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Walking the Trails of La Palma

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    W07PA
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided walking
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • From $1550per person, tour only
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Optional Upgrades
  • Half Board
  • Transfers available at a supplement for tour only packages
  • Excellent choice for
  • Flora & fauna, coastal routes, high peaks, island exploring
      from 8 reviews

PANTHER says...
Headwater booked the trip but the hotel actually provided were different than reality. Having arrived expecting Hotel Homiday time we were then told ...
Read reviews »

Spain: The Canary Isles

Discover the diverse scenery on the volcanic island of La Palma

  • Fantastic walking across dramatic volcanic terrain
  • Spectacular views reaching as far as Mount Teide on Tenerife
  • Try local delicacies such as miel de palma (palm honey) and rum made on the island

La Palma, nicknamed La Isla Bonita (the pretty Isle), is a relatively unheard of volcanic island in the western Canaries. For its small size it features a vast amount of diverse scenery, from dense cloud forest to volcanic landscapes with twisted rock formations and black sand beaches.

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.

This walking itinerary is designed to take advantage of the island's well waymarked paths. These start on the eastern side of La Palma, follow the coast to the north and then finally head south across the great Caldera which dominates the island.

Please note routes may vary dependent on the recent volcanic activity on the island.

Your accommodation has been carefully chosen to provide a friendly and comfortable base for your week long walking holiday, with all luggage and walking transfers needed included for you.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com



We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: Start Santa Cruz

Arrive into La Palma and take an airport transfer to your hotel in the capital. Have a wander around the pretty town, which is famous for its iconic balconies and its lively cafe and restaurant scene, before stopping for dinner somewhere.
Hotel Galeon or Banana Garden, breakfast included

Day 2: Coastal path to San Andres (15km/9.3mi)

After a short 15 min transfer to Puntallana, today's walk follows the GR130 long-distance coastal path that runs across La Palma, through dramatic barrancos (ravines) with stunning coastal views. You will walk through citrus groves, avocado and mango orchards, small vineyards and banana plantations, arriving in the pretty village of San Andres, one of the first colonial towns on the island. Take some time to explore the cobbled streets and houses in the historic quarter, visit one of the oldest churches on the island, enjoy a side visit to a local rum factory or take a dip in the seawater pools at Charco Azul. Taxi transfer to your hotel.
Hotel Galeon or Banana Garden, breakfast included

Day 3: Los Sauces to Barlovento (10km/6.2mi)

After breakfast and a short taxi transfer, begin to walk uphill to Los Sauces, a small town with a vibrant atmosphere on the north east coast. Enjoy negotiating the dramatic 'Barranco de Herradura', and then ascend just over 500m through several small villages to reach Barlovento (meaning 'fresh breeze') a village which enjoys breathtakingly beautiful sea views.
Hotel La Palma Romantica, breakfast included

Day 4: 'Dragon Trees Forest' to Barranco de Franceses (13km/8.1mi)

From Barlovento, follow a path through the ‘Dragon Trees Forest’, across undulating coastline with spectacular views towards the cliffs. Navigate a series of barrancos to reach Los Gallegos, and then descend to sea level, crossing the dramatic Barranco de Franceses before ascending to the pretty village of Franceses; At the end of the walk, take the public bus (fare included) back to Barlovento.
Hotel La Palma Romantica, breakfast included

Day 5: El Tablado to Roque de Faro and back to Barvolento (10km/6.2mi)

After a short transfer this morning you use ancient paths to discover the far north of La Palma, one of the most unspoiled parts of the island. Walk across the Barranco de Los Hombres, a spectacular steep-sided gorge, to reach the tiny hamlet of El Tablado. Then a steep ascent to yet another tiny hamlet, Roque del Faro, before taking a public bus (fare included) back to your hotel in Barlovento.
Hotel La Palma Romantica, breakfast included

Day 6: GR131 route along the rim of the crater Caldera de Taburiente (13km/8.1mi)

Today you take a transfer (1 hour) to walk an exciting section of the GR131 route from the highest point of the island, Roque de los Muchachos, along the rim of the crater Caldera de Taburiente, to the Pico de la Nieve. The route has breathtaking views across the island and the high mountain paths twist and turn across the rocky landscape. In the distance it is possible to see the peak of Mount Teide on Tenerife, emerging from the horizon, 3750m above sea level. After a soft descent, your transfer takes you to the capital of Santa Cruz.
Hotel Galeon or Banana Garden, breakfast included

Day 7: GR131 along the 'Ruta de Los Volcanes' (19km/11.8mi)

Take an unforgettable walk today along the ‘Ruta de Los Volcanes’. Here you navigate a series of volcanoes in the south of the island, with some of them having erupted only a few years ago. This is the longest walk of the trip, and although it involves a substantial descent it is a very popular and well-marked path, following the GR131 from beginning to end.
Hotel Galeon or Banana Garden, breakfast included

Day 8: Departure from Santa Cruz

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 España, Town Hall or the food market will be a perfect end to your La Palma experience before your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast

Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Banana Garden, Santa Cruz

Hair dryer icon NEARBY:

A lovely new hotel in Santa Cruz with 9 rooms, all individual in design and with ensuite bathrooms featuring rain showers. Breakfast is included and served in the lobby area which is also a coffee shop and bar, and there is complimentary tea and coffee in each room, as well as Wi-Fi throughout the property.

