La Palma is a fantastic destination for families who want to explore nature together. This Canary Island is green, rugged, and full of variety, with forests, volcanoes, natural swimming pools, and striking black sand beaches that are perfect for adventure. In no time at all, you can go from towering mountain peaks to the sparkling coast, or from ancient lava fields to lush tropical forests. The best part is that even with children, you can fully enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer.
Everywhere you go on La Palma, you’ll find places to play, hike, swim, and explore. Wander along the edge of a crater, drift in clear waters between rocky outcrops, or play hide-and-seek in a misty forest. The distances are short, nature often starts right outside your door, and there’s always something new to see and do each day.
In this blog, we’ll share our 12 favorite spots and activities on La Palma for families with children. From safe swimming areas and easy hikes to extraordinary natural sights, these experiences are sure to leave young travelers with memories that last a lifetime.
Is La Palma recommended for families?
Absolutely, especially for families who love staying active and being close to nature. La Palma is a peaceful, compact island where you can travel in no time from laurel forests to lava fields, and from craters to the coastline. It is this incredible variety that keeps children engaged, especially those who get bored of one type of landscape too quickly. You will not find mass tourism here, crowded boulevards, or endless rows of hotels. Instead, you will discover fern-filled forests shrouded in mist, natural pools perfect for safe swimming, volcanoes you can explore right up to the crater rim, and hiking trails where you might not see another soul. For kids who love running, climbing, scrambling, and discovering, the island is a true playground.
At the same time, La Palma is not the most convenience-focused island if you are mainly looking for easy family entertainment. There are fewer playgrounds and long sandy beaches. The beaches that do exist are often along rugged coasts with strong surf. Water parks or zoos are almost nonexistent, and the island is geared more toward hikers than young families. For families seeking easy entertainment options, islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria may feel more accessible.
Still, even with children, La Palma works beautifully, as we have experienced ourselves. There are short walks suitable for little legs, calm swimming spots, volcanic highlights, child-friendly museums, and plenty of open space to simply enjoy the outdoors. Because the island is small, you will never spend long in the car, and it is easy to combine multiple landscapes in a single day. The pace here is relaxed, the traffic is calm, and nature often begins right outside your door.
If your children are used to active days and do not need a kids’ club, La Palma is a wonderfully original and surprisingly rewarding choice for a family holiday.
Read More: 20 Best Places to Visit on La Palma
Things to Do on La Palma: 12 family-friendly tips
#1 La Fajana: Swimming in Natural Pools
La Fajana is one of the top spots on La Palma for swimming with children. These natural pools are tucked along the northeast coast and are sheltered by lava rocks. This protection keeps the water calm, even when the ocean nearby is rough. You can swim safely in clear, sparkling seawater while the waves crash against the rocks just a few meters away.
For kids, it is a perfect place. Entering the water is easy thanks to steps and flat platforms. Tiny fish swim all around, and the bottom is clearly visible. Our children had a wonderful time spotting little fish and crabs. The pools are compact and easy to supervise, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed. Around the pools, sunny terraces invite you to sit and soak up the view, and a small café offers snacks and drinks.
Sometimes the pools are closed during extremely high waves, but on calm days you could easily spend hours here. Even with young children, it is a safe and enjoyable place to be in the water. Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel, because this is one of those special spots where you end up staying much longer than you planned.
#2 Playa de Nogales: A Rugged Black Sand Beach Between the Cliffs
Playa de Nogales is a dramatic black sand beach on the northeast coast. You reach it by following a walking path that winds down steep cliffs in about fifteen minutes. Along the way, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the ocean and the colorful rock formations. The walk itself is already an adventure worth experiencing.
At the bottom, a wide beach stretches out, completely surrounded by towering cliffs. It feels remote and untouched. There are no facilities, no promenades, and no sun loungers, just sand, rocks, and the sea. Children can run freely, play with the black sand, and build little dams along the tide line. Swimming is only safe when the sea is calm, as the waves here can be strong.
During our visit, the beach was almost empty, giving the children endless space to explore and play. There is even a simple outdoor shower along the path, connected to a hose. Be sure to bring everything you need, as there are no other amenities. It is exactly this raw, unspoiled nature that makes Playa de Nogales such a remarkable and unforgettable place.
#3 Salinas de Fuencaliente: Colorful Salt Flats by the Sea
At the very southern tip of La Palma, you will find the Salinas de Fuencaliente. These traditional salt pans are still used today to harvest sea salt. The bright white salt flats stretch between black lava fields, creating a striking contrast across the landscape. On sunny days, the water in the basins can shimmer in shades of pink and orange, depending on the salt content.
