Santa Cruz de la Palma

When planning a visit to Santa Cruz de la Palma, you are choosing a journey to one of the most picturesque and historically significant corners of the Canary Islands. This cosy capital of La Palma island in Spain is famous for its colonial architecture and relaxed atmosphere, offering tourists a unique combination of cultural leisure and natural beauty. Finding out how to get to Santa Cruz de la Palma is quite simple: the city welcomes guests through its own airport and seaport, connecting it with neighbouring islands and the mainland.

The most convenient way to reach the island is to take a flight to La Palma Airport (SPC), which serves over a million passengers annually. The air gateway is located just a few kilometres from the city of Santa Cruz de la Palma and receives both local flights from other islands of the archipelago and planes from major European cities.

If direct flights are not available, you can consider flying to neighbouring transport hubs. The nearest alternatives include airports in the cities of San Sebastian de la Gomera and Valverde, as well as the major hub Santa Cruz de Tenerife, from where the journey can be continued via local airlines.

In the city of Santa Cruz de la Palma, as on the entire island of La Palma, there is no railway service due to the complex mountainous terrain and small territory. Travellers accustomed to trains will have to choose other modes of transport to move around the region.

The nearest transport infrastructure is located on neighbouring islands, for example, in the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or San Sebastian de la Gomera, however, even there, buses and cars remain the main method of movement. For a trip to Spain to this island, it is best to combine air travel with local road transport.

You can get to the city of Santa Cruz de la Palma by bus from other islands using combined "bus + ferry" routes. For example, the journey from the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife will take about 4.3 hours, covering a distance of approximately 206 km. This is a popular and picturesque option for those who want to enjoy ocean views.

There are also routes from neighbours: a trip from San Sebastian de la Gomera (about 170 km) will last approximately 4.5 hours. The longest journey will be from the city of Valverde — about 8 hours on the road, which is worth considering when planning your time.

Travelling by car to Santa Cruz de la Palma from neighbouring islands implies the use of car ferries. The fastest route runs from the city of San Sebastian de la Gomera: covering 107 km will take about 3 hours. A trip from Santa Cruz de Tenerife will require a little more time — approximately 5.4 hours for 207 km of the way.

For those departing from Valverde, the road will be long and will take almost 10 hours (about 260 km). In the city itself and its surroundings, it is convenient to use a taxi or a rented car to freely explore the winding mountain roads and the coast.

To ensure your journey to Santa Cruz de la Palma is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, we have prepared several useful recommendations. This city is distinguished by a calm rhythm of life and unique natural conditions, for which it is worth preparing in advance.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The weather on the island can change: it is warm by the coast, but cool in the mountains. Bring layered clothing and be sure to pack comfortable flat shoes for walking on the cobblestones of the old town and for trekking.
2. Transport. It is pleasant to walk around the city, but to explore the entire island, it is better to rent a car. Public buses (locals call them guaguas) run regularly, but not to all natural attractions.
3. Finances. The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but in small cafes or souvenir shops, it is better to carry some cash.
4. Health and Sun. The sun here is very active even in cloudy weather, so cream with high SPF is mandatory. Tap water is safe but has a specific taste, so tourists often buy bottled water.
5. Siesta. Remember the traditional break: many shops and establishments may close during the day from 13:30 to 16:30. Plan your shopping for the morning or evening.
6. Starry Sky. La Palma is one of the best regions in the world for astro-tourism. Be sure to set aside an evening to go up to the observation decks and admire the stars, as there is a law protecting the sky from light pollution here.

By following these simple tips, you can easily blend into local life and enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing Canarian city without any hassle.