La Palma - Changing times
The relatively unknown island of La Palma in the Canary Islands is rumoured to be undergoing change. It is currently known as the ("la isla bonita") which means the beautiful island in Spanish. The island has breathtaking scenery which is why it is currently more popular for hiking rather than for its beaches. The island of La Palma does have some amazing beaches, however the most interesting and unique thing about this island is its geology. In fact it is the steepest island in the world.
However, the island appears to be undergoing some form of change and it seems that the island is getting ready to encourage more tourism to La Palma. At the moment, tourism on the island exists to certain extent but it is not anywhere near to the extent of some of the other more well-known Canary Islands, like Tenerife or Gran Canaria. In fact if you say you are going to La Palma, people normally think you mean Las Palmas, as in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Or Palma as in Mallorca. In fact people often book their car hire for the wrong airport.
The airport at La Palma is currently being expanded. Currently, as of 2010 the airport has about 1 million passengers a year passing through it, however with the new expansion project, the airport can have the capacity for up to 3 million passengers a year, essentially tripling its capacity. A whole new terminal and control tower are being built and the runway being improved and enlarged. I believe the project was due to be completed by 2010, but and at the time of writing this article, it is mid 2011 and none of the new facilities are open yet. Given that it is such a large project, this was expected. The flights at the moment come from Germany, Spain and Holland, and these will increase in frequency accordingly as well as new routes being opened up. There is already a good service between La Palma and the other Canary Islands using Binter Canarias. It is not known if these are likely to increase.
In terms of other tourist activities coming to the island, much land has been put aside for golf courses, especially around the rural area of Pungagorda. I think two or three large golf courses are due to be built on the island with large accompanying hotel complexes and facilities. If you prefer more traditonal accommodation, there are many authenic villas to stay at, some in rural locations perfect for hiking or other activities. Also beaches are being made more accessible.
At least the government and officials appear to be doing the right thing. It was just a matter of time before the island had to be opened up more for tourism, so at least it seems to be being done step-by-step rather than rushing it and become another mass-tourism destination.
However, the island appears to be undergoing some form of change and it seems that the island is getting ready to encourage more tourism to La Palma. At the moment, tourism on the island exists to certain extent but it is not anywhere near to the extent of some of the other more well-known Canary Islands, like Tenerife or Gran Canaria. In fact if you say you are going to La Palma, people normally think you mean Las Palmas, as in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Or Palma as in Mallorca. In fact people often book their car hire for the wrong airport.
The airport at La Palma is currently being expanded. Currently, as of 2010 the airport has about 1 million passengers a year passing through it, however with the new expansion project, the airport can have the capacity for up to 3 million passengers a year, essentially tripling its capacity. A whole new terminal and control tower are being built and the runway being improved and enlarged. I believe the project was due to be completed by 2010, but and at the time of writing this article, it is mid 2011 and none of the new facilities are open yet. Given that it is such a large project, this was expected. The flights at the moment come from Germany, Spain and Holland, and these will increase in frequency accordingly as well as new routes being opened up. There is already a good service between La Palma and the other Canary Islands using Binter Canarias. It is not known if these are likely to increase.
In terms of other tourist activities coming to the island, much land has been put aside for golf courses, especially around the rural area of Pungagorda. I think two or three large golf courses are due to be built on the island with large accompanying hotel complexes and facilities. If you prefer more traditonal accommodation, there are many authenic villas to stay at, some in rural locations perfect for hiking or other activities. Also beaches are being made more accessible.
At least the government and officials appear to be doing the right thing. It was just a matter of time before the island had to be opened up more for tourism, so at least it seems to be being done step-by-step rather than rushing it and become another mass-tourism destination.