Walking on the Island of La Palma

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 2,300 ft (700m)

Descent: 3,280 ft (1000m)

The harder walk also plunges into the dense laurel forest and ascends to Cubo de La Galga. Many native trees and birds can be seen and heard on our way through the ravine bed. From La Galga, we descend to San Bartolomé enjoying the views over the northeast of the island until we 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.

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.

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.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)

Ascent: 80 ft (25m)

Descent: 2,460 ft (750m)

After a stop at the visitor centre of Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the easier walkers head to the start of the walk, where we will also learn more about the last volcanic eruption in 2021, creating Tajogaite Volcano. The area is covered by volcanic ash - some pine trees have survived to tell their tale, thanks to their fire resistance and resilience; others have dried out or burn. As we walk closer to the steamy Tajogaite volcano, yellow mineral patches can be seen near the crater and the wind blows from time to time the smell of sulphur. The descent takes us to Las Manchas, a residential area where we can see houses and roads engulfed by lava flows and ashes. We end the excursion at Caños de Fuego visitor centre. We explore this area where the lava flows of San Juan Volcano, erupted in 1949, created many lava tubes such as Cueva de Las Palomas and Cueva del Vidrio.

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.