Walking on the Island of La Palma

Affectionally known as La Isla Bonita, this lesser-known island lures with gorgeously unspoiled landscapes, enchanting forests, pine groves, verdant hills, star-lit skies, and almost 1,000km of paths for walkers. This holiday is the perfect introduction to the nature-filled Caldera de Taburiente National Park as well as the architecturally-rich capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma.
What you’ll love
- Discovering enchanting forests, pine groves, and verdant hills
- Visiting the architecturally-rich capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma
- Marvelling at the Caldera de Taburiente rim, often above a ‘sea’ of clouds
- Admiring lush green vegetation and incredible volcanic geology
- Enjoying the extensive gardens at the comfortable Parador de la Palma
What’s included
- A full programme of guided walks with two options every walking day
- All transport to and from the walks
- The services of an experienced local leader
- ‘With flight’ holidays include return flights from the UK and hotel transfers
- En-suite accommodation
- Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Gallery
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
We meet you at La Palma Airport and take you to Parador de La Palma. Unpack and settle in.
We start the week exploring the laurel forest of La Galga and the northeast coast of La Palma. Water has carved deep barrancos where green lush vegetation, giant ferns and mosses grow all over creating a magical fairy tale atmosphere. On the second part of the walk, we pass along banana plantations over the marine cliffs until our final destination, Charco Azul. Today, we enjoy contrasted landscapes of a protected forest, rural areas, great ocean views and lovely typical houses in the little charming village of San Andrés. On route to the start of the walk we will stop in the charming capital Santa Cruz chance to pick up a picnic and short orientation.
Option 1 - Laurisilva, Banana's & Rum (Easier Walk)
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 1,000ft (300m)
Descent: 2,300ft (700m)
The easier walk descends through the dense laurel forest to the heart of Cubo de La Galga. Many native trees and birds can be seen and heard on our way through the ravine bed. A short transfer takes us to the archaeological site of El Tendal, a cave used by the prehispanic Benahorita population. After entering the visitor centre and learning about the indigenous people that lived on the island before the Spanish, we continue downhill surrounded by banana plantations towards San Andrés and Charco Azul. We toast with local rum for a great start of our walking holiday.
Option 2 - Laurisilva, Banana's & Rum (Harder Walk)
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 2,100 ft (650m)
Descent: 3,200 ft (980m)
The harder walk ascends through the dense laurel forest to the heart of Cubo de La Galga. Many native trees and birds can be seen and heard on our way through the ravine bed. Emerging from the ravine, we descend to San Bartolomé and reach the cliff path over the coast. We cross deep canyons and continue along the coastline surrounded by banana plantations towards San Andrés and Charco Azul. We toast with local rum for a great start of our walking holiday.
Today’s walk takes us to isolated hamlets set on the mountain ridges of the north coast, far from mass tourism and back to past times. The ‘camino real’ swings up and down constantly descending and ascending barrancos and offering stunning cliffy coast views. This is one of the authentic paths leading to the end of the world, passing modest houses and telling old stories of local people’s life.
Option 1 - La Tosca to Gallegos
Distance: 3.5miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 1,150 ft (350m)
Descent: 1,980 ft (600m)
We begin the walk in La Tosca viewpoint, famous for its impressive dragon trees and magnificent views of the north coast. Our path undulates from flat rural tops with terraces and hamlets to green shady ravines. We pass Topaciegas and La Palmita, and we finally reach Gallegos, not after crossing its deep canyon.
Option 2 - La Tosca to Franceses
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 2,380 ft (720m)
Descent: 2,950 ft (900m)
We also start the walk in La Tosca viewpoint, famous for its impressive dragon trees and magnificent views of the north coast. Our path undulates from flat rural tops with terraces and hamlets to green shady ravines. We pass Topaciegas, La Palmita, also Gallegos, after crossing its deep canyon, and carry on to Franceses, going down and up another deep canyon.
La Palma is the most active volcanic island of the Canary Islands, the last eruption taking place in Today both groups enjoy dramatic landscapes sculpted by the wild force of nature. Volcanoes, lava fields, volcanic sands and chaotic scoria combining with peaceful nature, green pine trees and a deep blue ocean.