There is also a great roof terrace from which you can relax and watch the sun go down with a nice cold drink. Located in a great location with the beach and town on your doorstep, this is a great base for your holiday.


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel El Galeon, Santa Cruz

Hair dryer icon NEARBY:

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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel La Palma Romantica, Barlovento

Swimming Pool IconHair dryer icon NEARBY:

Hotel La Palma Romantica is a lovely mountain hotel, with panoramic views of the sea and the mountains and surrounded by the Laurisilva forest. The 40 rooms here are furnished in the Canarian style and have either a balcony or a terrace to enjoy the views. Rooms are equipped with heating, satellite TV, mini bar and safe (with a charge).

Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, free Wi-fi, free parking, outdoor pool, sun terrace, gardens, tennis court, table tennis, Spa with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, Sauna, and gym.

Travel

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


PANTHER, 27/04/2023

Headwater booked the trip but the hotel actually provided were different than reality. Having arrived expecting Hotel Homiday time we were then told actually it’s Galeon. Itinerary were incorrect. Guide didn’t arrive on first day. The walks were excellent and enjoyed. Hotel Romantica left no options other than hotel to eat. It tries to be fine dining which is not what you want after a long days walk resulting in large food bills.


Mr Wilcox, 26/01/2023

Weather in January was disappointing. Damp, cold and on the day we should have walked down from the highest point icy, so walking was prohibited.


Mrs Leverton, 22/12/2022

The majority of our trip was lovely, the only downside was our experience at Hotel Romantica, which was quite negative. The hotel was quite uncared for, in need of maintenance and modernisation, the public areas particularly had a musty feel and were dark. The owner was rude, we had queried the previous evening why our starter took an hour to arrive after we had sat down. The following morning, Christmas day, he confronted us aggressively, insisting it was half an hour, he didn't even bother with 'Good Morning'. This incident soured our stay at this hotel, he rarely acknowledged us for the remainder of our visit.

We enjoyed the walking, the routes and the Holiday Time hotel in Santa Cruz was delightful.


Mrs Craven, 08/09/2022

Headwater were really helpful and met our various requests. It was an excellent trip with varied walks which really give you a feel for the La Palma. Recommend you use the first walk to gague the timings suggested in the instructions, and use a map too. Take plenty of water and snacks as cafés along some routes are closed. Take a swim suit on the Charco Azul walk as the sea pools there are great, and a refreshing way to end the walk. Make sure you have your camera charged as the scenery is stunning!!!


Mrs Illing, 08/09/2022

Excellent walking trip on a beautiful scenic island


Mr Bennett, 28/04/2022

Should any changes be made to your accommodation, make sure that Headwater explain any differences between the original and new accommodation. The changes didn’t bother us but may bother some people (ie. Spar hotel with swimming pool was changed to a simple - albeit lovely B&B).


Mr Smith, 20/02/2020

An interesting island for walking with a good network of well signed footpaths. We enjoyed our week and everything went smoothly.


Mr Barrett, 21/11/2019

La Palma has some wonderful walks. Pretty, attractive landscape, varying from lush, verdant plantations at sea level to stark volcanic landscapes at 2,400m. There is nowhere flat on La Palma! Some of the walking is very strenuous, but quite spectacular as you walk up and down steep-sided barrancos. Day 4 is the equivalent of walking from sea level to the top of Snowdon in 12kms. The location of the accommodation and the combination of taxis and buses to get to and from walks works very well. Santa Cruz is picturesque and compact with plenty of good places to eat and drink.





Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels

Breakfasts daily

Briefing at the start of your holiday

Headwater navigation app for your smartphone


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

  • Apr 2024
  • May 2024
  • Jun 2024
  • Jul 2024
  • Aug 2024
  • Sep 2024
  • Oct 2024
  • Nov 2024
  • Dec 2024
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
4th Apr 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
Single supp: US$450
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11th Apr 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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18th Apr 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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25th Apr 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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2nd May 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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9th May 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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16th May 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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23rd May 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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30th May 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
6th Jun 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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13th Jun 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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20th Jun 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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27th Jun 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
4th Jul 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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11th Jul 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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18th Jul 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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25th Jul 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
1st Aug 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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8th Aug 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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15th Aug 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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22nd Aug 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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29th Aug 2024 US$1550 US$450 Tour only: US$1550
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
5th Sep 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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12th Sep 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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19th Sep 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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26th Sep 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
3rd Oct 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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10th Oct 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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17th Oct 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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24th Oct 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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31st Oct 2024 US$1745 US$450 Tour only: US$1745
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
7th Nov 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
Single supp: US$450
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14th Nov 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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21st Nov 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
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28th Nov 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
Single supp: US$450
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
5th Dec 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
Single supp: US$450
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12th Dec 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
Single supp: US$450
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19th Dec 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
Single supp: US$450
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26th Dec 2024 US$1655 US$450 Tour only: US$1655
Single supp: US$450
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Holiday details

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
Please contact us for child prices.

Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.

Departures
Thursdays from 4th Apr 2024 to 26th Dec 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.

Meals
Breakfasts daily

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.

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