We went with Transmediterranea from Cadiz about £850 one way for a big van, with food and a cabin, it was easy, but a long trip nearly 3 days because of stops at the other Canarian islands. The return was easier by hopping on local ferries to stay at Tenerife and Fuerte (about £100 and £150) and then just 36 hours to Cadiz on Transmed again.
Unfortunately we had a couple of vehicle problems at La Palma and had to leave early after about 2 weeks. Also in November it can be wet in the north due to the large mountain and specific local effects, so we were regularly caught in the clouds at altitude. It is most definitely the mountainous green island of the Canaries and short on any flat areas and that includes beaches. Obviously this means it is suited to hiking (buy walks book if serious) more than windsurfing or beginner surfing. The roads were okay even in our 7 meter van, but not for the faint hearted, it is even possible to get to the very top of the mountain with the observatories, a worthwhile trip!
We stayed first at the North end of Santa Cruz near a beach, its a Motorcaravan La Palma "Park4Night" (P4N) place. Stayed one night there, was quiet enough. Easy walk to town. Use the P4N places they are as described there are only a couple of camp sites and not always open.
Fuel was 1.05Eu more than other Canarian Islands due to a difference in TAX
Did:
San Antonio Volcano walk, 5Eu worth a visit, good visitor centre and nice walk with good views.
Lava Field at Todoque, impressive (1949), visitor centre.
Parque National de Caldera de Taburriente near El Paso visitor centre. We parked overnight in their lower car park.We also stayed at:
Los Cancajos: P4N Car parks at back, hotels use it. Toilet at bus stop, could empty loo, but closed at night. TV and Internet good, had beach showers. 2 little supermarkets, SuperDino sold fresh milk.
Salinas de Fuentecaliente. P4N – no facilities, nice and quiet. No TV, poor internet, nice beach and visited Salt pans (free!)
Punta Larga Can fill with WATER, but P4N parking now says No Motorhomes.
Charco Verde – No facilities, No TV, internet fine. Small parking area near road but OK, could also park down the side roads. Showers on beach – nice area to snorkel. Went to El Remo two miles further, could park but would be hard if busy – nice area to snorkel.Puerto de Tazacorte – big beach, has showers, some restaurants, could eat out easily. Internet and TV good, P4N is near sports area at back of town.
La Rosa camp area, not for vans, forget it!
Puntagorda – near the market as described. Could walk to town, did have water from taps but had to walk with containers. Had toilets, emptying ours was a bit hit and miss.
Repsol garage on the main road, had water and he was happy for us to fill.
A real Aire at St Antonia del Monte, is a real camp area with fill, empty and even electric, but officially closed although all was open and available to use. Great spot with BBQ areas and a 6.7k circular walk. Very quiet.
Playa Negolas. Basically a car park on the top of cliffs, it’s a 600m cliff walk to a surf beach, depending on the tide and swell. Quite a drive down but OK and quiet.