While La Palma is strictly speaking no beach paradise you can also enjoy the sea and sun here. Surprisingly, the island´s rugged, cliff-lined coast harbours many concealed coves, the smaller ones only accessible on foot and thus relatively secluded.
Lar ger beaches with fine, black volcanic sand and all amenities are to be found in the holiday resorts of Los Cancajos, Puerto de Naos and Puerto de Tazacorte, as well as to the south of the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Particularly well developed are those in Los Cancajos and Puerto de Naos where the Blue Flag has been flying for several years now. This, the highest EU award in matters of beach quality assures that these playas not only offer impeccably clean water, but also provide changing cubicles, toilets, showers and first aid posts, all adapted for the disabled.
Special mention must be made of the seawater swimming pools hewn out of the cliffs at La Fajana (Barlovento) and Charco Azul (San Andrés y Sauces) and to the nudist beach Playa de las Monjas, south of Puerto de Naos on the west coast.
The Atlantic is no inland sea. Do not underestimate the ocean´s force. Be wary of the surf and currents specially on the Playa de Nogales, Playa de las Monjas and the Fuencaliente Lighthouse beaches. Pay attention to tides and do not bathe when there is a heavy swell and only with the utmost caution when the yellow flag is flying . Never swim out beyond the breakers.
Nor should you underestimate the African sun: the cool trade wind can lead you to forget its strength. Do not lie roasting yourself for hours on end, avoid the midday heat and use a high-factor sun lotion.
