Road trip to La Palma: itinerary for one week

Road trip to La Palma: the best way to explore the most intense and contrasting Canary Islands.

Found with craters, a true incarnation of volcanic power, La Palma is a true force of nature. However, its drylands crushed by the sun in the South contrast completely with its green lands in the North. Millennial volcanoes like the most recent, newborn at the geological scale, leave room for dense forests and black sand beaches sprinkled with flower palms.

On the other hand, wherever you are, you will find the blue sapphire sea, warm and powerful winds, and Spanish culture. In short, a stay in La Palma offers a concentrate of beauties in just a few square kilometers. To travel, with emotions and feelings up to this intense island, opt for the road trip. Here is a route to La Palma, to customize according to your time and your desires.

1. Santa Cruz in Teneguía

Santa Cruz is a charming island capital although not attractive. A few elegant and paved streets, open houses on the sea, it is usually explored quickly.

We suggest you go to Fuencaliente de La Palma. You then discover the scale of the volcanic and lunar landscapes characteristic of La Palma. The true interest of Fuencaliente is the volcanic park of Teneguía. It is home to an exciting little museum but mostly impressive craters. Along the marked trails, you will surely cross many hikers who have come to discover iconic volcanoes but also the vines of malvoisie (the sweet flower of the island) that tap their flank.

In this southern end of La Palma, visit also the Fuencaliente lighthouse and the memorial to the Martyrs of the Brazil which encloses this rare monument on the island.

2. Fuencaliente in Puerto Naos

Continue your road trip to La Palma along the west coast, lined with banana plantations, towards Puerto Naos. This pretty little seaside resort, sprinkled with black sandy beaches, is the ideal starting point for leaving on the assault of the Caldera de Taburiente .

This said, before exploring this spectacular park, bubble along the small rosary of ebony berries stuck between the green shrines: it’s the kind of landscape that you don’t forget.

3. Puerto Naos at the Caldera de Taburiente in Los Llanos

Go on to the Caldera de Taburiente, the second unmistakable National Park in La Palma. Several walking options are possible. One of the most famous trails follows the bed of a stream, at the foot of a gorge with cyclopean dimensions. Nearly a kilometre and a half of the peaks appeared following the collapse and erosion of a slope of the Taburiente volcano.

This circular hike brings you to discover endemic biodiversity, microclimates, steep landscapes and traditional rum manufacturing. Even more, enjoy a swim in multi-coloured waterfalls, La Cumbrecita’s gazebo or a night sky observation.

Leave it. Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente , heading to Los Llanos for the night. The second capital of La Palma spreads around its welcoming central square and its laurels of India. Its ancient alleys are lined with typical houses, shops where it makes good chiner and pleasant little cafés. The village also opens on a few points of view above the canarian pines piercing the black lava and slags.

4. Los Llanos in Tijarafe in Las Tricias

Your route to La Palma will now take you north of the island, towards the Tijarafe. From this village there is a small steep road to an amazing marina. This former fishing village nestled in the hollow of the rock has survived the elements since 1588.

At the end of the day, go to the rural village of Las Tricias. Far from any urban and tourist development, this quiet town is an introduction to the flowers and traditional architecture of La Palma. This tiny hamlet is also the keeper of crafts and important archaeological sites.

5. Las Tricias, Cuevas de Buracas, Santo Domingo de Garafia

Enjoy the morning to lift the veil on the treasures of Las Tricias. Don't miss a walk in the middle of the dragons, a unique and unique plant species in the Canary Islands. The decor is as different as it is elegant: flowery almond fields, steep trails, traditional dwellings.

Point of pride of this part of your route to La Palma? The caves (cuevas) of Buracas: ancient habitats of the ancient Canary peoples. The opportunity to dive into the millennial history of the island and the pertroglyph enigmatics visible on the walls.

Take the road to the village of Santo Domingo de Garafia. A peaceful atmosphere floats along the old alleys and within historic buildings with beautiful courses. Here time stopped. What more charming place to put his suitcases?

6. Santo Domingo de Garafia in Los Sauces

The road that connects Garafia to Los Sauces is that of all superlatives. The term road trip in La Palma takes all its meaning: an incredible feeling of freedom invades you. Don’t hesitate to stop to enjoy the views from the viewpoints or to stretch your legs along the coastal paths. The spectacular views and steep slopes that fall into the ocean are breathtaking.

The village of Los Sauces is full of charms: a beautiful church, flowery balconies hung to the houses, thick bananas. However, its main asset remains its natural pools of Charco Azul. A unique experience in a natural temple dedicated to well-being. Combustion of enjoyment? You can take a small aperitif in the eponymous bar.

7. Los Sauces à Roque de los Muchachos

Close your road trip to La Palma by taking the south road and stop in the village of San Andrés. It'll probably be one of your favourites on your road trip to La Palma. Raise time along its rich centenary buildings, Renaissance facades, decorated balconies and paved alleys leading to the ocean.

Still full of energy at the end of your road trip to La Palma? We hope! Because you miss a must-see stage: Roque de los Muchachos. Extreme to almost 2 500 meters high , it is the highest point of the island.

At the top, the observatory at an institute of astrophysics houses the world’s largest optical telescope. This site, halfway between heaven and earth and reserved for scientists, opens its doors to visitors from time to time. In any case, walk long and wide in this protected area up to two vertiginous promontories overlooking the Caldera of Taburiente.

Did you know that Roque de los Muchachos forms a chain of rocky peaks crossed by several hiking trails? If you like to walk, follow the GR 131, close the ridges, pass the Mirador "Los Andenes" and the walls of the lava. You get to the top, much more proud than the ones that will arrive at the top thanks to their vehicle.