luggage transfers from hotel to hotel at each stage and transfers of people, by taxi or regular buses
accommodations
3 small charming hotels, with breakfast (more information in Hotels tab)
6 walks
of approx. 10 ~14 km each to discover the most characteristic features of La Palma.
TOURS AND ACCOMMODATION:
Arrival in La Palma
Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel
1st night in Santa Cruz de La Palma > Hotel El Galeón
Coastal Path: Los Sauces - Puntallana
walking distance: 14 Km
ascent: + 835 m
descent: – 690 m
2nd night in Santa Cruz de La Palma > Hotel El Galeón
the Laurel Forests: Los Tilos - Barlovento
walking distance: 11 Km
ascent: + 650 m
descent: – 570 m
3rd night in Barlovento > Hotel La Palma Romántica
The rugged north coast: Barlovento - Franceses
walking distance: 10 Km
ascent: + 647 m
descent: – 860 m
4th night in Barlovento > Hotel La Palma Romántica
Picturesque hamlets: Franceses - Roque del Faro
walking distance: 9 Km
ascent: + 1140 m
descent: – 626 m
5th night in Barlovento > Hotel La Palma Romántica
Walking on the Clouds: Roque - Pico de La Nieve
walking distance: 12 Km
ascent: + 598 m
descent: – 1086 m
6th night in Santa Cruz de La Palma > Hotel Holiday Time
The Volcanoes Route: Refugio del Pilar - Fuencaliente
walking distance: 17,3 Km
ascent: + 632 m
descent: – 1376 m
7th night in Santa Cruz de La Palma > Hotel Holiday Time
departure
transfer to the airport
with 7 nights hotel
Difficulty
This program is for you if you usually do sports and have a good physical background; if you can walk steep slopes up and down and don’t have health problems; if you love nature, are environmentally friendly and are a regular hiker.
With no more than 724 square kilometers, the ridges of La Palma rise vertiginously from 0 to 2500 meters in an instant. This is why it deserves the honor of being among the highest in the world, in relation to its surface area. Its climatic diversity is due to the mountainous mass that divides the island in two and generates different microclimates with their respective landscapes. The north side receives the humidity of the Atlantic and boasts an incredible semi-tropical vegetation. However, the west side has trees and a weather that resembles the Mediterranean, made up of pine forests and low scrubland. The south, of recent volcanic origin, is more desert-like and often sun-drenched. It was in a small region in the south-west that the recent Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted. Fortunately, none of the routes of La Palma have been heavily affected.
La Palma REAL in words
La Palma hikes on the Coastal Path, from Puntallana to San Andrés
The GR130 is a path that runs along the old Caminos Reales (Royal Roads) and goes all along the north coast of La Palma.. Our route starts in Puntallana, 400 metres above sea level. From there the path heads gently towards the coastline. It crosses three impressive ravines, always along the edge of a cliff that drops vertically towards the sea. It crosses countless banana, avocado, mango and pineapple plantations and heads towards the idyllic village of San Andrés, home to the island’s first landowners.
La Palma hiking through the laurel forests, from Los Tilos to Barlovento
As in other places in the north, in the forest of Los Tilos we find dense laurel forests together with a very particular endemic flora. Los Tilos was the place where the initial declaration of Biosphere Reserve was initiated, later expanding it to the rest of the island. In addition to a beautiful waterfall that can be visited before starting the route, we can obtain interesting information about its fauna and flora at the Visitor Centre. With this background, we can now start our way to the Mirador de Las Barandas, along the PR LP 7. Then we still must enter the Barranco de la Herradura ravine and reach the Laguna de Barlovento before finishing at the hotel.
The rugged north coast, from Barlovento to Franceses
Barlovento is located 600 metres above the sea and, as its name indicates, it receives the wind from the north-east almost constantly. From here the GR130 continues westwards, passing through the Bosque de Dragos de La Tosca and tiny hamlets until it reaches the district of Gallegos. It’s worth a refreshment in the only bar in the area. Marlenny is a Venezuelan woman of Palmeros ancestry who runs a characteristic place where you can have lunch and get your strength back. And now it’s time to cross the last ravine, perhaps the most spectacular. The GR130 descends along the cliff until almost reaching sea level to climb again towards Franceses, the end point of this route.
