8 Hiking Trails on La Palma You Can't Miss
La Palma is best explored on foot. In just a few kilometers, the island offers the chance to hike among volcanoes, laurel forests, ravines, pine forests, and peaks overlooking the Atlantic. With more than 1,000 kilometers of marked trails, choosing a route isn’t always easy. If this is your first visit and you want to see some of the island’s most iconic landscapes, here are seven hiking trails on La Palma that are definitely worth keeping in mind.
The Volcanoes Trail
The Volcanoes Trail is one of La Palma’s great classics. It follows the Cumbre Vieja ridge from the El Pilar Shelter toward Fuencaliente, winding through craters, lapilli fields, pine forests, and lava landscapes. It’s a challenging route—especially on its longer variants—but it offers an exceptional view of the island’s volcanic character.
Tajogaite Volcano
The 2021 eruption profoundly transformed the Aridane Valley and created one of the Canary Islands’ newest landscapes. Today, it is possible to approach the Tajogaite Volcano via a trail that crosses terrain covered in volcanic ash, allowing visitors to observe the new cone up close and understand how this area has evolved since the eruption.
Unlike other trails on La Palma, this route cannot be hiked independently. Access is regulated, and visitors must be accompanied by an authorized guide or go through an authorized adventure tourism company, strictly adhering to the established itinerary at all times. In addition to ensuring safety and the conservation of the environment, the guided tour provides a deeper understanding of the eruptive process and the changes the landscape has undergone since 2021.
Caldera de Taburiente
Another must-see route takes you deep into Caldera de Taburiente National Park. One of the best-known routes begins in Los Brecitos and descends through the interior of the Caldera to the Barranco de las Angustias. Pine forests, vertical cliffs, and ravines line a trail that requires time, careful planning, and advance arrangements for transportation.
Cubo de La Galga
In Puntallana, the Cubo de La Galga reveals a completely different side of La Palma. The trail winds through a lush laurel forest, among laurel trees, ferns, and lush vegetation. Compared to the long mountain crossings, this is a more accessible option—perfect for spending a few hours exploring one of the island’s greenest landscapes.
Nacientes de Marcos y Cordero
The Marcos y Cordero Springs are one of La Palma’s best-known historic trails. The route passes through thirteen tunnels alongside the water canal and winds through a landscape of ravines and lush vegetation in Las Nieves Natural Park. It requires preparation, a flashlight, and appropriate gear. Currently, some sections of the trail remain closed, so it’s always a good idea to check its official status before planning your visit.
La Crestería
For experienced hikers, La Crestería is one of the island’s greatest challenges. This section of the GR 131 runs along the upper reaches of the Caldera de Taburiente and offers views into the interior of the park and across both slopes of La Palma. Its length, elevation, and exposure to changing weather conditions mean that hikers must be in good physical condition to tackle this route.
Pico de la Nieve
If you don’t want to tackle a long trek, Pico de la Nieve offers a shorter route to experience the summit landscape. The ascent winds through Canarian pine forests until it reaches panoramic views of the Caldera de Taburiente and much of the island. Although it’s shorter, the high altitude makes it advisable to check the weather forecast before setting out.
Northern Cliffs
The north of La Palma offers trails that are very different from those around the volcanoes. The trails between Barlovento and Garafía cross deep ravines, steep slopes, and rugged coastal areas. They’re an excellent way to explore the island’s rural and more rugged landscape, though their constant elevation changes can make for challenging hikes.
Tips Before Hiking on La Palma
On La Palma, rain, wind, landslides, or maintenance work can temporarily affect the trails. Before starting a hike, check the current status of the Official Trail Network and the weather forecast. The official tourist information service itself recommends checking for any potential issues before setting out. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, sunscreen, and a light jacket if you’re hiking at higher elevations.