La Palma Island Walking

Upon arrival on La Palma, a taxi will take you to your accommodation in downtown Santa Cruz. Once settled in, walk around the picturesque streets of the capital. You may have time to walk to the main pilgrimage site in the Canary Islands, at Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves. Here there is a famous Madonna which was said to have arrived here before the first Spanish settlers, thus having been traded to the indigenous population. The walk takes you steeply up via a series of water-powered mills from the 1500s, before winding back via the Sanctuary to the outskirts of Santa Cruz. Accommodation: Your 4* hotel is located in the old town's quarters and opposite the black pebble beach. It has special charm due to its traditional island architecture. There is WiFi and comfortable rooms

Early in the morning a taxi transfer is arranged to take you to the start of today's walk at el Cubo de la Galga. You'll hike one of the best preserved sections of laurel forests in the Canary Islands. The walk starts on wide forest paths, but then changes to paved and unpaved country roads as you reach the coast. Paths are adorned with plantations of the Canarian banana: the plátano. You can choose to end the walk after 7km or 11.7km at a bus stop of your choice. From there take a 'guagua' (public bus) to Barlovento. From this northernmost town you walk another kilometre to your hotel and its indoor & outdoor swimming pools. Laurisilva vegetation is a peculiar type of laurel- and fern-based biodiverse forest which covers certain altitude bands of the Canary Islands and also Madeira. It can produce its own cloud and drizzle when all around is sunshine! Accommodation: spend two nights in a spectacular mountain hotel with a family atmosphere. The hotel is located 1km from Barlovento, it has stunning views to the sea & mountains and is surrounded by laurel forest. -- Ascent 450-650m / descent 400-800m

Follow the rocky trail between the villages of Franceses and of Barlovento along the historic “Camino Real de Los Machines”. A morning transfer takes you to Franceses, in one of the most remote parts of La Palma island. The walk undulates into a series of 'Barrancos' (gorges) and passes some picturesque bays and seascapes, with a possible bar stop half way through. This is a very different walk to the others as you go to the north of the island and walk on the GR130 above the sea. It can be hot work as a lot of the sections are exposed to sun, however the views are stunning. You will also visit a good stand of Dragon trees towards the end of the walk. Altogether a beautiful day out! -- Ascent 925m / descent 725m

The day begins with a transfer to the foot of Pico de La Nieve (2039m). The route is along the edge of the deep Caldera de Taburiente and one of La Palma's classic walks. Along the whole way, in good weather there are excellent views. You will probably see Tenerife with Mt Teide, La Gomera with Mt Garajonay, and the smaller Canary Island of El Hierro. A long descent along the "Camino Real" takes you through pine forests and the Reventón Pass until you reach the Virgen del Pino Chapel. Then it's only a few km further to the strikingly modern Caldera de Taburiente Visitor Centre from where you take the 'guagua' (public bus) to Llanos de Aridane (15mins). Accommodation: the next three nights are spend at an attractive town hotel in a quiet side road opposite the archeaological musuem. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a cosy lounge and a rooftop terrace with mini pool. Breakfast is served in the downstairs Café Idafe. -- Ascent 625-650m / descent 925-1,025m

After a transfer to Los Brecitos in the heart of Caldera de Taburiente National Park, you’ll begin your journey through this breathtaking natural area. Descend to the Taburiente River and trek towards the legendary Roque Idafe, a uniquely shaped rock holding deep significance for the island's indigenous people. Along the way, marvel at the striking Colourful Waterfall, its hues painted by the sulphur produced within the Caldera. A taxi will be arranged at the end of the hike to take you back to Los Llanos de Aridane. *If it is very hot and/or there is a high risk of forest fires, the crater is closed off and this walk will not be possible. In that case, you can opt for a short, but surprisingly varied route from Las Tricias to Buraca. -- Ascent 250m / descent 900m (alternative walk: 5.5km / 3.4 miles, 3h, ascent 435m / descent 300m)

A panoramic route that starts with a super steep climb across ancient lava flow to the western edge of the Caldera Taburiente. Then you gradually descend over mainly footpaths and unpaved country roads to the restaurant and mirador El Time, which is the end of the standard walk. You can spend time here and take lunch before hopping on the public bus back to Llanos de Aridane. Or, you can opt for the extended walk to the friendly beach town of Puerto Tazacorte. This involves a further downhill route along mainly paved but quiet lanes. From Tazacorte, a short public bus ride takes you back to Llanos de Aridane. *The attractive seaside resort of Tazacorte is one of the best and safest beaches on the island and there are some good seafood restaurants. From here, there are regular dolphin & whale watching boat cruises with swimming possibilities, so why not add an extra night in Llanos de Aridane. -- Ascent 250m / descent 990-1,490m

This is a terrific walk to end your La Palma walking holiday on. Tackle another classic hike of the island: the Ruta de los Volcanes, starting at the Virgen del Pilar hermitage. Follow the Cumbre Vieja, a rolling ridge of volcanoes, down to the village of Los Canarios in the far south of the island. Cumbre Vieja means Old Ridge, but in reality this is the youngest part of La Palma as volcanic activity extends the island southward. Located between the central and southern regions of the island of La Palma, the Ruta de los Volcanoes has great natural trekking and because of this it was originally an important communication route between the island’s regions. Historical eruptions occurred in 1470, 1585, 1646, 1677, 1712, 1949, 1971 and 2021. Once already a path of immense geological interest, after the most recent eruption in 2021, it now vividly illustrates the raw, destructive power of nature, the effects of which still impact the island’s residents. *If the full route feels too long and challenging, you can ask the taxi driver to take you directly to Los Canarios, allowing you to hike only the final section toward the Fuencaliente Lighthouse (additional fare payable locally). In either case, you’ll continue in the afternoon by public bus to Santa Cruz for your last night at the same hotel as on day 1. -- Ascent 550-80m / descent 1200-700m