Franceses – El Tablado – Roque del Faro on the GR130
Probably one of the most impressive, but also one of the toughest routes. After a short transfer, the driver drops us off at the place where we finished yesterday. From there, following the route of the GR130, we descend steeply down a zigzagging path to climb back up to El Tablado. Fortunately, in El Tablado there is Claire who runs a small shop and serves as a supply point. Here we leave the GR130 to begin an ascent to Roque del Faro along the PR LP 9. This is a circular path that takes you back to Franceses, passing Roque del Faro. But first you will cross the Barranco de La Magdalena ravine with its impressive laurel forests.
Today we walk a different track. Our trail will be the GR131. This is path that goes along the summit of La Palma, a hiking trail that leads us on the entire crater of la Caldera de Taburiente, before heading south. From the Roque de Los Muchachos, at 2426 metres, we will walk eastwards, leaving behind the Astrophysical Observatory, a group of telescopes of different nationalities. The route offers permanently spectacular views of La Caldera de Taburiente, towards the north and south of La Palma and on the horizon, towards the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. But on this route, we will cross such peculiar landmarks as the Pared de Roberto, the Mirador de Los Andenes or the Pico de La Cruz, before reaching the Pico de La Nieve.
The Volcanoes Route is a classic of La Palma. It is probably the mythical route of the Isla Bonita. Not only because of the recent eruption at Cumbre Vieja (which did not affect this route) but also because of the exotic landscapes and the possibility of walking through an environment of recent volcanoes of extraordinary beauty. The starting point is at Refugio del Pilar, 1450 metres above sea level. From there, the path is marked GR131 in a southerly direction. After leaving the pine forest area behind, the first craters of the San Juan volcano, barely 70 years old, appear. From then on, the volcanoes follow one after the other in a breathtaking scenery that leaves no one indifferent. The final point of the route will be Fuencaliente, after crossing pine forests in the south. Fuencaliente is known for its wines and for the exquisite almendrados sweets, which you will be able to taste after the route.
La Palma weather
The Canary Islands offer very stable and spring-like weather throughout the year. However, the central summer months can also be hot. The best months to enjoy La Palma hiking tours are from October to May.
La Palma trails
The trails are well signposted, with markings and posts in three colours: green, yellow and red. Red belongs to the long-distance trails. Green to local trails. Yellow to small footpaths. You can get additional information on Senderos de La Palma web site.
Informative meeting in our office to explain all the details of the routes.
+ Hotel El Galeón (or similar - Santa Cruz de La Palma)
2
Day 2
Coastal Paths: Los Sauces ▸ Puntallana
A short transfer takes you to Los Sauces, the agricultural epicentre of the region. From its lively square the GR 130 trail descends through banana and yam farms towards the sea, along the edge of the spectacular Barranco del Agua ravine.
San Andrés is an idyllic village connected to the coastal path that runs southwards, crossing 3 spectacular ravines. The breathtaking views from the cliffs remain throughout the entire walking route, as you pass through a myriad of orchards with avocado and mango trees and vineyards.
Puntallana, the end point of your first route, offers bars and kiosks in its square where you can reward yourself with a good beer on arrival. The return to Santa Cruz de La Palma takes only 10 minutes by regular bus (line 100 - every hour).
14 km | +835 m / -690 m
+ Hotel El Galeón (or similar - Santa Cruz de La Palma)
3
Day 3
The laurel forests: Los Tilos ▸ Barlovento
Short transfer to Los Tilos forest, in whose ravine there is a spectacular 40 m high waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The Visitor Centre is worth a visit and offers interesting information about the endemic flora and fauna of this forest. The trail climbs first to the Las Barandas viewpoint and continues across the spectacular ravine of La Herradura, where there are innumerable giant ferns and centenary trees. Finally, after leaving the Laguna de Barlovento behind, the route ends at the Barlovento accommodation itself.
