Discover the rugged hiking paradise of La Palma
La Palma, nicknamed La Isla Bonita, is one of the greenest and most spectacular islands in the Canary Islands archipelago. Unlike the busy Tenerife or the sun-soaked Gran Canaria, La Palma offers tranquility, stunning nature, and an exceptionally well-maintained network of hiking trails. This island is not a destination for beach lovers, but a dream come true for hikers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts.
At Canary Hiking, we’ll guide you through 7 beautiful hiking routes on La Palma — ranging from jungle paths to volcanic plateaus and multi-day trekking adventures. Plus, we share useful tips to help you plan your perfect walking holiday.
🌴 Why Choose a Hiking Holiday on La Palma?
La Palma, the green Canary Island, is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. With over 1,000 kilometers of marked trails—ranging from volcanic ridges to misty laurel forests and rugged coastlines—the island offers incredible diversity within short distances. No mass tourism here, just peace, space, and pure nature—perfect for those seeking an active holiday in an authentic setting.
☀️ 1. Ideal Year-Round Hiking Climate
La Palma enjoys a subtropical climate, allowing you to hike comfortably all year round. Winter temperatures along the coast range between 18 and 24°C (64–75°F), while summers are pleasantly cool at higher altitudes.
The island features distinct microclimates: dry and sunny in the south, lush and humid in the north. This creates stunning landscape variety within small areas—ideal for hikers who love variety.
👉 Note: At higher peaks, like Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m / 7,959 ft), winter temperatures can drop significantly, and snow is common. Bringing warm layers and a windproof jacket ensures you stay comfortable while enjoying the breathtaking views even at altitude.
🌋 2. Breathtaking Landscapes and Unique Nature
Often called La Isla Bonita, La Palma lives up to its name. On your hikes, you’ll cross deep ravines (barrancos), volcanic craters, ancient laurel forests, and dramatic cliffs along the northern coast. In Caldera de Taburiente National Park, you even walk inside one of the world’s largest erosion craters.
🥾 3. Hiking Routes for Every Level
Whether you’re after a relaxed day walk or a multi-day trek, La Palma has trails for all abilities—from families to seasoned mountain hikers. The routes are excellently marked and well maintained. Popular trails include the Ruta de los Volcanes, the GR131, and the Camino Real del Norte.
🚶♂️ 4. Walk in Peace and Quiet
Unlike the busier Canary Islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria, La Palma remains relatively undiscovered. It’s common to walk for hours without seeing another person. The silence, fresh mountain air, and stunning vistas create a deep connection with nature.
🧭 5. Full Support from Canary Hiking
Planning a hiking holiday doesn’t have to be complicated. Canary Hiking offers ready-made hiking packages on La Palma—from guided day tours to multi-day treks with luggage transfer, transfers, and accommodation included. This way, you can relax and enjoy everything the island has to offer—at your own pace.
# 1. Ruta de los Volcanes
Distance:
- Linear route: approx. 18 km (Refugio El Pilar → Faro de Fuencaliente)
- Short circular walk: approx. 6 km (around San Antonio & Teneguía)
- Long circular walk: approx. 13–15 km (around Las Deseadas and back via El Pilar)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Start point: Refugio El Pilar or Fuencaliente
An iconic hiking route crossing a chain of active and dormant volcanoes in southern La Palma. You’ll walk over ash fields, rugged lava flows, and past craters from recent and ancient eruptions. The views along the way are vast: on one side the Atlantic Ocean, on the other the mountain ridge of the Cumbre Vieja.
The linear route runs from Refugio El Pilar to the southern tip at Faro de Fuencaliente. This is a classic day hike but requires transport (shuttle or taxi) at the start or end.
👉 Prefer a circular hike without arranging transport? Two excellent options are:
* Short circular walk (approx. 6 km): Start at the Volcán de San Antonio visitor center. Walk around the San Antonio crater, visit the youngest volcano Teneguía (eruption in 1971), and return via lava fields and vineyards. Perfect if you’re short on time but want to experience the essence of the volcanic landscape.
* Long circular walk (approx. 13–15 km): Start from Refugio El Pilar, climb to the summit of Las Deseadas (the highest point of the Cumbre Vieja), and return via a different route past volcanic craters and pine forests. This is a physically demanding but exceptionally beautiful circuit.
# 2. Caldera de Taburiente
- Distance: approx. 15 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start point: Los Brecitos
This route takes you to the heart of La Palma: a massive erosion crater over 1,500 meters deep. You’ll descend between steep cliffs, pine forests, and gently flowing streams. The highlight is the Cascada de Colores, a colorful waterfall that truly lives up to its name.
👉 Important: Access to the national park requires a permit. It’s free to apply for, but the number of visitors per day is limited. Want to avoid the hassle? Book a guided tour with Canary Hiking.
