Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2 & 2+
Flights
available
Headwater
Navigation App
Measuring the equivalent of just 24 miles square, La Palma offers a wealth of attractive opportunities for walkers. Its diverse landscape constantly changes as the walks gain in height or vary in direction. You'll pass through 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.
Classic walks include the volcano route with a succession of mostly historic volcanoes; and a fine walk circling the Caldera de Taburiente on its very rim. There are 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 the Parador de la Palma on a breakfast only basis. Half board option is available on request at an extra charge.
We have included a car as you will need to drive to reach most walks. However, some are not circular, so if you choose one of these walks, a bus or taxi will be needed one or both ways. We have indicated this in the walk description and there are full details in the Headwater App.
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.
Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee
Located in an area of incredible scenic beauty, the 4* Parador de La Palma is built in keeping with traditional Canarian architecture. Enjoy the outdoor pool and extensive botanical gardens with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. The elegant restaurant uses mostly locally sourced produce, 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.
A 25 minute drive from your hotel takes you to the start of the walk in Puntallana.The route today follows the GR130 and goes through densely cultivated areas in the north-east of La Palma, with banana plantations, citrus groves and small vineyards. You will also see avocados, papayas and mangoes.The pretty village of San Andres has a lovely historic quarter characterised by cobbled streets and houses built in the traditional local style. San Andres has one of the oldest churches on the island (16th Century). Inside you will find images of Cristo de Gran Poder and Nuestra Senora del Rosario. At the end of the walk, take a taxi or public transport back to Puntallana and your car.
This is a circular walk of two halves; firstly drive to La Cuesta and walk 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.
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. Drive to Franceses where 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. Take a bus or taxi back to Franceses at the end of the walk.
We have two circular route choices for you today, with the main route a fairly challenging 18.5km and the shorter variation a more modest 11.5km. It is possible to reduce the shorter walk even more, if you prefer. Do note that there is a steep descent on both routes. Both routes require a drive out to the popular recreation site, the Refugio del Pilar, almost the centre point of the island, and half-way along the popular spine and Ruta de los Volcanes. Todays walk heads north from the Refugio towards the Caldera Taburiente, whereas tomorrows heads south, along the Cumbre Vieja volcanos so you'll experience very different aspects as you go.
Head out this morning to the popular recreation site the Refugio Del Pilar to start a lovely circular walk that takes in the middle section of the Ruta de Los Volcanes and the Cumbre Vieja. The loop takes in several kilometres of the GR131, climbing around the base of the conical Pico Birigoyo, through pine forests with views over towards the caldera. Expect black sands, rocks, pines and spectacular views today. This is a route best enjoyed in good weather, with clear skies. There are 3 large craters to visit today; the first is called Hoyo Negro, the second is the100m deep del Duraznero which is the largest of the cones on the ridge and the third cone is the Las Deseadas. Sitting at 1945m, it's the highest of the 120 volcanoes on the Cumbre Vieja ridge.
The lower part of the Ruta de Los Volcanes takes in the large Volcan Martin de Tigalate, and the southern pine covered forests between the cone covered ridge and the village of Los Canarios. Drive out to the Pino de Santa Domingo, to start the walk. It's a fairly long but steady climb today, followed by a reversal to get back to the car. We've included a figure of eight route around the ridge but it's entirely your choice if you choose to climb to the top of San Martin as our route gives you a few options.
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.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £725.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination. Transfers from the airport are included in the basic Tour Only price above.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
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
Headwater
Navigation App
