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To truly experience the awe and wonder of pure, unspoilt nature, one must head to the Canary Island of La Palma. Holidays spent in this amazing destination will not disappoint: breathtaking views, fascinating tours and luxury accommodation await on the greenest of the Canary Islands, which is a treasure waiting to be discovered and appreciated. La Palma is an island of extremes, ranging from lush tropical rainforests to arid desert-scapes. A visit to this UNESCO biosphere will be truly unforgettable. Origins With peaks as high as 2400m above sea lea level and descents reaching depths of almost 4000m below sea level, the volcanic origins of this Canary island are apparent everywhere you look. Hiking through the various regions of the island will immerse you in relict laurel forests that date back 1.6 million years. They seamlessly blend into the charred volcanic landscapes, which feature natural curling and swirling sculptures made out of lava. The UNESCO biosphere designation was a surprisingly long process for La Palma. Holidays to the island have become more popular since the entire place was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2002. The amount of flora and fauna and endemic species of animals attract nature lovers, geologists, scientists, conservationists and the simply curious in impressive numbers every year. Main Attractions The island is split into two distinctly different landscapes, both of which are uniquely beautiful. Hiking is definitely the best way to see La Palma – holidays on the island are best filled with outdoor activities that are designed to teach true appreciation of our natural world and its amazing achievements. Escorted hikes to a variety of key locations can be tailored to a guest’s physical endurance level, making them as leisurely or challenging as you wish. Here are a few excursions to consider: Enchanted Forest – This hike guides visitors through the spectacular laurel and giant fern forests of La Palma. Holidays of this kind are a rare find, as you will be hiking through Tertiary Era forests with dense leafy canopies that are similar to the way they were when the world was dominated by predators and the evolution of mammals was in its earliest stages. Lava, wine and tapas – This leisurely three-hour hike takes guests to the arid volcanic landscape in the south, whose landscape is defined by distinctive black sand dunes. The devastation and violence of past volcanic eruptions can be seen all around, which is dramatically beautiful. The end of the tour is greeted with an opportunity of a swim, followed by paella and wine tasting. Where to Stay One of my favourite hotels to stay in is the Parador de La Palma. Holidays spent on this exquisite island are just that bit more special when you choose this particular hotel as your base. Located off the beaten path on the hillsides of Brena Baja, the hotel offers the perfect combination of tranquil isolation and modern comforts and amenities. The rooms are elegant, the cuisine is local and fresh and the luscious gardens that spill down the hillside offer the most picturesque frame to early morning coffee or late evening drinks. A Tropical Haven The island’s raw beauty, passionate conservation efforts and breathtaking scenery are what define La Palma. Holidays to this particular Canary Island almost feel like an honour, and one that you will feel eternally grateful for. The connection between humans and nature is palpable from the tropical forests in the north to the lunar volcanic landscapes of the south. One visit will not be enough to soak up all the beauty of this prehistoric island! Author Plate John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury La Palma holidays, as well as holidays to Bermuda, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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