Option 1 - San Antonio & Teneguia, the southern volcanoes
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 160ft (50m)
Descent: 2,460 ft (750m)
This walk starts from the southern town of Los Canarios, where almond biscuits and sweet malmsey wines pair at perfection. We walk the rim of San Antonio volcano offering spectacular views both into its round deep crater and down to the south tip of the island. The lava flows of the new volcanoes covered the previous surface except for Roque Teneguía, where native plants and aboriginal carvings have survived. The route pass by 1971 Teneguía volcano, where gas and heat can still be seen and felt. Then, we descend through the volcanic lava fields before emerging at sea level in Faro de Fuencaliente. At the end of the walk there is time to explore the only commercial salt pans on La Palma and enjoy refreshments.
Option 2 - Cumbre Vieja volcanoes
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 2,550 ft (780m)
Descent: 4,920 ft (1,500m)
The harder walk starts from the Refugio del Pilar and follows forest paths to reach the centralsouth spine of the island, Cumbre Vieja. Along this route, we pass by some of the most picturesque volcanoes of the island: the jaw-dropping Hoyo Negro crater; the lava fields of Duraznero; the 360º views from Las Deseadas, peaking almost at 2,000m (6,500ft) above sea level; and the recent eruptions of El Charco 1712 and Martin 1646, during an enjoyable descent on the volcanic sands to Los Canarios, where we meet the easier walkers and the coach.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include:
Hotel: Relax in the hotel, enjoy a walk in the gardens and rest by the pool area.
Santa Cruz de La Palma: Why not visit some local places of interest? Santa Cruz is the pretty capital of the island and just 10min away by bus or taxi from the hotel. Walk around the cobbled streets in the old quarter where there are traditional buildings with wooden carved balconies festooned with brightly coloured flowers. You can have lunch in one of the many restaurants and relax at the new beach.
Today takes us to the heart of ‘La Isla Bonita’, to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. On the centre of the island can be found a spectacular hole 8km (5 miles) large and 2,000m (6,500ft) deepprotected since 1954. Colonized by pine trees and shaped by water erosion, Taburiente and Las Angustias offer beautiful sceneries for today’s walk.
Option 1 - Las Angustias Canyon
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,230 ft (380m)
Descent: 1,230 ft (380m)
The easier walkers start today from Las Angustias Canyon. We ascend following the river bed up to Dos Aguas and then to the ‘Cascada de Colores’. We find pillow lavas, formed inside the ocean water, after some long uplifting movements, at 400m (1,300ft) above the sea level. We cross two water dams, still in use to water the extensive banana fields on the coast of Tazacorte and Argual, filled with debris from the erosion of the Caldera. From time to time, we need to hop from one side of the stream to the other in the middle of the high towering walls of the Barranco. We walk the same way down along Las Angustias Canyon back to the coach.
Option 2 - Los Brecitos - Taburiente - Las Angustias
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,150 ft (350m)
Descent: 3,950 ft (1,200m)
A further drive up the Hacienda del Cura twisting road leave the harder walkers in the scenic Mirador de Los Brecitos. On the first part of the walk, we snake through the forest down to Taburiente stream crossing bridges across small ravines and enjoying the views of the Caldera and the scent of old Canary pine trees along the path. After puddling in the stream, we head down the Reventón to the ‘Cascada de Colores’ and Dos Aguas, with views to the iconic Roque Idafe. From there, we also play hopping the stream of Las Angustias side to side and continue along the Canyon downhill until we reach the coach.
Last day, we are rewarded with exhilarating walks to reach the top of the island, the Roque de Los Muchachos, 2,426m (7,960ft) above the sea level. This area above the pine tree level offers stunning views over the clouds and as far as Mount Teide in Tenerife. The summit is also home to one of the most important astrophysical observatories worldwide and to many international telescopes such as the largest telescope on Earth, GRANTECAN, and some British ones with familiar names: Liverpool Telescope or Isaac Newton Telescope, located here due to the ‘dark skies’ of La Palma.
