Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching
Flights
available
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel El Galeon or Banana Garden.
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
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.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel El Galeon or Banana Garden.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAircon
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.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel La Palma Romantica.
MastercardVisa
PoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibar
Safe
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel La Palma Romantica.
MastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarSafe
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel La Palma Romantica.
MastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarSafe
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel El Galeon or Banana Garden.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAircon
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.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel El Galeon or Banana Garden.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAircon
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.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
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.
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.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £432.
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 La Palma airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
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. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching
Flights
available
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
