Spain : The Canary Islands

Walking the Trails of La Palma

Trip code: W07PA 4.3 (8 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

13.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Fantastic walking across dramatic volcanic terrain
  • Spectacular views reaching as far as Mount Teide on Tenerife
  • Try local delicacies such as miel de palma (palm honey) and rum made on the island

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Start Santa Cruz

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.

hotel details



Hotel El Galeon, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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.



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 2: Coastal path to San Andres (15km/9.3mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel El Galeon or Banana Garden.

hotel details



Hotel El Galeon, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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.



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 3: Los Sauces to Barlovento (10km/6.2mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Palma Romantica.

hotel details



Hotel La Palma Romantica, Barlovento

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
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.

Day 4: 'Dragon Trees Forest' to Barranco de Franceses (13km/8.1mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Palma Romantica.

hotel details



Hotel La Palma Romantica, Barlovento

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
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.

Day 5: El Tablado to Roque de Faro and back to Barvolento (10km/6.2mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Palma Romantica.

hotel details



Hotel La Palma Romantica, Barlovento

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
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.

Day 6: GR131 route along the rim of the crater Caldera de Taburiente (13km/8.1mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel El Galeon or Banana Garden.

hotel details



Hotel El Galeon, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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.



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: GR131 along the 'Ruta de Los Volcanes' (19km/11.8mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel El Galeon or Banana Garden.

hotel details



Hotel El Galeon, Santa Cruz

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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.



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: Departure from Santa Cruz

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.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$886.

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

Headwater booked the trip but the hotel actually provided were different than reality. Having arrived expecting Hotel Homiday time we were then told actually it’s Galeon. Itinerary were incorrect. Guide didn’t arrive on first day. The walks were excellent and enjoyed. Hotel Romantica left no options other than hotel to eat. It tries to be fine dining which is not what you want after a long days walk resulting in large food bills.

PANTHER, 27 Apr 2023

 

Weather in January was disappointing. Damp, cold and on the day we should have walked down from the highest point icy, so walking was prohibited.

Mr Wilcox, 26 Jan 2023

 

The majority of our trip was lovely, the only downside was our experience at Hotel Romantica, which was quite negative. The hotel was quite uncared for, in need of maintenance and modernisation, the public areas particularly had a musty feel and were dark. The owner was rude, we had queried the previous evening why our starter took an hour to arrive after we had sat down. The following morning, Christmas day, he confronted us aggressively, insisting it was half an hour, he didn't even bother with 'Good Morning'. This incident soured our stay at this hotel, he rarely acknowledged us for the remainder of our visit.

We enjoyed the walking, the routes and the Holiday Time hotel in Santa Cruz was delightful.

Mrs Leverton, 22 Dec 2022

 

Headwater were really helpful and met our various requests. It was an excellent trip with varied walks which really give you a feel for the La Palma. Recommend you use the first walk to gague the timings suggested in the instructions, and use a map too. Take plenty of water and snacks as cafés along some routes are closed. Take a swim suit on the Charco Azul walk as the sea pools there are great, and a refreshing way to end the walk. Make sure you have your camera charged as the scenery is stunning!!!

Mrs Craven, 8 Sep 2022

 

Excellent walking trip on a beautiful scenic island

Mrs Illing, 8 Sep 2022

 

Should any changes be made to your accommodation, make sure that Headwater explain any differences between the original and new accommodation. The changes didn’t bother us but may bother some people (ie. Spar hotel with swimming pool was changed to a simple - albeit lovely B&B).

Mr Bennett, 28 Apr 2022

 

An interesting island for walking with a good network of well signed footpaths. We enjoyed our week and everything went smoothly.

Mr Smith, 20 Feb 2020

 

La Palma has some wonderful walks. Pretty, attractive landscape, varying from lush, verdant plantations at sea level to stark volcanic landscapes at 2,400m. There is nowhere flat on La Palma! Some of the walking is very strenuous, but quite spectacular as you walk up and down steep-sided barrancos. Day 4 is the equivalent of walking from sea level to the top of Snowdon in 12kms. The location of the accommodation and the combination of taxis and buses to get to and from walks works very well. Santa Cruz is picturesque and compact with plenty of good places to eat and drink.





Mr Barrett, 21 Nov 2019

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

13.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from AU$1845

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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