You can stroll along flat paths between the basins, with information boards along the way explaining how the salt is produced. For children, it is fascinating to watch salt forming and to see the sparkling crystals up close. Our children were especially captivated by the vivid colors and unusual shapes. Entry is free, and at the entrance there is a restaurant with views over the salt flats and the ocean.
Next to the salt pans, you will find a lighthouse and a small black sand beach. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the salt flats with a short walk along the beach or a stroll through the lava fields. The area is compact, and the walk is short, making it suitable even for the youngest children.
#4 Volcán de San Antonio: Walking Along the Crater Rim
Volcán de San Antonio is one of the easiest volcanoes to visit on La Palma. It is located near the village of Los Canarios and offers a short but striking walk along the crater rim. The path is well maintained and curves gently around the edge of the volcano. Below you, the deep crater stretches out, in front of you lies the south coast, and on a clear day, you can even see all the way to El Hierro.
Children love the thrill of walking so close to a real volcano. The route is short and safe, yet dramatic enough to make a big impression. Along the way, you can also spot Volcán Teneguía, a little further along the same lava field. At the entrance, there is a visitor center with a small exhibition about the volcanoes of southern La Palma. It may not capture the attention of the youngest children, but it is a useful starting point.
Tip: don’t miss the earthquake simulator, which our children absolutely loved. They were absolutely fascinated by the shaking platform.
Entry requires a small fee, but children can enter for free. This makes Volcán de San Antonio an ideal stop during a tour of southern La Palma. Here, you not only learn about volcanism, but you also get to experience it up close.
#5 La Zarza: Rock Art and a Mysterious Forest
La Zarza is nestled in the lush north of La Palma, in a valley where the forest is so thick that sunlight barely reaches the ground. This site is especially famous for the rock carvings left by the island’s original inhabitants. Along the walking path, you can discover ancient spirals and circles carefully etched into the stone. At the visitor center, you can learn more about the symbolism and history of the Benahoarites.
What makes this place truly magical, however, is the forest itself. The path winds through a damp, misty woodland filled with ferns, moss, and towering ancient trees. Our children felt as though they were wandering through a fairy-tale forest, complete with trickling streams and hidden waterfalls. Even when the waterfalls were dry, the walk still felt enchanting.
The route is well marked and suitable for children who can manage a short hike. The terrain is varied and interesting without ever being too difficult. La Zarza offers not only a glimpse into history but also a stunning natural setting that the whole family can enjoy together.
#6 Charco Azul: Safe Swimming Among the Rocks
Charco Azul is a natural swimming pool on the north coast of La Palma, near the village of San Andrés. Like La Fajana, the seawater here is held back by lava walls. The ocean crashes just beyond the pool, but the water inside stays calm and clear. This makes it one of the most popular spots for swimming with children.
The pool is easy to reach, with steps, flat platforms, and seating areas all around. You can paddle in the shallow water, float gently, or put on a snorkel to watch the small fish. Younger children can play safely at the edge, while older children enjoy the deeper areas.
Charco Azul is clean, compact, and well maintained. There are changing rooms, toilets, and a small café nearby. On warm days, it is the perfect place to cool off. When the sea is very rough, the pool may be closed for safety, but this rarely happens. For families looking for a safe and enjoyable swimming spot, Charco Azul is one of the best options on the island.
#7 Puerto Naos: Sun, Sea, and Black Sand Beaches
Puerto Naos sits on the west coast of La Palma and is known as one of the sunniest spots on the island. The village features a wide black sand beach that runs alongside a car-free promenade lined with palm trees, terraces, and cafés. The relaxed, summery atmosphere makes it a perfect place to spend a day at the beach with children.
The beach slopes gently into the water, making it easy for children to wade in. The sea is usually calm enough for swimming, though it is always wise to keep an eye on the flags and currents. During our visit, we were especially impressed by how warm it felt here, even when other parts of the island were cooler. The black sand holds the heat well, making Puerto Naos ideal for a long afternoon of sun, sand, and play.
There are showers, toilets, and plenty of spots to sit or grab a bite to eat. For families seeking an accessible and comfortable beach day, Puerto Naos is a convenient and enjoyable choice. Parking is close by, you can step straight onto the sand, and everything you need is within easy reach.
#8 Barco de la Virgen: A Pirate Ship in the Heart of the City
In the center of Santa Cruz de La Palma, there is a one-of-a-kind attraction that instantly captures children’s imagination: Barco de la Virgen. This is a full-scale replica of a 15th-century Spanish galleon, displayed in the city as if it has just sailed in from the sea. The ship is part of the Maritime Museum and can be explored inside.