11 km | +650 m / -570 m
+ Hotel Palma Romántica (or similar - Barlovento)
4
Day 4
The rugged north coast
Today the route starts directly at your hotel. After breakfast, the GR 130 signs will take you to La Tosca, a picturesque hamlet with enormous centenary dragon trees, from where there is a spectacular view of the entire north coast. But the path continues its route, crossing areas of orchards until it reaches Gallegos, an idyllic rural enclave perched on a slope 300 metres above the sea. Here you can enjoy a good lunch in the Marleney bar, before continuing to Franceses. Now it's time to cross one of the most spectacular ravines before the route ends. And after a brief rest on arrival, enjoying the breathtaking views of the cliff-top coastline, the 120 bus will take you back to Barlovento.
10 km | +647 m / -860 m
+ Hotel Palma Romántica (or similar - Barlovento)
5
Day 5
Picturesque villages on the northern GR130
Our driver will take you, in a 20 minutes transfer, to the point of Franceses where you will take the GR 130. And from there the path descends steeply to the sea and then takes a zigzagging ascent towards El Tablado. This is a village that retains a delightful rural charm. There is still a tiny inn where you can have a refreshing drink before starting the ascent to Roque Faro. The GR130 gives way to the PR LP 9.1 trail, which is circular in nature and crosses lush landscapes of extraordinary greenery on its ascent. When we reach Roque Faro we find the legendary tasca Casa Reyes, where the exquisite goat stew in sauce allows us to regain our strength after the relentless climb. Return by bus line 120 to Barlovento.
9 km | +1140 m / -626 m
+ Hotel Palma Romántica (or similar - Barlovento)
6
Day 6
Summits of the Caldera: Roque ▸ Pico de La Nieve
After a transfer to the Roque de los Muchachos, at an altitude of 2426 m, the GR 131 trail runs along the edge of the Caldera, one of the largest erosion craters in the world. Leaving behind the various observatories of the Astrofísico de Canarias, the trail progresses slightly downhill through Los Andenes, with the imposing view of the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro on the horizon. Leaving the Pico de La Cruz (2,351 m) behind, the GR 131 heads south, offering spectacular views of both sides of the island. A little further on rises Pico de La Nieve (2,239 m), marking the end of this impressive route. You will still have to descend to the road where the taxi awaits to take you to Santa Cruz de La Palma.
12 km | + 598m / - 1086 m
+ Hotel Holiday Time (or similar - Santa Cruz de La Palma)
7
Day 7
Volcanoes Route: Refugio del Pilar ▸ Fuencaliente
This is perhaps one of the most spectacular and iconic routes on La Palma. The GR 131 crosses the ridge of the southern mountain range of La Palma, showing a volcanic landscape of enormous drama. The trail starts at 1450 metres above sea level and on the gradual ascent you will be able to observe from the heights the smoking crater of the recent eruption (September 2021). It is a walking route through a succession of contemporary eruptions and ancient volcanic cones from remote times. Las Deseadas are two mounds that, at almost 2,000 metres high, mark the turning point of the route. But there is still the Martin Volcano (October 1646), a beautiful crater that begins to mark the end before penetrating the pine forests to the south and ending in the village of Fuencaliente. Return by regular bus 200 or 201.
17,3 km | + 632 m / - 1.376 m
+ Hotel Holiday Time (or similar - Santa Cruz de La Palma)
8
Day 8
Departure
Transfer to the Airport for your departure.
TOUR LOCATION
Enjoy the lush north of the island, with lush, untouched vegetation. Passing through impressive green jungles and crossing spectacular cliffs with fantastic views over the Atlantic.
Small city hotel located on the southern tip of Santa Cruz de La Palma. It enjoys beautiful views of the harbour and the crater of La Caldereta. On the roof terrace there is a huge solarium and just a few steps from the hotel we enter the traditional district of San Telmo, the Plaza de Santo Domingo and the Circo de Marte theatre, as well as the pedestrianised centre of Santa Cruz.
Large and comfortable apartment-style rooms equipped with kitchenette and balcony-terrace, with partial view of the harbour and the mountains.
