma's natural wonders is surprisingly affordable. A pint of local beer costs as little as €1.50 (approximately £1.30), and all-inclusive holiday packages with TUI can be found from £567 per person in April, including return flights to Gatwick and luggage, working out to about £81 per night.
Summer temperatures reach average highs of 28 degrees Celsius, matching Costa Rica's warmth but without the long-haul flight. Keen hikers can explore a volcano crater on the island. In 2021, the Tajogaite Volcano (formerly known as Cumbre Vieja) erupted, creating a new crater and dramatically altering the landscape. Now, visitors can hike 6.5 kilometres on the newly christened Tajogaite to witness incredible views of lava flows and the Aridane Valley.
Travel Considerations
However, travellers planning a holiday to La Palma soon should be aware of upcoming strikes in Spain. Industrial action by air traffic controllers is set to affect 14 hubs across Spain and the Canary Islands later this month, with La Palma being one of the impacted locations.