Children love climbing aboard, wandering through the wooden interior, and imagining themselves as pirates or explorers on a grand adventure. Inside, you will find old maps, ship models, and maritime instruments that tell the fascinating story of seafaring around La Palma. The museum is small but full of charm, offering plenty to keep young visitors engaged for a while.
Its location in the historic city center makes it a fun and convenient short stop during a visit to Santa Cruz. While the children explore the ship, parents can enjoy views over the city.
#9 Caldera de Taburiente: Hiking in a Giant Crater
The Caldera de Taburiente sits at the very heart of La Palma and is one of the island’s most striking natural areas. From here, you can gaze across a massive collapsed volcanic crater, with steep walls, deep ravines, and forests clinging to the rocky slopes. The view from the rim is breathtaking and shows just how rugged and dramatic the island’s interior truly is.
For families with children, this is a place where short walks are easy to enjoy, for example starting from Mirador de la Cumbrecita. This viewpoint is reachable by car, and from there, several short trails lead to stunning panoramic views. Our children loved walking along the rim, discovering new valleys and peaks around every turn, and marveling at the vastness of the landscape.
For those with more time and older children, longer hikes are possible, including trails down to the riverbed and to the Cascada de los Colores. The paths are well marked, and the area is surprisingly accessible despite its wild, rugged character. A visit to the caldera gives a real sense of scale and allows children to experience just how immense and untamed nature can be.
#10 Refugio de Pilar: Picnic Spot and Starting Point for Hikes
Refugio de Pilar sits in the heart of the Cumbre Vieja ridge and is one of the most popular starting points for hikes on La Palma. What makes this spot especially family-friendly is that you can enjoy the outdoors without having to walk far right away. There are short, easy paths through the forest, so even the youngest children can join in with little effort.
We visited here several times, mainly because it is peaceful, cool, and easy to navigate. Picnic tables are scattered among the pine trees, there is a fun playground, and plenty of space for running around or playing with a ball. Many local families come here, especially on weekends, giving the place a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Refugio de Pilar is also the starting point for longer hikes, including the famous Ruta de los Volcanes. But even if you don’t want to take a full-day hike, it is a wonderful place to simply spend time outdoors. The combination of shade, open space, and sweeping views makes it an ideal spot to pause, relax, and enjoy the scenery during a tour of the island.
#11 Volcán Teneguía: Hiking Through a Young Volcanic Landscape
Volcán Teneguía sits at the southern tip of La Palma and last erupted in 1971. The landscape still feels raw and newly formed, with black lava fields, ash-grey slopes, and almost no vegetation. The trail starts in the small village of Los Canarios and follows a clear, steadily descending path of about six kilometres down to the coast, ending near the Fuencaliente salt pans. Along the way, you walk right past the open Teneguía crater, clearly visible and surprisingly close to the trail.
The hike is adventurous and fairly steep at times, but never technical, as you are walking downhill the entire way. Confident young walkers often love this trail because it feels like exploring another planet. The ground is a mix of solidified lava, loose rocks, and sharp edges, making every step feel a bit like an adventure. The views are just as memorable, with the ocean always in sight and the volcano rising beside you. You will also pass small vineyards clinging to the volcanic slopes, a striking contrast that shows how quickly life returns to even the most extreme landscapes. If you like, you can pick up a bottle of local wine from one of the vineyards, or simply grab one later at the supermarket.
I walked this trail with my four-and-a-half-year-old, while my husband and younger child met us at the bottom. If you do not feel like hiking back up, there is also a bus that takes you back to the starting point.
#12 Parque Infantil Centro Ocio Polivalente: Fun and Play in Santa Cruz
On the outskirts of Santa Cruz de La Palma, you’ll find Parque Infantil Centro Ocio Polivalente, a fairly new playground where children can run, climb, and burn off plenty of energy. The area is spacious and bright, filled with colorful play equipment, climbing frames, slides, and swings. The entire playground is safely enclosed, and a few picnic tables are set up for parents, making it a comfortable spot to relax while the kids explore and play.
Our children had a wonderful time running, climbing, and discovering every corner of the playground while we enjoyed sitting on a shaded bench. The playground is within walking distance of the old town, oddly tucked away in a slightly quieter area. We simply strolled there, but there is also convenient parking if you prefer to drive. Entry is completely free, making it an easy and enjoyable place for families to spend a few hours outdoors.