# 4. Roque de los Muchachos – Hiking on the Roof of La Palma
- Elevation: 2,426 meters (highest point on La Palma)
- Distance: 3–15 km, depending on the chosen route
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Start point: Parking lot at the summit, or further along the crater rim
Roque de los Muchachos is literally the highest point on La Palma — and it truly feels like the roof of the world. On clear days, you’ll look out over a sea of clouds with the silhouettes of neighboring islands Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera above. But it’s not just the views that make this place special.
You stand at the edge of the giant Caldera de Taburiente erosion crater, with stunning panoramas of steep mountain walls. This is also home to one of the most important observatories in the Northern Hemisphere: the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, where scientists from all over the world study La Palma’s starry skies.
🚶♂️ Hiking Options
Several trails run around the summit:
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Short loop (approx. 3–5 km): Perfect for those who want to enjoy the views at a relaxed pace with little elevation change. This route takes you along the crater rim with breathtaking viewpoints.
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Full-day hike along the crater rim (approx. 12–15 km): A spectacular route for more experienced hikers, heading towards Pico de la Nieve or Pico de la Cruz. You’ll walk narrow mountain paths high above the Caldera — thrilling and unforgettable.
👉 Note: Weather can change quickly here. In winter, snow is common and temperatures can drop sharply, so warm clothing and wind protection are essential.
✨ Canary Hiking Tip:
Want something special? Plan your visit to Roque de los Muchachos at sunrise or sunset — or book an evening stargazing tour. La Palma’s skies are officially certified as a Starlight Reserve. (Available through Canary Hiking)
# 5. Los Tilos & Nacientes de Marcos y Cordero – An Adventure Along Water and Tunnels
- Distance: approx. 12–14 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Start point: Casa del Monte (accessible by 4×4 taxi) or Los Tilos (longer route)
This hike is a true classic on La Palma — and for many, the most thrilling hiking adventure on the island. The route crosses the Los Tilos biosphere reserve, one of the few places in Europe where you can still walk through original laurel cloud forest.
The best-known version starts at Casa del Monte, reachable by a rugged 4×4 taxi ride through the mountains. From there, you follow the irrigation canal towards the legendary Nacientes de Marcos y Cordero: natural springs flowing from the rock face. Along the way, you walk through 13 damp tunnels, some pitch dark — so always bring a strong flashlight and a rain jacket!
🌿 The path winds through ferns, moss-covered walls, misty patches, and babbling streams. Sometimes you hear nothing but flowing water and your own footsteps. The combination of tropical microclimate, spelunking elements, and spectacular scenery makes this an unforgettable trek.
👉 Alternative: If you start at the Los Tilos visitor center below, you hike the entire route uphill to the springs and then back down — a tougher trek of about 18 km with significant elevation gain.
Nacientes de Marcos y Cordero are currently open to the public but with some restrictions. Due to ongoing maintenance in the Los Tilos Forest, only the shorter route covering the springs and tunnels is available. The full route, including the descent back to Los Tilos, is temporarily closed. Additionally, the trail is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance work. Visitors can only reach Casa del Monte by 4×4 vehicle; private cars are not allowed.
For up-to-date information on accessibility and possible route changes, it’s recommended to contact the Los Tilos visitor center or local guides in advance.
🚶♀️ Canary Hiking Tip: You can also book this hike as a guided excursion via our website.
# 6. Las Tricias & Buracas – Hiking Among Dragon Blood Trees and Caves
- Distance: approx. 7.5 km
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start point: Church square of Las Tricias (Tijarafe)
Welcome to one of the most timeless corners of La Palma. The Las Tricias hike is a stunning route through the lush northwest of the island, where nature, history, and alternative lifestyles come together in a unique way.
Starting from the peaceful mountain village of Las Tricias, you descend along an ancient royal path into the Buracas valley. Here, you’ll find impressive dragon blood trees — a rare species native only to the Canary Islands. Some of these trees are hundreds of years old and look like they’ve stepped straight out of a myth.
The trail passes prehistoric cave dwellings and rock carvings left by the island’s original inhabitants, the Benahoarites. Even today, people live in this rugged and remote landscape, often in caves or self-built houses — far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Many lead a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle inspired by ecology, spirituality, and freedom.
🧺 Local charm: handmade treasures in wooden boxes
Along the path near Buracas, you may come across small wooden boxes or stalls, often decorated with flowers or stones. Inside, you’ll find handmade items created by local residents — think bracelets, stone amulets, sachets with herbs, dried fruits, or small artworks made of wood and lava.
There is no vendor present — this works purely on trust. You’re welcome to take something and leave a small donation in the designated jar. Often there’s a heartfelt note or a smile in words accompanying these treasures.
💚 These little boxes perfectly reflect the alternative and free-spirited character of this region, where people live in harmony with nature and gladly share their creativity with passersby.