The El Galeónhotel is a suitable accommodation to enjoy the first two nights in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
HOTEL LA PALMA ROMÁNTICA
Hotel La Palma Romantica is an ideal place for hiking and nature lovers. This charming mountain hotel is surrounded by a wooded area. The rooms are comfortably furnished with wooden furniture and feature a balcony or terrace with sea or mountain views. The suites also have a seating area, while the bungalow suites have a hot tub and a fireplace.
Its spacious rooms maintain the character of a mountain hotel, with a warm and welcoming decoration that blends in fully with the exuberant nature of its surroundings. The hotel is located at an altitude of 750 metres above the sea, in an area of enormous lushness.
HOTEL HOLIDAY TIME
Small emblematic hotel with 16 rooms. With an excellent location, in front of the extensive urban beach of Santa Cruz de La Palma. The hotel is close to pedestrian areas, with leisure and atmosphere, while maintaining the tranquillity that its guests demand.
The rooms on the north side offer a romantic view of the Plaza de Los Cantores, with large flamboyant trees with beautiful red flowers. The south side faces the sea, with spectacular views of the urban beach of Santa Cruz. Breakfast is buffet style with a full assortment of fruits and cold meats, as well as yoghurts, coffees and teas, to start the day with energy.
Additional overnights
It is also possible to book some additional days, before or after the hiking week, or an additional week to relax.
Difficulty
To successfully achieve the 6 walks it is necessary a good physical condition, steady walk and lack of vertigo. According to the year season, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is necessary to have suitable warm clothes permanently, to be removed as layers if necessary. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone. Although most of this trail is roomy enough, certain sections are quite aerial and require caution. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.
Trails
The Canary Islands has a well signposted network of trails. All sections where from our tours are perfectly marked. In addition to the detailed map of La Palma, you will get from us precise indications of each route and assistance from the hotline on your walks.
We recommend
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the tours, it is necessary to have food and drink enough, as well as sun protection, a cap, wind jacket and, in the winter months, warm clothing.
Luggage transfer
We move your luggage from one accommodation to next, so on your hikes you should only carry a backpack with the essentials of the day. For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.
You can book at any date!
If you can't find a suitable direct flight, try flying to TENERIFE or to GRAN CANARIA. From there, you can easily reach LA PALMA by local flights or ferry. Fly to LA PALMA (SPC) from Tenerife (TFN) or from Gran Canaria (LPA) with BINTERor CANARYFLY
but if your flight lands at Tenerife South Airport (TFS), you may prefer to combine it with a nice fast-ferry sea crossing (3 hours) from Los Cristianos harbour. FRED OLSEN connects the islands of Tenerife and La Palma twice a day.
Miguel
Travel organisation
Do you have any questions? I am happy to help you. I will answer any questions you may have!
Book early!! ...and get a 10% discount for bookings made 90 daysbefore the arrival date.
Book early!! ...and get a 10% discount for bookings made 90 daysbefore the arrival date.
PRICES: until 31st October 2025
796 € ▸ 716€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 210 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 1268 € ▸ 1141 €
PRICES: from 01st November 2025
850 € ▸ 766€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 240 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 1455 € ▸ 1309 €
Any arrival date is possible - You decide your travel dates and when to start. However, we must first request availability to the accommodations.
Booking: With an initial payment of 150 € (per person), book now and guarantee your trip. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
What does this programme include?
Accommodations - 7 nights in small charming hotel, B&B, 8 days
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device
+ Private transfers - all necessary luggage & person transfers for each walk, including arrival & departure day.
Support 24h - we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or enquiry you may have
What is NOT included?
▸Flights to and from your home city to La Palma are not included
▸Lunches & Dinners
Cancellation Policy
▸ Up to 14 days before the date of arrival, 100% refund.
▸Between 13 and 7 days before the arrival date, 50% refund, or free of charge dates change.
▸ Between 6 and 3 days before the arrival date, 25% refund, no date changes permitted.
▸48 hours before the arrival date, 0% refund, no date changes permitted.