Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2 & 2+
Flights
available
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
La Palma, a lush, mountainous island in the Western Canaries measuring the equivalent of just 24 miles square offers attractive opportunities for walkers. Its diversity of landscapes constantly changes as you gain height or vary direction. There are forests of pine laurel, eucalyptus and meadows strewn with colourful wildflowers. Farming remains the bedrock of the economy with a wealth of almond groves, tobacco fields, banana plantations and vineyards. In contrast the island also features extensive evidence of volcanic activity with much to explore on foot including the enormous crater of the Caldera de Taburiente in the awe-inspiring and scientifically important National Park. The densely forested northern coast features magnificently rugged sea cliffs and spectacular gorges. You can enjoy exploring the picturesque small towns and villages dotted along the coast and inland.
Classics include the volcano route with a succession of mostly historic volcanoes; and a fine walk circling the Caldera de Taburiente often on its very rim. There is a host of other interesting routes including walks through idyllic scenes in the north with a blend of exotic farms next to thousand-year-old dragon trees; and a spectacular walk on the 'roof of the island' from Pico de la Cruz (2351m) to the highest point on La Palma Roque de las Muchachos (2426m).
Please note routes may vary dependent on the recent volcanic activity on the island and so the itinerary is a suggestion of what is available.
Your base for the week is either the Hotel El Galeon, the Hotel Las Olas or the Parador de la Palma on a breakfast only basis. Half board option is available on request at an extra charge.
Arrive into La Palma and our included airport transfer will take you to your hotel either in nearby Brena Baja, or in the capital Santa de la Cruz. Have a wander around the pretty town, which is famous for its iconic balconies and its lively cafe and restaurant scene.
You stay at Parador de La Palma, upgrade option or Hotel El Galeon or Hotel Las Olas, upgrade option.
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Pool
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Located in an area of incredible scenic beauty, the 4* Parador de La Palma is built in keeping with traditional Canary Islands architecture. Enjoy the outdoor pool and extensive botanical gardens with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. The elegant restaurant boasts wonderful traditional Canary Island products, as well as a variety of fresh fish.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe, air conditioning and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Breakfast is included and both half and full board are available at an extra supplement.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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This aparthotel is located by the harbour, approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the bustling town centre where you will find many of the buses. Each of the 25 apartments is well-equipped and most have beautiful sea views.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.
Breakfast is included here.
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AmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
Tea/coffee
Set facing the sea in Playa de Los Cancajos, the 4* Hotel Las Olas is modern, comfortable and conveniently located for exploring the island. Featuring a large swimming pool set within natural gardens and a solarium terrace overlooking the sea. Breakfast is a buffet with an excellent selection of international dishes and traditional Canarian specialities.
Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, most of which have a sea view with terrace or balcony.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Breakfast is provided here.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Take a taxi or public bus (payable locally) to begin today's walk. The vast majority of the route is along a dramatic section of the GR131 red and white waymarked route along the rim of the crater Caldera de Taburiente, the largest water erosion crater in the world. Enjoy spectacular views in fine weather as you see this famous crater surrounded by forests and deep ravines. We recommend you pre arrange a taxi ( payable locally) to take you back to your hotel.
This is a very impressive walk from north to south of a string of volcanoes in the south of the island. Though long, and involving a substantial descent at the end, it is an extremely popular walk. (All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
Though a fairly long walk, the first section is very straightforward along an almost level forest track through the dense laurisilva vegetation, commonly found at this altitude throughout the Canaries. In summer this will provide welcome shelter from the sun, in winter the mellow mists give the forest and eery, poetic quality. Upon reaching Pared Vieja an ancient partly cobbled Camino takes you up to the main Cumbre ridge, passing through the col at El Pilar, Then the whole nature of the walk changes as you descend steadily, through volcanic plains and magnificent pine forests to meet the main road near the Caldera visitor centre.(All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
This walk covers an interesting variety of ground in the north-east corner of the island. A long steep climb from the village, culminating in a dramatic view into the Barranco del Agua, is followed by a descent into the depths of the dark and shady Barranco de Herradura, where a head for heights is necessary in order to ascend the steep and vertiginous path to the north. (All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
This is a circular walk of two halves; firstly from La Cuesta to Barlovento via the coast and the thousands of acres of banana plantations where you can observe at close quarters how these are cultivated. This is also the energetic half with a steep drop down to the coast and a stiff climb up to Barlovento. The second half is from Barlovento back to La Cuesta, encountering a succession of barrancos, with the change in vegetation making it completely different in character.(All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
Today your route takes you to the far north of La Palma, which is one of the most unspoilt parts of the island and features deep gorges and small settlements high up on plateaux overlooking the sea. After a taxi transfer to Franceses you will descend the Barranco de la Cerea del Rio Hombre, a spectacular steep sided gorge, on centuries old paths, and then ascend to the tiny hamlet of El Tablado. Then onwards, a steep ascent to yet another tiny hamlet, Roque del Faro, one of the highest settlements of La Palma on the north side of the Caldera. (All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
If you have time before your flight, take a small walk around Santa Cruz. This fascinating town attracted Flemish merchants who built imposing town palaces, which today accommodate museums and boutiques. A walk along the Calle Real, visiting the Plaza de Espana, Town Hall or the food market will be a perfect end to your La Palma experience before your flight home. Transfer back to the airport is included.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2 & 2+
Flights
available
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
