6 Awesome Trails for Hiking in La Palma, Canary Islands
If you are looking for a top-notch hiking experience, the Canary Island of La Palma is the best you’re looking for. It’s said to be the steepest island in the world. So, be prepared for some strenuous slopes. But with reaching the highest peaks you’ll be rewarded with the best views when hiking in La Palma.
For many, La Palma is the best Canary Island to visit. With dense, green forests, steep ridges, a raw volcanic landscape, and breathtaking views, it’s one of the most incredible hiking destinations on the planet.
There are 850 kilometers of hiking trails on La Palma waiting for you! The island has long, challenging hikes. However, visitors will also find moderate and easy hikes. Many taking you through fairytale forests and along majestic volcanic crests.
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Things to know before Hiking in La Palma
Where is La Palma?
La Palma is part of the Canary Islands of Spain, located off the northwestern coast of Africa. The island of La Palma is best known for being the greenest of the archipelago.
When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
Due to the tropical climate of La Palma, hiking is a great activity all year round. But keep in mind that the winter can get cold, especially high up, so packing adequate clothing is required. In the summer, on the other hand, it gets very hot, so you will need extra water. The best time to visit the Canary Islands for hiking are spring and autumn as the temperatures are pleasant, so this is also when the trails will be busiest.
Do you need a guide to hike on La Palma?
Many travelers choose to hit La Palma hiking trails with a guide, but if you prefer to go on your own, it is perfectly doable. The island has a well-marked network of hiking trails. Plus, the most popular hikes are also frequented enough so that you will find your way by talking to other hikers.
If this sounds tempting, get ready to strap on your hiking boots and ensure you have all the hiking must haves packed! Read on to find out more about the absolute best hikes in La Palma.
6 Best Hikes in La Palma
1. The Volcano Trail
The Volcano Trail is one of the La Palma hikes that is a must. It is a linear one-way hike from El Pilar Visit Center to Fuencaliente Visitor Center. The trail takes you across the incredible lunar landscape past several of the island’s volcanoes.
At 17.2 kilometers, the Volcano Trail takes roughly 7 hours to complete it. So, make sure you start early, especially if you plan to stop often in the steep sections or take a lot of photos. This is a moderate hike with strenuous parts, so it should probably not be your very first hiking experience. You will find all the information you need to complete the route at El Pilar Visitor Center.
As you set off through a forest of Canary Island pines, you will soon reach the Brigoyo viewing point. Here, you can take a break and enjoy the sweeping views of the Los Llanos de Aridane Valley. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse of the Mt Bejenado Volcano.
Further, you will pass the epicenter of the eruption that happened in 1949 at Hoyo Negro before reaching El Duraznero Volcano with its still visible lava lake. Next up is the 1945-meter-high Las Deseadas Volcano, which is the highest one in Cumbre Vieja, along with the vast plains of Llano Guanches.
The last volcano you will pass before reaching the endpoint is Martín de Tigalate Volcano. This volcano erupted for the first time in the 17th century and stayed active for more than 80 years. Once you reach the Fuencaliente Visitor Center you can learn more about the San Antonio and Teneguía volcanoes that erupted there in the 17th and 20th centuries.
2. Cubo de La Galga Trail
Among the most beautiful hikes in La Palma is the 4-hour trail of Cubo de La Galga. It’s also the busiest! The hiking route is 12 kilometers long. But you can shave off some time by skipping the first section through the town. Instead, start directly at the circular forest route.
The route takes you through captivating fairytale forests, past glittering waterfalls, and mossy stone bridges. It is a dense and humid forest with an air of mystery which results in temperatures being cooler than elsewhere. Thus, make sure you bring a jacket even on a warm day as you might need it.
Cubo de La Galga trail is perfect for beginners hiking in La Palma. The trail is less demanding than other treks on the island, yet the beauty is indisputable.
3. La Cumbrecita Trail
La Cumbrecita Trail is an easy hike perfect for the entire family. One thing to note is that you must reserve parking upfront at La Cumbrecita car park. You can do that here. When you arrive, you show your reservation to the guard in the booth, either printed or on your phone.
This short route takes you to some of the most epic viewpoints of the Caldera de Taburiente crater. The crater spans a whopping 6.5 kilometers in diameter. The green canopies of the pine forest climbing up the multiple ravines get elegantly cut off by jagged mountain tops. This makes it an incredibly picturesque La Palma hike for minimal effort. With the constant magnificent views, you will be pleased to know there are several benches to sit down along the trail and take it all in. This is particularly handy if you walk with small children.
