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The 11 most beautiful hikes to do in La Palma

The hike in La Palma is one of the most important activities of the island: natural and preserved, it is a true paradise for hikers.

Far from the mass tourism cliché that sometimes sticks to the Canary Islands, La Palma, the most Western archipelago, still seems a bit apart. We go there more to walk than to the farniente in large hotels, even if some seaside resorts allow you to enjoy the ocean as well.

Marked by its high volcanic terrains, La Palma peaks at 2,426 metres above sea level at the Roque de los Muchachos, while still largely covered by forests, partly protected by the Caldeira de Taburiente National Park. La Palma offers hikers of all hairs an absolutely magnificent setting of walks.

Thanks to many walking trails, it is possible to cover much of La Palma on foot: the soft climate makes it an attractive destination throughout the year. Beware of the heat peaks in the summer! With this selection of the most beautiful hikes in La Palma, all levels of walkers will find their happiness.

1. Ascension to Roque de los Muchachos

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 3h30
  • Distance 9.5 km
  • Denivelé 488 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

One of the most spectacular hikes in La Palma is the ascent of the top of the island, the Roque de los Muchachos. Thanks to the road, it is possible to get close enough to make this walk accessible without being a pro of hiking. Provide sticks, hat, and water reserve, the shadow is rare at this altitude!

Indeed, this ridge trail punctuated with multiple stunning views of the immense Caldeira de Taburiente, La Palma, the Canary Islands and the Atlantic, still climbs to 2,426 metres high. The panorama is memorable!

2. The Cubo Forest of Galga

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 3h30
  • Distance 8.5 km
  • Denivelé 675 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

You are certain to enjoy the benefits of a shady trail with this hike of La Palma that runs through the laurisilva or laurisylve. This subtropical forest, typical of the Canary Islands and particularly present on the island, plunges you into the ancestral decor of La Palma.

Hiking in loop, sometimes wet, it does not have any particular difficulty, with yet a good little denive. What to do a nice half day trip!

3. Mounted to the Cascada de Los Colores

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 4h
  • Distance 11.1 km
  • Denivelé 629 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

This beautiful hike from La Palma leads you to an iconic site of the island, the Cascada de Los Colores. At the end of the path that climbs to the bottom of a deep ravine, ferruginous water flows on a volcanic wall, creating a surprising multicolor effect. The more water flows, the more effect the site makes, such as spring.

The trail is widely borrowed by many hikers and remains easily accessible as a whole, especially since the ravine creates a welcome shadow on the days of heat. Some passages need to pass through the shallow watercourse, and thus sometimes to rise.

4. Teneguia volcano from Fuencaliente Light

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 3h
  • Distance 8.5 km
  • Denivelé 456 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

Change of area with this hike in La Palma taking place at the southern tip of the island. The departure is in Faro de Fuencaliente, on the seaside. A better way to tackle the 437 meters of positive denial to climb to reach the emblematic Teneguia volcano. On the Cumbre Vieja, a line of ancient volcanoes of La Palma, the landscape becomes dark and lunar, sharp with the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean.

Itinerary in loop appreciated by hikers, do not hesitate to get on your way early in the morning, which also avoids the hottest hours. Sun protection and good shoes are rigorous.

5. The Dragonniers of the road to Las Tricias

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 1h45
  • Distance 4.2 km
  • Denivelé 300 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

At the start of Las Tricias, all in the northwest of La Palma, here is a route that is both short and pleasant to go, with the final climb, steeper after the initial descent.

Throughout this beautiful hike in La Palma, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean, for breathtaking views. Curiosities of the course, the Dragonniers of the Canary Islands, plants in the form of increasingly rare parasols, have the reputation here to be more than a hundred years old!

6. The miradores of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 1h
  • Distance 3.1 km
  • Denivelé : 117 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

miradores (in Spanish) mean unbeatable points of view, and the large national park of the Caldeira de Taburiente counts a number! With this high-flying hike in La Palma, at an average altitude of 1,300 meters, we chain the miradores to be full of eyes throughout the course, with in order, the Mirador de La Cumbrecita, the Mirador Lomo de Las Chozas and the Mirador de Los Roques.

Route and parking allow you to reach the beginning of the hike without problems. Itinerary popular with walkers, you cross the world on the way if you leave at peak times: think about it by preparing your exit!

7. Ascension of the Pic de la Nieve

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 2 hours
  • Distance 6.1 km
  • Denivelé : 368 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

It may not be the top of La Palma, but the Pico de la Nieve still peaks at 2,232 metres above sea level. This ensures that you have a great view on both sides of the island, on the Atlantic side to the west, on the Canary Islands archipelago to the east. This panorama is renowned as one of the most beautiful in La Palma.

Like most of the hikes in La Palma, of course expect to climb a minimum to reach this summit. Be well equipped, even if the route is easily accessible by the quality of the beacon and the width of the return path. To be done without apprehension.

8. Walk in the forest of Los Tilos

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 2h40
  • Distance 5.6 km
  • Denivelé 523 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

On the foothills of the Caldeira de Taburiente, the forest of Los Tilos is one of the natural sites not to be missed in La Palma. Over this wet throat is still getting a nice sample of laurisilva type of endemic and primitive forest in the Canary Islands. The Los Tilos information centre, where the walk starts, allows you to learn more about this amazing vegetation.

Then we go to practice along this hike in La Palma, which meets great success because of its beauty (the forest, but also waterfalls and waterfall at the end of the itinerary) and its accessibility. Choose your walking schedule accordingly to avoid the world.

9. The cultural reserve of La Zarza

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 4h40
  • Distance 11.7 km
  • Denivelé 776 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

This superb hike in La Palma is aimed at a crowd of seasoned hikers, both in terms of kilometers to go and accumulated denial, but also sometimes, to find its way.

One thing is certain, we are widely rewarded with his efforts after crossing the gorges starting at the Zarza cultural park. The vegetation, close to a real jungle, is luxuriant and exuberant when you follow the river bed (attention to slippery stones when water is present). The exit of the throat is done at the Oratorio San Miguel, before taking several beautiful miradores overlooking the sea, to reach the starting point of La Zarza.

10. Las Fuentes circular road

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 3h
  • Distance 7.5 km
  • Denivelé : 441 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

One of the advantages of this hike in La Palma is to be found not far from the capital of the island, Santa Cruz de La Palma. The starting point, in San Pedro de Brena Alta, is easily reached by car as well as by public transport (bus), for a pleasant exit half-day.

The looped route also makes it possible to return to its starting point, not without crossing the forest or agricultural landscapes, with in bonus beautiful views of the surroundings and Santa Cruz.

11. The Bejenado Pic from the Mirador of Cumbrecita

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 3h30
  • Distance 8.2 km
  • Denivelé 636 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

Finish this selection of the most beautiful hikes in La Palma with an ascent and a series of superb views, the great speciality of this well-cut volcanic island.

We are back in the Caldeira de Taburiente National Park, on a spectacular mountain-side path that will make you pass through the Mirador La Cumbrecita, in order to reach the Pico Bejenado, after an ascent of moderate difficulty.

Benjamin Foster

Benjamin Foster

I'm Benjamin Foster, an avid explorer forever enchanted by the world's wonders. Life's journey is my ultimate inspiration, filled with vibrant moments, from scaling mountain peaks to immersing myself in diverse cultures. Each destination holds a unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer thrill of exploration. Join me on this thrilling voyage, as we unveil the world's hidden treasures and create lasting memories that define our shared journey.

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