Parador de La Palma, Breña Baja

The Parador is at El Zumacal, in Breña Baja, between the airport and the capital: 5 km from both. It is a building in Canarian architecture, with white walls and wooden balconies, surrounded by a 44,000 m² garden with fruit trees and more than 70 plant species, among them dragon trees, echiums and tabaibas. The seasonal pool faces the sea, with Tenerife and La Gomera on the horizon.

Dragon-tree garden and a pool over the Atlantic

Paradores presents it as a garden for strolling, with island plants and open views of the ocean. The outdoor pool opens seasonally and with hours you should check on arrival; inside there is a sauna and a gym. It also has a lift, rooms for meetings and celebrations of up to 200 people and a laundry and ironing service.

Four types of room

Standard doubles, superior doubles, accessible doubles and junior suites. All with air conditioning, free wifi, a flat-screen TV with Chromecast, minibar, hairdryer and a safe that fits a laptop, with room service and breakfast in the room if you ask. When booking you choose room only, bed and breakfast or half board; prices change by date on the Paradores website.

With a dog

It is one of the Paradores that admit pets: cats and dogs up to 25 kg, one per room, with a supplement of €25 per night that includes a bed and a water bowl. You must book it by phone, at the Parador or the central office, because the number of pets per night is limited. Inside the Parador the animal must be on a lead, carried or in a carrier, cannot be left alone in the room and does not enter the restaurant; an up-to-date health card is requested and dogs considered potentially dangerous are not admitted.

Why for a night of stars

Because of its position. AstroLaPalma's observations leave from Los Cancajos, about 4 km away, and return late: sleeping here saves you crossing the island at night. Have dinner first at the Parador restaurant, which serves from 19:00 to 22:00. In the morning you are about 47 km of mountain road from the Roque Visitor Centre and a few minutes from the airport if you are leaving.

From the airport, via San Antonio

From the airport or the port, take the road towards Los Canarios to the San Antonio traffic light and turn right, where the Parador sign is. It has free outdoor parking and electric-car charging.