La Palma’s hidden gems aren’t found in the travel brochures for the major Canary Islands, but in the quiet northwest of the island.
While tourism is concentrated in the south and around the capital, the towns of Garafía and Tijarafe remain the authentic heart of La Palma—ancient rock paintings in the laurel forest, wild natural pools along the cliffs, villages where time seems to have stood still, and lookouts where you’re alone with the universe at night.
If you live in the northwest, you have all these places right on your doorstep, without tour buses or crowds.
Almond blossoms right outside your front door
Perhaps the most beautiful time of year in the Northwest is the almond blossom season, from late January to mid-March, when the hillsides transform into a sea of white and pink blossoms. A special hidden gem is the almond blossom hike starting right from the hacienda, which winds through terraced fields and old almond groves without requiring a long drive to get there.
The route combines blossoming trees with sweeping views of the green north and the Atlantic Ocean. Since it starts right at the lodging, you can set out on a whim on a clear morning, when the light is at its most beautiful and no one else is out yet.
La Zarza: Rock Art in the Laurel Forest
Few places tell the story of La Palma as vividly as the La Zarza Cultural Park in Garafía. Discovered in 1941, the petroglyphs of La Zarza and La Zarcita are among the most significant rock carvings in the entire Canary Islands, featuring enigmatic spirals, meanders, and circles whose meaning remains unclear to this day.
From the La Zarza Visitor Center, a roughly half-hour loop trail leads through a lush laurel and pine forest to the Fuente de la Zarza spring and the rock engravings. A short film and recreated cave dwellings bring the life of the Benahoaritas to life; sturdy footwear is recommended. Culture, nature, and profound tranquility come together here in a very small area.
La Catedral and the Wild North Coast
For anyone seeking dramatic landscapes off the beaten path, the La Catedral loop hike is a true hidden gem. The route winds through bizarrely shaped volcanic rock and deep barrancos, where the northwest reveals its most pristine side.
You rarely come across other hikers here. Instead of crowds, there is silence, the wind blowing across the ridges, and frequent views of the rugged coastline far below. If you’d like to explore the northwest on foot, you’ll find more routes on the “Hiking on La Palma” page.
Secluded Coves: Callejoncitos and Lomada Grande
Swimming in the northwest is different from what you’ll find in the tourist centers—it’s secluded and wild. Callejoncitos Beach is a small black-sand cove that has a thin layer of sand, especially in the summer, and is rarely crowded.
Even more secluded is the Lomada Grande swimming spot on the protected Costa de Hiscaguán in Garafía. Nestled between ancient terraced fields and former fishermen’s caves, steps lead down to natural pools that are perfect for swimming in the summer.
The village can be reached via a bumpy dirt road by SUV or on a hike from Las Tricias; there is absolutely no infrastructure, but solitude is virtually guaranteed. Be sure to check the weather and wave conditions beforehand.
El Tablado: A Village Straight Out of Another Era
Deep in the north, nestled between the mighty canyons of Barranco de los Hombres and Barranco Fagundo, lies El Tablado, a tiny village and protected cultural landscape. Its traditional Canarian architecture is among the best-preserved examples on the island and offers a glimpse into what life was once like in the villages of La Palma.
El Tablado is also an ideal starting point for hikes, such as along the Camino Real through the Barranco Fagundo. After a stroll through the village, it’s worth stopping for a bite to eat in the area. Restaurante La Mata in Garafía serves well-prepared Canarian cuisine made with local ingredients—authentic, down-to-earth, and far removed from any tourist hotspot.
Mirador del Universo: Stars Over Tijarafe
There’s no more atmospheric place to end a day in the northwest than the Mirador del Universo near Tijarafe. The viewpoint, designed by the renowned Palmeran artists Luis Morera and Natan Teutsch, is located on the Pinar between the Barrancos El Jurado and Los Gomeros and is dedicated specifically to gazing out into the cosmos.
Since La Palma is the world’s first Starlight Reserve, all you need to do here is look up. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky—no telescope needed. It is precisely this tranquility and the stars that guests in the northwest consistently highlight,
Peace, nature, fresh air, an endless sea of stars—Hacienda La Palma exudes a charm that borders on the magical. The house, its furnishings, and the colorful green surroundings leave nothing to be desired—except the wish to spend as much time here as possible. That’s why we booked our stay for next year right away.
Guest Review, March 2026
Direct advantage, private booking is worthwhile
Direct bookers receive the best communication and personal support. No agency fees, full transparency and tips that only hosts give. In addition, there is our small Hacienda Insider program with advance information on new accommodations and seasonal specials for returning guests.
If you want to delve deeper into the island’s nature, you will find inspiration for hiking la palma with us. If you are already planning in your mind, you can la palma finca that suits your rhythm. And if you value a private sauna and outdoor shower, find out more about the La Palma Holiday cottage El Sitio. All three topics lead you to further details, pictures and availability.
Short and sweet, your questions answered
Short and sweet, your questions answered
Where is the best place to live on La Palma? in the quiet, high-altitude location of Garafía, with privacy, sun above the clouds and direct access to nature.
Who is La Palma suitable for? for those seeking peace and quiet, couples, hikers, stargazers and wine lovers
Is La Palma overcrowded? No, the northwest in particular is spacious and quiet, and the hacienda offers an additional secluded location.
Which part has the best weather? Often the northwest above the cloud line with many sunny days and cool nights.
How many days are worthwhile? 7 to 10 nights are ideal, for deep relaxation 12 to 14.
Above the clouds of La Palma means breathing, looking, being silent, marveling. The Hacienda La Palma, a winery in Garafía, combines independent vacation homes in a secluded location, a solar-heated pool, direct access to the forest and a starry sky without light pollution. If peace, nature and genuine hosts are important to you, then you’ve come to the right place. Enquire about your preferred dates, we will advise you personally and look forward to meeting you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best hidden gems in the northwest of La Palma?
Among the quietest spots are La Zarza Cultural Park with its petroglyphs, the wild natural pools of Lomada Grande, the secluded cove of Callejoncitos, the unspoiled village of El Tablado, and the Mirador del Universo near Tijarafe. They are all located in the municipalities of Garafía and Tijarafe, far from the tourist centers.
2. When do the almond trees bloom on La Palma?
Almond blossoms in the northwest typically appear between late January and mid-March. During this time, the slopes around Puntagorda and Garafía are transformed into a sea of white and pink blossoms. Hikes such as the Almond Blossom Trail starting from the Hacienda are especially rewarding then.
3. How do you get to the natural pools at Lomada Grande?
The natural pools are located on the rugged Costa de Hiscaguán in Garafía. You can reach them by driving a 4×4 vehicle along a bumpy dirt road to a small parking lot, or by hiking from Las Tricias. There are no facilities, so be sure to bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes, and check the wave conditions.
4. Is El Tablado worth a visit?
Yes, for anyone looking to experience the authentic La Palma. El Tablado is a tiny, historic village with traditional Canarian architecture nestled among deep gorges. It’s the starting point for beautiful hikes and offers an authentic glimpse into the island’s way of life from days gone by.
5. Is the northwest a good place for stargazing?
Excellent. La Palma is the world’s first Starlight Reserve, and the sparsely populated northwest has particularly little light pollution. Places like the Mirador del Universo near Tijarafe—or even your own terrace—offer a breathtaking view of the Milky Way on clear nights.
The most beautiful hidden gems in the northwest of La Palma have one thing in common: they reward those who travel slowly and look closely. Those who stay here will discover rock art, hidden coves, and quiet villages—not as items to check off a list, but as the island’s authentic, unhurried character.
