The Canary Islands' 'best kept secret' gets first ever direct UK flights
But did you know the Spanish archipelago, famed for its black- and white-sand beaches and rugged volcanic landscapes, has four more? And one of them is about to become more accessible to UK travellers.
La Palma, not to be confused with the Majorcan capital Palma, is a small island with forested landscapes, narrow cobbled streets and glistening turquoise ocean.
If this sounds like your perfect holiday – and you live in or close to Manchester or London Stansted airports – you're in luck. Because Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have just announced new flights and deals to the island.
From April 3, 2026, two weekly services on Mondays and Fridays will run yearly from Manchester. The same will be available from Stansted on October 26, 2026.
Alongside new flights – which means Jet2 will now cover five locations across the Canary Islands – a range of 2 to 4-star hotels on La Palma will be added to the roster. This includes seaside villages and sleepy resorts in Los Cancajos, Puerto Naos and Tazacorte.
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Metro found one holiday in the 3-star Los Rosales Apartments currently priced at £535 per person. From April 6-10, 2026, you can enjoy a self-catering, one-bedroom apartment in the Los Cancajos area, flying from Manchester.
If you're after something special, at £954 per person is the 4-star Melia La Palma in Puero Noas. Flying from Stansted on October 26, 2026, this covers seven nights in a peaceful seafront location, complete with bed and breakfast, coach transfers, and an infinity pool.
Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy said: 'The launch of La Palma gives holidaymakers and independent travel agents the chance to enjoy everything this incredible island has to offer.
'We are delighted to be expanding our presence across the Canary Islands from London Stansted and Manchester airports by adding this brand-new gateway to our portfolio, appealing to holidaymakers looking to explore the island's natural beauty.
'We are confident that these new flights and holidays will prove popular with customers looking for an adventure-style holiday, paired with knockout scenery.'
As travellers on Reddit describe La Palma as 'less touristy than Tenerife,' with 'spectacular sunsets,' and 'stunning green landscapes,' we're guessing your 2026 summer holiday is sorted?
Unlike its flashier neighbour, Tenerife, which is renowned for being more of a party island, La Palma is laid back.
Known as 'La Isla Bonita', the beautiful island, there's more of a focus on nature, and activities such as kayaking and swimming, than there is on karaoke in Playa de las Américas. Which we're not knocking, by the way. Who doesn't love belting out Whitney Houston to a bar full of strangers?
For those who prefer sightseeing on land, hike the Ruta de los Volcanes, Caldera de Taburiente National Park, or Cubo de la Galga, an ancient laurel forest and Unesco World Biosphere Reserve.
More of a water baby? La Palma boasts plenty of natural pools, including Charco Azul or Piscinas de la Fajana, both on the northeast of the island. The beauty spots are free of charge.
Of course, because La Palma is an island, there are some incredible beaches to explore, too. Puerto Naos is the largest, and is known for its black sand and calm waters. This makes it perfect for snorkelling.
Los Cancajos is a Blue Flag Beach, meaning it meets high environmental and quality standards. The horsehoes-shaped cove has cobalt blue waters and gentle waves, and ideal for diving.
Puerto de Tazacorte is another black sand beach and is split into two sections. While one area is family friendly, the other is reserved for naturists. Make sure you spend some time in the harbour town, too. The tiny coastal village is made up of brightly coloured houses, while independent cafes and restaurants line the seafront.
Fancy getting more up close and personal with the ocean? Kayaking and canoeing tours are available. From £43 per person, spend two hours exploring the famous Cueva Bonita and pass by fishermen's sea caves.
Dolphin and whale watching experiences are popular here, too. For £50, you'll head out with marine biologists to admire the creatures in their natural habitat.
Back on solid ground, La Palma has much more to offer. For an alternative evening activity, join a stargazing tour for unspoiled views of the night sky.
Tours often include trips to viewpoints like Roque de los Muchachos, a telescope observatory which hosts the largest optical-infrared telescope in the world. A tour watching the sunset through a telescope with a glass of wine will set you back £47 per person.
If singing, dancing, and embracing local culture is another holiday non-negotiable, you'll want to visit La Palma on Carnival Monday. (The date changes each year, as it's the Monday before Ash Wednesday.)
The vibrant Carnival Los Indianos in Santa Cruz de La Palma is designed as a tribute to the island's relationship with Cuba. The two nations have such strong ties, La Palma is even nicknamed the 'Cuba of the Canary Islands.'
It celebrates the arrival of Canary Islanders from Latin America, who arrived on La Palma in the 18th, 19th, and 20s centuries with gold and jewels in tow. In a comical – if not slightly sarcastic – nod to the ostentatiousness of the wealthy, locals don white suits and accessories before engaging in a 'talcum powder battle.'
During this festival, the streets are filled with music, and traditional dancing. More Trending
Finally, indulge in the tasty Canarian cuisine. Due to its unique position off the coast of Africa, ties to Latin America, and being part of Spain, the food is a rich blend of each culture.
Staple incredients include local fruit and veg grown in the fertile volcanic soil, fresh seafood and meat. Standout traditional dishes are mojo, a spicy sauce made with peppers, herbs, and spices, and served with potatoes, fish, or meat, and gofio, a toasted grain flour.
TripAdvisor cites Restaurante Chipi-Chipi as one of the best eateries on the island. The restaurant serves up Mediterranean and European cuisine, and has impeccable reviews. One diner said they enjoyed 'one of the best meats' they've ever eaten, while another said the price was 'unbeatable.'
Classic starters, like crackling, croquettes, and goat's cheese range from 65 cents to €4.70 (56p to £4). Main dishes like veal and ox chops cost between €20 and €24 (£17 and £20).
La Palma enjoys a subtropical climate, with yearly warm temperatures and high levels of sunshine – specifically over 300 days.
The warmest months are July and August, with average highs around 22°C and 25°C. January and February are the coolest months, with temperatrues averaging around 20°C.
Summer is when you can expect the island to be at its busiest. So, if you're looking to avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder season. This is between March and May, when temperatures are comfortable, the chance of rainfall is low, and conditions are ideal for exploring.
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