Known as Isla Bonita with just over 700 square kilometers it is the thirst smallest and second youngest island of the Canary archipelago. The island reaches 2426 meters on its highest point and has one of the largest erosion craters in the world: the Caldera de Taburiente. La Palma hikes are well known for ramblers all over the world. The Teneguía volcano eruption (1971) in the south and the Tajogaite volcano, the most recent one in 2021 are the two last volcanoes that hit the island. The island also offers multiple different landscapes like the laurel forests and prehistoric fern jungles in the north or the breathtaking cliffs and colorful vegetation in the north. For hikers, La Palma is an island of superlatives. Step by step, the island reveals its wondrous panoramas, waiting to be discovered.
Discover La Palma !
La Palma, the Isla Bonita
The island of La Palma is in the Atlantic Ocean and belongs to the Canary Archipelago, a group of seven islands under Spanish sovereignty. Its high orography and the constant winds that bring humidity from the sea provide a mild climate. It also offers landscapes with breathtaking views from elevated vantage points and vegetation with numerous endemic trees and plants. There are many reasons to travel to La Palma, walk its trails and discover the island.
One-day activities for La Palma walking holidays
The island is also a privileged enclave for adventure lovers. Whether by sea, land or air, La Palma is an ideal place for those looking to connect with nature. There are many active tourism options offers here. Hiking is undoubtedly the most important. However, if you do not feel like walking, there is also horse riding, paragliding, mountain biking, scuba diving and sea excursions. Its spectacular night sky also offers a superb stargazing experience.
Culture and gastronomy
The island is rich in cultural traditions, with centuries-old fiestas and an extensive network of museums and visitor centers. Culture is kept alive through a heritage of craftmanship and architecture. La Palma has kept its original character. The culinary side offers a wide variety with influences from Castilian, Portuguese and Creole gastronomy.
Natural Spaces
Possibly the best argument for enjoying its exuberant nature are its natural spaces. The privileged idiosyncrasy of La Palma has led it to be declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002. Its National Park, the Caldera de Taburiente, located in the very heart of the island that is the epicenter of most hiking routes. The unspoiled beaches of black sand, the spectacular volcanic landscapes and its 19 protected natural areas give the island a special character.
What to see in La Palma
When you visit la Palma for the first time there are some special places that you should not miss. Here is a list of some of the must-sees:
- La Cumbrecita viewpoint: Located in the municipality of El Paso, accessible by road, this viewpoint allows you to enjoy an unbeatable view of La Caldera de Taburiente with no effort.
- The Roque de Los Muchachos: The highest point on the island at 2426 meters. From here you can get a bird’s eye view of the whole island and the neighboring islands of La Gomera, Tenerife and El Hierro. It is also accessible by car.
- San Antonio volcano: A perfect volcanic crater more than 2000 years old, which is partly walkable and offers great views of the south part of the island.
- Salt pans in Fuencaliente: Located in the far south of the island at the foot of a recent volcanic lava flow. Surrounded by virgin beaches of black sand.
- The picturesque North: Remote villages and a very picturesque landscape to discover along the old Mimbreras road.
La Palma hikes
Without a doubt, La Palma is the ideal destination for hiking. The immensity of routes and hiking options cannot be covered in a 7 day stay. The trails are well maintained and signposted, from the PR (short distance trails) to the GR (long distance). Within this wide range of options there are some trails that stand out above the rest. The following hikes are the ones you should not miss on your next visit to the island.
- The Volcanes Route: 17km through the Cumbre Vieja range, starting at Refugio del Pilar and finishing at Los Canarios de Fuencaliente.
- The Caldera de Taburiente: One of the largest erosion craters in the world. Declared a National Park in 1954 with alpine scenery and endemic vegetation.
- GR131 from Roque de Los Muchachos : The Roque is the highest peak of La Palma and from there the GR131 leads in different directions.
- The Northern Ravines: The trails in the north of La Palma along the GR130 offer exquisite vistas from its undulating ravines.
- Puntagorda and its almond trees: Famous for its blossoming almond trees in the first months of the year. Idyllic villages far from the hustle of the capital.
- The Marcos & Cordero springs: Also known as the route of the tunnels, from the Casa del Monte to Los Tilos.
- Cubo de La Galga: A beautiful circular route through century-old laurel forests.
- The Molinos de Bellido: A gentle walk around Santa Cruz the capital to the church of Las Nieves.
