In La Palma, as in the rest of Spain, the Metric Decimal System is used. Therefore, the units used on the island are the following:
- Weight: grams and kilograms
- Length: millimetres, centimetres, metres and kilometres
- Speed: kilometres per hour
- Temperature: degrees Centigrade
The currency is the Euro as in the rest of Europe.
Electrical appliances operate at 220 volts AC. 50 HZ. The plugs follow the European continental standard (two round pins).
There is a wide network of tourist offices in most towns and tourist centres. See List
- Shops open daily from 9:00 to 20:00 hours and usually close at midday except in the case of larger establishments. In tourist areas (mainly Puerto Naos and Los Cancajos) the shops and supermarkets remain open even on Sundays and holidays.
- The pharmacies usually have a schedule from 08.00 to 13.30 and from 16.30 to 20:00 . There is a rota, displayed at the establishment and in the press, for night and weekend services.
- Petrol stations usually open between 07:00 and 22:00, although some stations (in the municipalities of El Paso and Breña Alta) offer a 24-hour service.
- The Post Offices in each municipality are open from 8.30 to 14.30 . Some, like that of Santa Cruz de La Palma, also open on Saturdays until 1 pm.
The Canary Islands and on Greenwich Mean Time in winter and clocks go forward one hour during the summer, so we are always one hour behind mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. As a guide, the time difference with the different European regions is as follows:
| GMT-2 | GMT-1 | GMT | GMT+1 | GMT+2 |
| Azores | La Palma | Madrid | Atenas | |
| Cabo Verde | Lisbon | Amsterdam | Estambul | |
| London | Berlín | Helsinki | ||
| Dublín | París | Kiev |
La Palma enjoys an enviable climate, with temperatures that hover around 20 ºC for most of the year. A light coat should be sufficient for most occasions (and will often be completely dispensable in summer). However, you should bear in mind that the temperature on the summits of the island, often above 2,000 meters (6,500 ft), is always considerably lower than that at sea level. If you intend to go hiking or practice other outdoor activities, we recommend that you do so with the appropriate equipment (waterproof clothing, hiking boots, etc.).
During the activities you will always be accompanied by your guide, but if a problem arises when you are alone you can call the telephone number 112 (free and valid for the whole Spanish territory). We also recommend that you install the FRESS APP that allows data to be sent and optimizes your location.
To guarantee your safety always hire the services of a guide or official company. They will advise and guide you in their activities, and if there is an accident, they have the necessary insurance to deal with any emergency.
La Palma is a safe, family destination. The island is not a mass tourism destination so you should only take the usual precautions as in any western country. There are no dangerous animals in the forests or diseases that you should be vaccinated against. In the case of hiking or other outdoor activities, please always observe the usual recommendations:
- Consider your fitness level before starting an activity.
- Do not carry out activities alone and always carry a mobile phone with you.
- Tell someone where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and when you expect to be back.
- Take any special equipment required or request it from the company.
- Always check at your accommodation if there are adverse weather warnings. In cases of official alerts, the infrastructures are automatically closed (network of trails, recreational areas, tracks and mountain roads, etc.)
- Never leave the marked trails or the planned route.
- In the summits (+2,000 meters) the wind chill increases sharply with the wind, therefore, it is essential to be equipped with warm clothing (fleece or similar) and wind-breaker anorak even when the day is sunny. The same happens in case of heat: carry sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.