4. Cascada de Colores Trail
One of the most unique hikes in La Palma is the Cascada de Colores Trail in Caldera de Taburiente National Park. It is an easy to moderate there and back hike, which is 11 kilometers and will take you around 3 hours to complete. The hike starts from the Caldera de Taburiente parking lot.
The trail takes you through the magical Barranco de las Angustias gorge. Through the gorge you’ll walk along the river at the bottom for most of the hike.
The landscape changes consistently between green plants and giant volcanic boulders. At times, you will be walking along vertical gorge walls tightening in on the trail. While on other stretches it opens up and you will be rewarded with imposing views of the craggy peaks of the caldera.
At the end of the trail, you will be rewarded with the Cascada de Colores, which translated means the Waterfall of Colors. Once you see it, you will immediately realize where the name comes from. Behind the cascading water, the rock displays a rainbow of colors that reflect in the water.
The best time to do this hike is just after it has rained. This ensures the waterfall will be more powerful and the rainbow effect is more prominent.
5. Los Tilos – Espigón Atravesado
One of the most epic places for hiking in La Palma is in Las Nieves Natural Park. And specifically the trail from Los Tilos to Espigón Atravesado viewpoint where you will be rewarded with beautiful views of one of the greenest areas on the island. In fact, Los Tilos is one of the most prominent laurel forests in the Canary Islands archipelago.
The dense, untamed forest gives shelter to boundless biodiversity which is a privilege to walk in. About 10 minutes in, you can make a quick stop at the Los Tilos Waterfall.
Especially after heavy rainfall, this impressive waterfall, wrapped in lush greenery, is a must-see. During the entire trail you will be followed by the sounds of nature, water dripping, and birds singing.
The route is under 6 kilometers return. It takes 2 hours or less and the walk, which is rated easy, is mostly on a gravel road. However, there are some rocky sections. This makes it perfect for families and beginner hikers.
The trail between Los Tilos and Espigón Atravesado does slope uphill all the way to the viewpoint. But it is not steep. However, it is recommended to wear good hiking shoes. You can find information about the trail at the Los Tilos Information Center where the hike starts.
6. Roque de los Muchachos Trail
Starting at Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint, this is one of the most impressive La Palma hiking trails as it often impresses with epic cloud inversions. At the starting point, you also find one of the world’s most impressive telescope complexes, Roque de Los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory. In addition, there’s a lot to park your car.
From the viewpoint you can take in unbelievable views of the volcanic crater, which is 1,500 meters deep. The views mean that the hike takes your breath away even before it starts! On clear days, you will get sweeping views of the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
The trek is rated easy to moderate, which makes it popular for all, including families that want to see this impressive landscape. It is a linear out and back hike that takes you to the three peaks of Pico de la Cruz. The highest peak reaches 2351 meters of altitude, and in total, you will be hiking about 11 kilometers. Most hikers take between 4 and 5 hours to complete the entire hike. But feel free to add in extra time for photos as the scenery is totally otherworldly!
Due to the high altitude, it is important to wear various layers of clothes. It could be windy and cold or it might get very hot. Besides sturdy hiking shoes, make sure you bring a hat and sunscreen. The sun can be reckless at such an altitude.
Places to Stay on La Palma
There are a number of fabulous hotels on La Palma. Depending on where on the island you want to stay, you’ll find a variety of accommodations, some close to the hiking routes.
Banana Garden La Palma – This beautiful property is located in Santa Cruz. Along with being close to the beach, some of the suites offer balconies with views of the city or sea.
Hotel Hacienda de Abajo – Located in the heart of Tazacorte, this adult only hotel is close to the beach, has a heated outdoor pool, and garden. Plus, the hotel features a spa that’s perfect for after a hike.
Rivendell Centro de Arte y Retiro – Situated in El Paso, this lovely property is a great place to stay for hikers. The hotel is located at the start of Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
Start Planning Your La Palma Hiking Tour
With so many awesome hikes in La Palma, it’s the perfect place to plan a hiking vacation! And whether you plan to tackle a hiking in La Palma solo or with a tour, you’ll have the adventure of a life time!
Author Bio:
Jovita is a writer and photographer who fell in love with the Canary Islands after spending a year in Tenerife with her family a few years ago. Fast forward to today, she has visited all eight islands and is sharing her experience at Enjoy Canary Islands!
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