Our INDEPENDENT WALKING programmes:
self-guided ► hotel + breakfast included
La Palma SMART
562 €
self-guided ► hotel + breakfast included
La Palma GO NORTH
670 €Our guided HIKING GROUPS :
Camping in the Caldera
295 €Do you run your OWN GROUP ?
…And if you prefer a tailor-made plan for your group that
combine different islands or visit special places
we will adapt it to your prerogatives.
Your own group? Ask us !
If you wish a tailor-made plan
for your group that combine different
islands or visit special places,
we will adapt it to your prerogatives.
Your own group? Ask us !
Our activities: La Palma hikes
Day hiking tours, bus tours to see the island, boat trips to see dolphins and whales, stargazing and much more…
Where to eat well
Knowing where to eat well is one of the most important things to spice up a day on the Isla Bonita. From renowned restaurants to simple bars where its kind owners can offer extraordinary quality meals. Here are some of the best to visit if you want to enjoy an exquisite delicacy.
LOCAL BARS
- El Recuerdo: Typical canarian cuisine. Try their goat meat with sauce and their tuna lasagna.
- Bar Viveres Gallegos: Marlenny, born in Venezuela, has settled in the small village of Gallegos. Great local food with a hint of Venezuelan vibes.
TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS
- Casa Goyo: traditional restaurants famous for excellent fish. Simple in appearance but busy due to its excellent cuisine.
- Enriclai: restaurant with just 4 tables and a small kitchen. Very good Italian cuisine. Worth experience if you are in Santa Cruz de la Palma.
- La Placeta: Located in an excellent location in the middle of the capital. Elaborate meals, high quality, and friendly service.
- La Placita Food & Cofee: Peruvian-Canarian fusión restaurant. Surprising food with extraordinary flavor and an unbeatable setting.
- Restaurant La Mata: A classic in the north. A beautiful interior patio full of vegetation is the perfect setting to enjoy traditional cuisine.
- Bodegón Tamanca: Not only they have good wine but also a finger-licking desserts menu. The meats are top quality as well. The restaurant is in a cave carved out of the volcanic rock.
- Restaurant El Pulpo: You can’t miss this place if you are in Los Cancajos. Enjoy the best cuisine directly on the beach with unbeatable views.
HIGH-END RESTAURANTS
- Osmunda Restaurant: On the east side of the island. Not the cheapest but certainly deserve its Michelin Star as one of the most emblematic restaurants.
- Rincón de Moraga: Exquisite restaurant with very elaborate cuisine in a wonderful setting in Los Llanos de Aridane.
- El Jardín de La Sal: Themed restaurant located in the salt flat of Fuencaliente, on the southern tip of the island. Ideal to enjoy the sunsets with an extraordinary snack.
See location on the map, below…
Where to stay – small charming hotels
The island of La Palma has two conventional tourist hubs: Los Cancajos on the east and Puerto Naos on the west side. Here you can find 4-star hotels and well-equipped apartments. In the south of the island there is also a large hotel with all the services you need to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Next, we are going to show you the small, less conventional accommodations with charm of the Isla Bonita.
SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA
- El Hotelito 27: Located in the heart of the capital, just a few meters from La Recova, the old theater and the Circo de Marte. An informal accommodation to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Santa Cruz.
- Holiday Time: In the middle of the Avenida Marítima, for years it was an old, abandoned mansion until it was restored with the utmost care. The back of the building opens onto Los Cantores square.
- Hotel San Telmo: With only 8 rooms and located on the outskirts of Santa Cruz, the San Telmo Hotel is integrated in an old traditional artisan quarter. Its atmosphere is great, and it is very close to the Plaza de Santo Domingo.
- Vista Azul:Set of three spectacular flats facing the Plaza de San Fernando, at the north end of Santa Cruz’s beach. All three units enjoy a splendid view of the ocean. In addition, the penthouse on the top floor has a spectacular terrace.
BARLOVENTO
- Hotel Faro de Punta Cumplida: Located in a former lighthouse with only 4 rooms, right by the sea. Next to the natural pools of La Fajana. Extraordinary surroundings for an unforgettable stay.
FRANCESES
- Finca Franceses: In the remote village of Franceses, north of La Palma, we find this small B&B. It is an old country house, restored with the most exquisite charm, ideal for walking the coastal paths.
LOS LLANOS DE ARIDANE
- Hotel Benahoare: Located next to the Archaeological Museum of Los Llanos, this small hotel is delightfully decorated and allows you to experience the day-to-day life of the economic capital of La Palma.
See their location on the map below…
