Spain : The Canary Islands

Walking in Tenerife and La Palma

Trip code: W07TC

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 3
Stretching

24.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Enjoy this twin island holiday, combining the variety of Tenerife, and its lunar landscape with the Isla Bonita of La Palma
  • Walk through the lunar landscape of Tenerife with its naturally formed pumice stone 'minarets'
  • Spectacular coastal views, volcanic landscapes and prehistoric laurel forests.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Transfers between islands in the middle of your holiday
  • Walking transfers as detailed in the itinerary

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The volcanic Canary Islands offer a sunny climate even in the winter, with glorious flowers, balmy temperatures and majestic scenery. The mini continent of Tenerife, so called because of its diversity of landscapes is a rugged and spectacular 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.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Tenerife

Arrive San Cristobal de La Laguna and enjoy a short transfer to your hotel.

You stay at La Laguna Gran Hotel.

hotel details



La Laguna Gran Hotel, San Cristobal de la Laguna

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


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.


Day 2: Anaga Highland to Chinamada (14km/8.7mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at La Laguna Gran Hotel.

hotel details



La Laguna Gran Hotel, San Cristobal de la Laguna

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


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.


Day 3: Minarets Moon Landscape (13km/8.1mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at La Laguna Gran Hotel.

hotel details



La Laguna Gran Hotel, San Cristobal de la Laguna

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


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.


Day 4: Las Galletas to Los Cristianos and transfer to La Palma by ferry (13km/8.1mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Banana Garden.

hotel details



Banana Garden, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


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.

Day 5: The Volcano route (18km/11.2mi)

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

elevation

You stay at Banana Garden.

hotel details



Banana Garden, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


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.

Day 6: Caldera de Taburiente (14km) (14km/8.7mi)

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

elevation

You stay at Banana Garden.

hotel details



Banana Garden, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


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.

Day 7: Roque de los Muchachos (12km) (12km/7.5mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Banana Garden.

hotel details



Banana Garden, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


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.

Day 8: Depart Santa Cruz de La Palma

Breakfast at your hotel before departure. We will transfer you to La Palma airport for a short flight to Tenerife, before you begin your final journey home.

You may decide to add on a few days in either La Palma or Tenerife at the end of your walking trip, to enjoy these beautiful islands at your leisure. Please enquire at time of booking.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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NZ$3365
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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$1500.

TRAVEL DETAILS

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

So far (booking by a phone call) the experience has been positive. Luke was friendly, approachable, but professional and told me all I needed to know, along with a little more information as well. I was very happy with the service.

14 Nov 2024

This feedback is about the booking experience - which isn't yet completed. So is based on what has happened so far.

The agent has been very friendly, receptive and patient with our initial uncertainties.

She has been very clear and comprehensive about what's going on, the current status and future stages, moving promptly when appropriate.

Actions have been precise, clear, and concrete, based on (evidently) a good detailed understanding of the products/itineraries under consideration.

Christopher Robertson, 17 Jul 2024

Excellent service: we have made several trips with Headwater over the years and have always been very pleased with their friendliness, expertise, efficiency and reliability. On this occasion, we asked for some add-on arrangements at the end of the trip, which were very quickly understood and responded to. Altogether, an enjoyable and confidence-inspiring booking experience!

Richard C, 10 May 2024

Excellent service from Lauren.

18 Nov 2023


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 3
Stretching

24.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from NZ$3190

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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