Best Cruises to La Palma, Canary Islands

La Palma, Canary Islands Cruise Port Guide

Cruises to La Palma reveal the wildest and most verdant of the Canary Islands. La Palma is sleepier than its neighbors and much less developed. The scenery here is sheer drama; mile upon mile of dense forest of laurel and Canarian pine clinging to plunging ravines, jagged peaks, and vast calderas. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to its unique microclimate and ecosystem.

On a Canary Islands cruise, you’ll discover the cultural face of the island, too. Founded in the late 15th century, the tiny capital of Santa Cruz has retained much of its original beauty, with whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets. Stroll along the Avenida Maritima, where the colorful houses are adorned with brightly painted Canarian balconies festooned with flowers. Admire the renaissance architecture around the elegant Plaza de España. Off the square, peek into the 16th-century Iglesia de Santo Domingo, which features a remarkable collection of Flemish art—it’s just one more delight to discover on this jewel of an island.