After last year's trip to El Hierro, this year we're planning to visit the larger island of La Palma. We have already booked flights to Tenerife South Airport, and will spend the first night near the airport - we had a very pleasant day in San Isidro town last year.
So now we're looking at how to get from Tenerife to La Palma.
There are two ferry operators. Fred Olsen Express offer two departures from Los Cristianos - at 8.30am and 7pm for 60 euro per person each way. With the port being about 40 minutes from San Isidro by bus and stroll, or 20 minutes by taxi - the earlier departure might be a challenge!
Armas Ferries are now owned by Balearia and they also have two departures - at 8am and 6.30pm and charge 64 euro per person each way.
There's also the option to fly with two airlines shuttling between the islands.
Binter have two daily flights from Tenerife South to La Palma departing at 9.25am and 6.50pm for 102 euro per person - including 20kg hold luggage and 8kg hand luggage.
Binter also have 14 daily flights from Tenerife North airport to La Palma with the last departures at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm & 10.15pm - for 92 euro per person including luggage.
The bus journey from San Isidro to TFN takes about 90 minutes including a change of bus in Santa Cruz. A taxi to TFN takes about 45 minutes.
Canary Fly also operate the route from Tenerife North to La Palma with 7.45am, 3.10pm & 5.10pm departures. The cheapest flight costs 52 euro per person when through their partner Air Europa. Booking directly the prices start at 57 euro per person.
Both booking options include cabin and hold luggage - but Air Europa fares theoretically include 23kg of luggage whilst a direct booking includes 20kg.
Last January when we were departing El Hierro island all the flights to Tenerife were cancelled due to weather - and passengers were moved to the ferry. La Palma airport is further away from the mountains and has a much longer runway, so hopefully is less impacted by weather.
Decision Time
Ferry or Fly ... early or late ?
