Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 3
Stretching
Flights
available
92.0Kg CO2e
The volcanic Canary Islands offer a sunny climate even in the winter, with glorious flowers, balmy temperatures and majestic scenery. The diversity of landscape in Tenerife; a spectacular and rugged volcanic island with so much to explore. La Palma, nicknamed La Isla Bonita (the pretty Isle), is smaller and again features a vast amount of diverse scenery, from dense cloud forest to volcanic landscapes with twisted rock formations and black sand beaches.
On this 7 night holiday you experience the best of both islands and the diversity of the incredible landscapes. In Tenerife, you walk through the prehistoric laurel forests, almond groves and pine woodlands and explore the volcanic landscape which the island is famous for. From Vilaflor, the highest village in all of Spain, follow paths through the lunar style landscape and see the greatest natural wonder of Tenerife; the pumice stone minarets and turrets, which truly are a sight to behold. Wherever you, are there are breath-taking views at every turn and on your final day in Tenerife your walk follows the coastline, crossing beaches and passing natural pools before reaching the Punta de la Rasca lighthouse and surrounded by a natural reserve before you reach your final destination on the island, the ferry port for your transfer to La Palma.
Reaching La Palma the routes are all about the volcanos and yet again, the views. Your walks ascend and descend around the volcanic landscape with magnificent views over the Caldera craters and pass through volcanic ash fields and pine forests. Walk towards the centre of the crater; the Caldera de Taburiente, passing ancient tobacco plantations as you descend to the Playa de Taburiente, perhaps take the opportunity to catch your breath before continuing along the Angustias gorge. From the highest point on the island the Roque de Muchachos you'll descend along the Caldera rim with imposing cliffs and more spectacular views passing the impressive basaltic dam; Pared de Roberto and Degollada de Franceses with lookouts over both sides of the island.
Perfectly located to explore the cities of each island, on this twin centre holiday, you stay in 4* hotels both on Tenerife and La Palma. In historic San Cristobal de la Laguna which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, your hotel is a historical building right in the centre ensuring that you have plenty of choices for your evening meal each day. In the capital of La Palma; Santa Cruz de la Palma, your hotel sits on the beachfront just a short walk from the city centre with its centuries old architecture, cobbled streets and busy port.
Please note routes may vary dependent on the recent volcanic activity on the island.
Arrive San Cristobal de La Laguna.
You stay at La Laguna Gran Hotel.
La Laguna Gran Hotel is located in the historical centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The building is a colonial landmark which dates back to 1776, providing a historical and relaxing atmosphere for your stay on Tenerife.
The location is right in the centre with everything you need on your doorstep. There is a roof top swimming pool (seasonal opening times - please check at time of booking) Jacuzzi and solarium, a gym and not forgetting the wonderful restaurant on site.
The hotel rooms are modern and comfortable, with twin or double beds, high speed Wi-Fi, TV's and air conditioning.
Using the local bus (30 minutes) to reach the start of your walk at the Mirador Cruz del Carmen, the path crosses a spectacular rain forest in the direction of Chinamada - a small village in the very north from Tenerife. This is a circular walk through the prehistorical laurel forest, with impressive views to the northern coast of Tenerife passing through Casas del Rio, Roque de Tenejias and 'Batan de Abajo' before climbing back uphill to Cruz del Carmen where you will catch you bus back to San Cristobal de La Laguna.
An initial transfer today to the highest village in Spain - Vilaflor where you begin an impressive walk, initially through the pine forest and almond tree groves, however the volcanic landscape of the island is all around you. Lava bombs line your path on a very lunar style terrain as you reach Montana Bermeja, after which you see the greatest natural wonder of Tenerife; the pumice stone minarets and turrets which are a sight to behold.The path leads you back to Vilaflor where you will meet your transfer to return to you hotel through the spectacular highland road at Las Canadas del Teide, with impressive views to the Pico del Teide volcano and the highest mountain in Spain.
One final walk on Tenerife today before your transfer to La Palma by ferry. A short transfer today takes you to the picturesque fisherman's village Las Galletas, translated as The Cookies. Your driver will continue to Los Cristianos to leave your luggage at the port there, ready for your onward journey to La Palma. Today's walk is mostly at sea level and heads towards Los Cristianos, crossing a couple of small beaches and naturally created pools before the landscape becomes littered with palm trees. Magnificent coastal views await you at the Punta de La Rasca lighthouse, with the surrounding area designated as a natural reserve, before reaching Palm Mar with lots of places to stop for a pitstop before reaching Los Cristianos. Here you will take the 7pm fast ferry to La Palma and be transferred on arrival to your hotel in Santa Cruz de la Palma.
After a 40 minute transfer to the start of your walk today, you take an unforgettable walk today along the Ruta de Los Volcanes starting at Refugio del Pilar (1450m above sea level) and ending in the far southern side of the island, at the little village of Fuencaliente where you will have a transfer back to your hotel. On this walk you navigate a series of volcanoes in the south of the island, some of them having erupted only recently. This is the longest walk of the trip and starts with a steady ascent, initially through pine forest and at the viewpoints along the way are magnificent views to the Caldera crate and over the entire Adriana valley, There is a substantial descent on this walk through volcanic ash and pine forests and it is a very popular and well-marked path, following the GR131 from beginning to end. You reach Fuencaliente (650m above sea level) to meet your transfer back to your hotel
*Subject to change dependent on volcanic activity
You stay at Hotel Holiday Time.
Located on the beachfront in Santa Cruz de la Palma and situated in the historic centre, the charming Hotel Holiday Time occupies a restored old building. The rooms are traditional and comfortable.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Today's walk takes you inside the Caldera crater National Park. After a 75 minute transfer to Los Brecitos (1050m above sea level) you begin your walk along an exciting section of the GR131. The path descends gently towards the centre of the crater passing ancient tobacco plantations and some spectacular viewpoints. After 2 hours walk you arrive in the camping area, also known as Playa de Taburiente (beach), a nice place to take a short break. Here you cross the little river and follow 'Reventon' in a short but steep descent. Before reaching the Angustias gorge, you will pass the holy rock of Roque Idafe, a sacred symbol of the aborigines. Arriving at the junction of the two rivers; Limonero and Almendro Amargo you can make a short detour to the waterfall - Cascada de Colores before following the Angustias Gorge to the end of your walk where you are transferred back to your hotel.
*Subject to change dependent on volcanic activity
A transfer to the highest place on La Palma: the 'Roque de Los Muchachos', 2426m above the sea level to start your walk today. Walking along the GR131, on the Caldera rim from Roque de Los Muchachos to Pico de La Cruz (2351m above the sea level) you will enjoy views of the imposing cliffs, with 1000 mts drops into the crater. The 'Caldera' rim forms a semicircle of 27 Km. Along your way you'll see different astrophysical observatories from various countries and the views over the entire island and neighbouring islands are absolutely spectacular. The walk descends passing La Palma's iconic places such as Pared de Roberto, an impressive basaltic dam and 'Degollada de Franceses', with lookouts over both side of the island. Reaching Pico de La Nieve and after enjoying the magnificent views to the Eastern side you follow a descending route to the parking area where you will meet your transfer back to Santa Cruz de la Palma.
Breakfast at your hotel before departure
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. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 3
Stretching
Flights
available
92.0Kg CO2e