Option 1 - Pico de la Cruz to Roque de Los Muchachos
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 1,300 ft (400m)
Descent: 900 ft (280m)
Taburiente rim. Almost 2,000m (6,500ft) below there is Taburiente stream. The erosion has unearthed superb lava dikes and the vegetation try to find ways to survive here all year long. We pass near some of the telescopes before reaching the top of La Palma, Roque de Los Muchachos, and walk to the very end of the path, where we can imagine flying like a red-billed chough.
Option 2 - Pico de la Nieve to Roque de Los Muchachos
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 3,280 ft (1000m)
Descent: 1,480 ft (450m)
The hard walkers start today climbing up, overpassing the pine forest line, to reach Pico de Las Nieves, where the Caldera opens suddenly immense and overwhelming. From there, a gently ascent, but undulating, following the Caldera’s rim, takes us to Pico de Piedra Llana, Pico de la Cruz and, finally, a well-deserved, Roque de Los Muchachos.
We take you back to the airport for your flight home. Hasta la vista La Palma! We hope to see you soon.

Parador de La Palma - La Palma
The Parador de la Palma is located in an area of great scenic beauty, close to the capital of the island. The Parador building is newly-constructed with traditional Canary Island architecture. It has an extensive garden of 44 hectares, home to native plants and fruit trees allowing pleasant walks along several paths where the plants are identified by their scientific names. There are stupendous views over the Atlantic Ocean at this very special location.
Rooms
The Parador has 78 comfortable en-suite rooms, some with sea views from their balconies as well as air conditioning and satellite television.
The rooms are comfortably furnished with TV, telephone, room safe (free), Wi-Fi (free), en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, hairdryer and minibar (charged).
About your stay
Inside, the reception leads to a central courtyard garden with shaded seating all around. A large bar area leads to an elegant dining room serving traditional Canary Island produce. At the reception there is a small shop selling essentials.
As well as offering a high standard of comfort, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool (seasonal) and seating, a sauna and gym.
The Parador is set within 44 hectares of tropical gardens, with avacado trees and native plants. This makes a delightful walk in the evening with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
There is a comfortable sitting room and large bar area with seating. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and bedrooms.
Food & drink
Our holidays at La Palma are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.
Breakfast
The buffet breakfast consists of wide selection of breads, jams, fresh and stewed fruit, cereals, fruit juices, cheese and cold meats, tea and coffee. There are also hot breakfast options available.
Lunch (payable locally)
You may prefer to buy ingredients for your picnic lunch locally in nearby Breña Baja. On some days it may be possible to visit shops on the walk, or eat in a local café; your leaders will advise you of the options.
Evening meal
The restaurant specialises in preparing local dishes but does have international dishes on the menu (there is also a special gluten free menu). Recommended dishes include watercress or chickpea broth made with varied meats. Also recommended are the fresh, grilled or parboiled fishes, served with a good ”mojo” (typical Canary Island sauce).
Dinner is a 3-course meal served at your table.
Drinks
The hotel has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits
Your evenings
The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening. Your leaders will give you information on the area and the choice of walks for the next day. You may like to relax in the hotel lounge and socialise with your fellow walkers.

Getting to Parador de La Palma - La Palma
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | ||||||||
25 Jan - 01 Feb 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
01 Feb - 08 Feb 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
29 Feb - 07 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,724 Double from £1,479 pp |
from £1,479 pp |
from £1,724 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
07 Mar - 14 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,764
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire |
from £1,764 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
14 Mar - 21 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £1,764 Double from £1,519 pp |
from £1,519 pp |
from £1,764 |
Trip Notes | Book Now |
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | ||||||||
25 Jan - 01 Feb 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
01 Feb - 08 Feb 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
29 Feb - 07 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,514 Double from £1,269 pp |
from £1,269 pp |
from £1,514 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
07 Mar - 14 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,624
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire |
from £1,624 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
14 Mar - 21 Mar 2024 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,624 Double from £1,379 pp |
from £1,379 pp |
from £1,624 |
Trip Notes | Book Now |
Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes return flights to La Palma Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Regional flights: Please click BOOK NOW to view alternative UK airports
- Our airport taxi service operates at this resort – price available on request
- Independent travellers can join our transfer from La Palma Airport: £12pp one way
7 nights
from
£1,479pp
with flights
Winter sun
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here