'Pretty island' 4 hours from UK often overlooked by tourists - but shouldn't be

A beautiful island that's just a four-hour flight from the UK has been tipped by travel insiders as a must-visit for those who want to escape the summer crowds.

La Palma isn't a secret holiday spot by any means, but according to experts it 'flies under the radar' when it comes to the , because the likes of Tenerife or Lanzarote have a bigger reputation for their party scenes and beaches. Still, for those who want sun, sea and sand as well as plenty of breathtaking scenery for those all-important Instagram snaps, La Palma is worth having on the list.

According to , one of the best months to visit is June when the weather is getting hot and sunny (temperatures tend to be around the high twenties), but the summer crowds haven't descended onto the resorts yet, since it's outside of the peak school holiday seasons.

"The 'Pretty Island' lives up to its name, lush, volcanic and peaceful, especially in June. Unlike Tenerife or Gran Canaria, La Palma flies under the radar, perfect for peace seekers," the brand's chief customer officer Zoe Harris told the Mirror.

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If you're not tied to term dates, June isn't the only great month to visit La Palma. Like the other Canary Islands, it boasts year-round sunshine and balmy temperatures, so it can be a brilliant winter sun destination, especially if you're hoping to make the most of the countless hiking trails without having to deal with the summer heat.

After all, La Palma is a must visit for any intrepid explorer, as it boasts a rugged coastline and rocky summits, so it's well worth lacing up your hiking boots for an adventure. One particularly popular spot is Playa Nogales, one of the top-rated on Tripadvisor. You'll need to take on a steep path to reach it, but when you do, you'll be treated to spectacular views courtesy of the black sand shores.

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"Of the best beaches I have seen, quiet, clean and with black sand," one happy visitor wrote. "To enter you have to go down a few steps, but it is very worth it. Bathing is difficult because of the waves, so I do not recommend bathing. A treasure in the palm."

Speaking of beaches, the island has plenty on offer for the sun-seekers who want to lay out a towel and bask in the summer warmth. Most of the beaches boast black sands because of the volcanic landscape, but that doesn't mean you can't relax on them! For example, Puerto de Tazacorte beach is popular with families thanks to the large stretch of shore, the nearby restaurants and cafés, and amenities such as sunbed hire and a car park.

If you're looking to add La Palma to the bucket list, the good news is that getting there is pretty simple. There are a variety of direct flights from the UK on offer with the likes of easyJet and TUI, with a flight time of approximately four hours and a half.

Oh, and one top tip when you're booking your holiday - make sure you don't confuse it with Palma, the city in Majorca! Although also a brilliant holiday hotspot with beaches and a plethora of hotels, bars and restaurants, it won't have the same landscape and it will likely be far busier than you'd be after...