Known as Isla Bonita, with just over 700 square kilometres, it is the third smallest and second youngest island of the Canary archipelago. The island is 2,426 metres high 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 extreme south, and the Tajogaite volcano, a recient eruption, are the two last volcanos. The laurel forests and prehistoric fern jungles in the north. For hikers, La Palma is an island of superlatives. Step by step, the island shows the best of itself. The island is waiting to be discovered!
La Palma hikes
from 5-day getaways to multi-island trips to get to know and enjoy the Canary Islands, walking, hiking, cycling and more.
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see the best related accommodations for La Palma hikes
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…
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 for a closer contact with nature. There are many active tourism options on offer here. But of all of them, hiking is undoubtedly the most important. However, there is also horse riding, paragliding, mountain biking, scuba diving and sea excursions. Not forgetting stargazing in the spectacular night sky of La Palma.
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. But it is its National Park, Caldera de Taburiente, located in the very heart of the island, that is the epicentre of all hiking routes. And it is its 19 protected natural areas, as well as its unspoilt black sand beaches, that give it a special character. And also the spectacular volcanic landscapes in the south.
Culture and Gastronomy
This is an island of rich cultural traditions, with centuries-old festivals and an extensive network of museums and Visitor Centres. Its culture is kept alive thanks to an exquisite craft heritage, as well as an important architectural heritage. And La Palma keeps its character intact, offering a varied gastronomy, with influences from Castilian, Portuguese and Creole cuisine.
What to see in La Palma
When you visit La Palma for the first time, there are some very special places that you should never miss. Here is a list of some of the must-see spots:
- 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 without effort.
- The Roque de Los Muchachos: This is the highest point on the island, at 2,426 metres. From here you can get a bird’s eye view of the whole island and it is also accessible by road.
- San Antonio volcano: This is a perfect volcanic crater more than 2000 years old, which is partly walkable and from where you can enjoy incredible views.
- Salt pans in Fuencaliente: Located in the extreme south of the island, at the foot of a very recent volcanic lava flow. With virgin beaches of black sand in the surrounding area.
- The picturesque North: Remote villages and a very picturesque landscape to discover along the old Las Mimbreras road.
La Palma hikes
Without a doubt, La Palma is an ideal destination for hiking. The immensity of routes and hiking options cannot be covered in a 7-day tourist stay. The trails are well maintained and signposted, from the PR (short distance trails) to the GR (long distance trails). But in this wide range of options, there are some trails that stand out above the rest. The following La Palma hikes are the ones you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to the island:
- The Volcanes Route: 17 km through the Cumbre Vieja, 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. A route along the crests of La Caldera.
- The Northern Ravines: The trails in the north of La Palma along the GR130 offer exquisite landscapes by the sea, from dizzying cliffs.
- Puntagorda and its almond trees: Famous for a sea of almond blossom in the first months of the year. Idyllic villages far from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
- The Marcos & Cordero springs: Also known as the route of the tunnels, from the Casa del Monte to Los Tilos.
- By the Cubo de La Galga: A beautiful circular route through the centuries-old laurel forests.
- La Ruta de Los Molinos de Bellido: A gentle walk around Santa Cruz de La Palma to the church of Las Nieves.
Where to eat well
Without a doubt, knowing where to eat well is one of the most important things to spice up a day out on the Isla Bonita. And on La Palma there are places where you can eat very well. From renowned restaurants to simple bars where the hard-working owner is able to offer dishes of extraordinary quality. Here are some of the best places where you can crown your visit to La Palma with an exquisite delicacy:
DINING BARS
- El Recuerdo: Mariluz cooks the kid in sauce that sings to the angels! But also her lasagnas are unbeatable. The bar surprises at first sight and the cuisine will make you dream.
- Bar Viveres Gallegos:Marlenny has long since returned from Venezuela to settle in the village of Gallegos. And it is there that her cooking is all the rage, despite the surroundings.
TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS
- Casa Goyo: traditional restaurant for excellent fish. Simple in appearance, but very busy and excellent cuisine.
- Enriclai: tiny restaurant with only 4 tables and kitchen integrated in the dining room. Very good Italian cuisine. An experience worth enjoying if you are in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
- La Placeta: Located in an excellent location, with a spectacular terrace in the centre of Santa Cruz. Elaborate, high quality cuisine and friendly service.
- La Placita Food & Cofee: Peruvian-Canarian fusion restaurant. Surprising food with extraordinary flavours in an unbeatable setting.
- Restaurant La Mata: A classic in the north. A beautiful interior courtyard full of vegetation is the perfect setting to enjoy traditional cuisine.
- Bodegón Tamanca: Not only do they have good wine. Their black pudding is finger-licking good. And the meats are of the best quality. The restaurant is located 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. It is not the cheapest. But it certainly deserves its position in the Michelin Guide 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 flats 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 centres: Los Cancajos on the east side and Puerto Naos on the west side. Here you can find 4-star hotels and well-equipped flats. In the south of the island there is also a large hotel with all the services you need to enjoy a relaxing holiday. But what we are going to show you next are those small, less conventional, local accommodations, although with a lot of charm and integrated into the day-to-day life of La Palma’s society. Here they go:
SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA
- El Hotelito 27:Located in the heart of Santa Cruz de La Palma, just a few metres from La Recova, the Teatro Chico and the Circo de Marte. An informal accommodation to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Santa Cruz.
- Holiday Time:In the middle of Avenida Marítima, for years it was an old abandoned mansion until it was recovered and 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 is integrated in an old traditional artisan quarter. Its atmosphere is exquisite and it is very close to the Plaza de Santo Domingo and the Circo de Marte.
- Vista Azul: Set of three spectacular flats facing the Plaza de San Fernando, at the northern end of Santa Cruz 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, directly 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, in the north of La Palma, we find this small Bed & Breakfast. 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 location on the map below…