Hiking on La Palma
La Palma, the hikers’ island
La Palma is affectionately known as “La Isla Bonita” and rightly regarded as an island for walkers. Within a compact area, laurel forest, pine woods, farmland, young lava fields and high mountain terrain follow one another. The Caldera de Taburiente, Roque de los Muchachos and old paths connecting villages, coast and peaks add still more variety. Each landscape has a character and magic of its own.
Choices range from short walks to demanding mountain routes and multi-day stages. Distance alone can be misleading: La Palma’s steep terrain, loose volcanic ash and large changes in elevation can make an apparently short route strenuous.
A network of historic paths
The official Footpath Network follows many of the island’s traditional routes and includes nearly 1,000 kilometres of marked trails. Red-and-white GR paths cover long distances, yellow-and-white PR paths are intended for day hikes, and green-and-white SL paths identify shorter local routes. A current map is useful for planning, but it does not replace checking the actual trail status.
The 2021 Tajogaite eruption changed paths, access roads and landscapes in the west. Weather, forestry work, rockfall and maintenance can also cause temporary closures. Older guidebooks and saved GPS tracks should therefore always be checked against current official notices.
Before setting out
Check the forecast, elevation profile, trail status and remaining daylight before starting. The La Palma Footpath Network publishes current information. Tell someone your route and expected return time, stay on the marked path and carry sturdy footwear, water, sun protection, warm clothing and a charged mobile phone.
Heavy rain requires particular caution. Water can rise rapidly in the Caldera de Taburiente and narrow ravines; the Barranco de las Angustias is then not a safe way out. Do not set off during warnings or uncertain weather. A qualified hiking guide is a sensible choice for demanding routes or whenever you are unfamiliar with the terrain and local conditions.
Hiking routes and tour ideas
Detailed route ideas covering different landscapes and levels of difficulty: