A SPANISH holiday island is set to become popular with tourists again after they were forced to abandon the destination in 2021.
More than two years after a huge volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands caused chaos, La Palma will finally be able to reclaim its position as a popular spot for visitors.
In September 2021, the Tajogaite volcano started erupting, with activity lasting 85 days on the island.
It was the first eruption on the island since 1971 and is the longest most damaging volcanic eruption ever recorded on La Palma.
Estimates suggest that the total damage caused by the volcano amounts up to €843million (£721m).
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Included in that are 1,345 houses, 16 schools and more than 100 small businesses that were destroyed.
As a result, the number of foreign visitors fell by around a third.
However, the volcano has also increased publicity for the lesser known Canary Island, with its more famous neighbours typically attracting tourists in greater numbers.
Enrique Luis Larroque del Castillo-Olivares a member of the family that owns The Hacienda de Abajo hotel on the island.
He said that more people are now going to La Palma than in the last few years, while the news of the volcano has attracted a new audience.
He told The Times: “La Palma is the least known of the Canary Islands but also the most diverse in its geography and nature — it truly has more to offer.
"And because the volcano was worldwide news, La Palma finally has a greater recognition.
“The eruption was the greatest disaster in the island’s history. It will take many years and a great deal of effort to recover. But Palmeros are very hard working. La Palma will recover.”
There's plenty for tourists to do on La Palma as well, with plenty of nature worth exploring away from the volcano.
One of the most famous landmarks is the Roque de los Muchachos found at the highest point of the island.
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Its offers views of the valley beneath it from a height of almost 8,000ft.
One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: "If you visit the island, you must go here! It will take your breath away."
Meanwhile, down at sea level, a number of natural sea pools attract visitors too,
The pools, like Charco Azul, are formed of small rocky craters along the shoreline left over by ancient volcanoes, offering a place to swim in the sea protected from the waves.
One tourist said: "Must see, must swim, a true jewel. A quiet, relaxing place to enjoy the sun and have a spectacular bath."
Elsewhere, the island's black sand beaches are another reason people like to visit La Palma, with its sand made up of finely ground lava rocks.
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