☕ Along the way, you’ll find local resting spots like the organic Aloe Vera terrace, where you can taste homemade juices and pastries — all pure nature, just like the hike itself.
👉 Canary Hiking Tip: Want to extend your walk? After the hike, drive further down to Porís de la Candelaria, a hidden fishing village nestled beneath a huge cliff. The drive alone is spectacular.
Please note: Some sections of the trail may occasionally be closed due to maintenance work. For the latest information on trail accessibility and guided tours, it’s best to contact local guides or the La Palma tourist office.
# 7. Camino Real del Norte – Rugged Cliffs, Quiet Villages & Untamed Wilderness (Multi-Day Trek)
- Distance: approx. 25–40 km (in stages or as a multi-day trek)
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start point: Puntagorda or Garafía
- End point: Barlovento
The Camino Real del Norte is one of La Palma’s most rugged and breathtaking hiking routes — yet one of the least traveled. This historic royal road once connected isolated mountain villages in the north with the rest of the island. Today, it’s a trek for adventurous hikers seeking to experience raw, authentic La Palma — far from asphalt, tourists, and Wi-Fi.
The trail winds along steep coastal cliffs, abandoned agricultural terraces, and deep ravines dominated by chestnut trees and laurel forests. At many points, you walk literally above the ocean, with uninterrupted views over the churning blue Atlantic. The combination of elevation changes, little shade, and long stages makes this trek physically demanding — but the rewards are unparalleled.
🏞️ Along the way, you’ll pass sleepy hamlets like Don Pedro and El Tablado, where time seems to stand still. Imagine old stone walls, goats on the slopes, and the occasional chat with a local farmer. The flora here is equally impressive: native ferns, viñátigos, and viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas.
🌿 Peace, space, and silence are the keywords. This is La Palma in its rawest form — unpolished and wild. The route isn’t technically difficult but requires stamina and preparation. If you have a fear of heights, this trek is not recommended.
👉 Canary Hiking Tip: This route is perfect for a 2-3 day trekking adventure. We can arrange overnight stays in small-scale accommodations, luggage transfers (for an additional fee), and transport between stages. All you have to do is enjoy the nature, the rhythm of your steps, and the ocean breeze.
For bookings or more info about the multi-day trek, contact us via WhatsApp or the contact form.
Why Choose a Hiking Holiday on La Palma?
Imagine walking for hours through ever-changing landscapes. One moment you’re on a volcanic ridge overlooking black lava fields, the next you’re stepping into a misty laurel forest scented with damp earth and eucalyptus. And the best part? You hardly meet another soul.
La Palma remains a true gem for hikers. No mass tourism, no crowds — just nature in its purest form. Thanks to the well-maintained network of GR hiking trails, you can cross the island from coast to coast. The routes are clearly marked, range from easy to challenging, and take you through every imaginable landscape.
You can choose to explore on your own with a map or GPS, or be guided by an experienced local who shares insights about the island’s plants, geology, and culture along the way.
🧭 Practical Tips for Your Hiking Holiday
📅 Best Time to Visit:
For the best hiking conditions, plan your trip between March and June or September to November. Winters are mild at lower altitudes, but expect cold weather — and even snow — on higher peaks like Roque de los Muchachos.
🎒 What to Bring:
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Layered clothing (including a warm jacket for higher altitudes)
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Plenty of water
GPS device or hiking app with downloaded routes
🚗 Getting to the Trails:
The easiest way to explore La Palma is by renting a car, which gives you access to remote trailheads.
🔍 Canary Hiking Recommendations:
* Download GPX routes in advance — mobile coverage isn’t guaranteed everywhere
* Contact us for local guides to enrich your hikes with stories and knowledge
* Pick routes that suit your fitness and experience — some trails are technically demanding or long
Whether you prefer short walks with stunning views or multi-day treks through pristine wilderness, La Palma is an island that keeps surprising. At every altitude. In every season. On every trail.
➡️ Let Canary Hiking help you create the perfect hiking holiday. We know the paths, the people, and the secrets of La Palma. 🥾🌿
🌍 Want to learn more or plan your hiking holiday together?
Are you inspired by the hiking trails on La Palma and ready to explore — but want to be well prepared? Or are you looking for a reliable guide, a tailor-made hiking program, or just practical tips?
Canary Hiking is the specialist in hiking holidays on La Palma. We know the island, we know the trails, and we love to share our passion for this unique destination with you. Whether you prefer a relaxed day hike or a challenging multi-day trek, we’re here to help you get started.
📩 Contact us:
📧 Email: info@canary-hiking.com
🌐 Website: www.canary-hiking.com
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Let us know what you’re looking for — and we’ll make sure your hiking experience on La Palma becomes unforgettable.
