> Cross the volcanic ridges of La Palma
> Stay in cozy hotels and guesthouses
> A rewarding adventure for intermediate hikers
Known as “La Isla Bonita,” La Palma is the greenest and most dramatic of the Canary Islands. The 6-day La Palma Trail takes you from the colorful streets of Santa Cruz, across the Ruta de los Volcanes, and through landscapes shaped by fire and forest. Think pine-covered slopes, black lava fields, and sweeping views of the Atlantic at every turn.
This trek is designed for hikers with some experience who are ready for longer days on the trail. The routes are well-marked, the terrain varied, and every evening ends with a comfortable bed and a hearty meal waiting for you. We’ve organized your stays before, during, and after the trek—so all you need to do is lace up and enjoy the island.
It’s the adventurous side of island life—volcanoes on the horizon, salt in the air, and a trail that shows you the wild beauty of La Palma.
You leave Santa Cruz de La Palma and quickly rise above the capital. The Atlantic sparkles at your back while the rooftops and balconies of the city grow smaller below. Soon, the noise of the port fades and the trail leads you into pine forests and volcanic slopes.
The path winds along the ridge of Cumbre Vieja, where every turn offers a new view: to the east, the island’s coastline and the endless sea; to the west, the green valleys opening towards La Caldera de Taburiente. The air is filled with the scent of pine and the crunch of black volcanic ash underfoot.
As you walk, you pass ancient stone mounds, mountain viewpoints, and landscapes shaped by eruptions of long ago. It feels both raw and timeless — nature’s power written into the land itself. Breaks become excuses to take it all in, to let the silence of the volcanoes surround you.
By the afternoon, the descent towards El Paso begins. The little town sits quietly in the shadow of the mountains, a place of rest and recovery. Here, the trail pauses, and you end the day in comfort, ready for the next stage of your volcanic journey.
Your day begins with a short taxi ride up to Refugio El Pilar, the trailhead of the famous Ruta de los Volcanes. Here, the pines rise tall and the air feels lighter, the perfect starting point for today’s adventure.
The path leads you straight onto the volcanic ridge. The forest soon opens to reveal a dramatic landscape of craters and cones, each telling the story of eruptions that shaped La Palma. Resin from the pines mixes with the dry scent of ash, and every step takes you deeper into the island’s wild heart.
As you follow the ridge south, the scenery constantly changes. Shaded woodland gives way to black lava fields, where silence reigns except for the wind. Volcán de San Martín stands proud on the horizon, its slopes a striking reminder of the island’s fiery soul.
Towards the evening, you descend into Los Canarios, a lively village surrounded by vineyards and volcanic soil. After a full day on the ridge, the warmth of the town feels like a welcome embrace — a perfect place to rest, recharge, and taste the southern spirit of La Palma.
You leave Los Canarios behind and step onto a quieter stretch of the Ruta de los Volcanes. Vineyards and low stone walls frame your path as you head north, and the morning light spreads across the island’s southern slopes.
The trail leads you past old lava fields, their black rock softened by green shrubs and wildflowers that have slowly claimed the land. Above you, volcanic peaks like San Martín and Deseada rise proudly, their silhouettes etched against the sky. It’s a landscape shaped by fire, but softened by time.
Soon the views shift once again. To the east, the Atlantic glimmers in the distance, while to the west, ridges fall away into deep valleys. The contrast between fertile farmland and the raw volcanic slopes makes every turn of the path feel alive with stories.
By the afternoon, you descend gently into El Pueblo, a peaceful village where the rhythm of island life feels unhurried. After days on the volcanic ridge, the quiet streets and simple charm of the town are a welcome change — a perfect place to rest before the journey continues.
You leave the quiet charm of El Pueblo and set off towards the island’s capital. The path begins gently, winding past farmland and terraced slopes where the rhythm of rural life still lingers. As you climb and descend through this landscape, the Atlantic stays close by, a constant shimmer on the horizon.
The trail leads you past small hamlets and viewpoints where the island reveals itself in layers: green ridges, volcanic peaks in the distance, and the endless blue sea. Along the way, you may catch the scent of citrus groves or hear the rustle of palm leaves in the wind — reminders that life here has always balanced between mountain and ocean.
As you approach Santa Cruz, the landscape shifts once more. The cobbled streets and colorful balconies of the capital come into view, framed by the backdrop of the Atlantic. After days of volcanoes, ridges, and valleys, the lively harbor town welcomes you back with open arms.
Tonight you rest in Santa Cruz de La Palma. Tomorrow marks your final day on the island — a moment to reflect on the trails you’ve walked before beginning your journey home.
The last day has arrived. After a good night’s sleep, check out of the hotel and continue the rest of your trip. With La Palma’s trails still fresh in your mind, you leave the island carrying memories of volcanoes, forests, and ocean views — an adventure that will stay with you long after you return home.
