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Walking in La Palma

Canary Islands, Spain
Available Departures: Mar, Oct

8 days from

US$2,050

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

Explore cloud forests and dramatic volcanic landscapes on this centre-based walking holiday to La Palma in the Canary Islands.

Trip Code: TLP
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Walking in La Palma

Highlights

  • Spectacular volcanic scenery in Caldera de Taburiente National Park

  • Explore Cumbre Vieja Natural Park

  • Summit La Palma's highest peak, Roque de Los Muchachos (2,426 metres)

  • Explore the charming and compact capital of Santa Cruz

At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 15
  • 6 days walking
  • Join In Santa Cruz de La Palma
Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 6 Lunches
  • 1 Dinner
  • 7 nights Hotel
Overview

La Palma, often referred to as the "Isla Bonita" (the beautiful island), is the greenest island in the Canary archipelago. Despite its striking beauty, it only sees a fraction of the visitors that the major islands receive. The verdant forests, dramatic cliffs, secluded black sand beaches, and extensive network of trails that crisscross the island's varied landscapes make La Palma a walker's paradise.

On this centre-based holiday, we base ourselves in the town of Santa Cruz de La Palma, surrounded by the best restaurants and facilities on the island, and head out each day to walk in the finest parts of the island. Highlights include the smoking volcano of Tajogaite, Taburiente National Park, and the ascent to La Palma’s summit, Roque de los Muchachos.

Is this holiday for you?

This excellent holiday is centre-based and includes a variety of walks that follow a mix of rural tracks between villages, smaller footpaths, and forest trails. Most of the trails we use are well-maintained, but you may encounter sections of loose rock and volcanic terrain that can be muddy or slippery in wet weather. Walking days are between 4 - 6 hours with regular ascents and descents meanin …

This excellent holiday is centre-based and includes a variety of walks that follow a mix of rural tracks between villages, smaller footpaths, and forest trails. Most of the trails we use are well-maintained, but you may encounter sections of loose rock and volcanic terrain that can be muddy or slippery in wet weather. Walking days are between 4 - 6 hours with regular ascents and descents meaning this holiday is perfect for regular, active walkers.  La Palma is a volcanic island and hilly so we've planned a number of the days to include more downhill than uphill. The holiday is centre-based so each day you can opt in or out of the walk and enjoy a relaxing day in Santa Cruz de la Palma if you decide to have a day off walking. Due to the high trails and occasional narrow paths, we don’t feel this holiday suits those with a fear of heights.

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Why KE?

Discover La Palma's volcanic wonders on this exclusive, centre-based walking holiday, with stunning hikes through Caldera de Taburiente National Park and up to the island's highest peak, Roque de los Muchachos.

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Itinerary

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Welcome to La Palma! Upon your arrival at La Palma Airport, our guide will meet you and transfer you to our hotel in Santa Cruz de La Palma, just a short 10-minute drive away. With only 13,000 inhabitants, the city is perfect for exploring on foot, so you may wish to take some time to discover its charm. This evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D
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This morning, after breakfast, we begin our first day of walking in the lush northeast, the greenest part of the island. Starting from the village of La Galga, we follow a route along a water canal that leads into a verdant forest filled with tall ferns and laurisilva trees. We ascend above the forest canopy to reach the Mirador de Somada Alta, a vantage point offering breathtaking views of La Palma's forested mountains, the coastline, and the ocean beyond. Our descent towards the coast takes us through rural landscapes, allowing us to soak up the rhythm of local life. As we approach the cliffs, we encounter vast banana plantations in sunnier spots. The path meanders along the rugged coastline, with several ascents and descents as we navigate barrancos (ravines), until we reach the picturesque village of San Andres, known for its traditional architecture and colourful facades. Lined with Canary palm trees and banana trees, our route concludes at the Charco Azul marine pools.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

575 M

Descent

1125 M

Time

5 hours walking

Distance

12 KM
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This morning, we embark on one of La Palma's must-do hikes. Starting from Refugio del Pilar at 1,440 metres, our ascent takes us to the Cumbre Vieja ridge within the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park, where a chain of volcanoes stretches across the southern half of the island. Today's trek offers spectacular, ever-changing views of the lunar landscape shaped by these extinct volcanoes. Highlights include the Hoyo Negro crater, the lava lake of Duraznero, and the summit of Las Deseadas, which crowns the mountain ridge at 1,947 metres above sea level. Enjoy the descent over the black sands of the El Charco and Martin volcanoes. The contrasting colours, volcanic landscapes, and expansive views over the sea are remarkable. At the end of the walk in Los Canarios, you might like to treat yourself to a well-earned drink and some locally baked almond biscuits before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

775 M

Descent

1500 M

Distance

17 KM
Hide Details

This morning, we transfer to the northern part of the island, where time seems to have stood still. From the La Tosca viewpoint, enjoy splendid views of this serene region. Majestic dragon trees line the path as we join the paved Camino Real de La Costa, leading us through ravines rich with local flora and up to large ridges. Goats roam the landscape, and traditional cheese is produced here, but life feels wonderfully slow and tranquil. We pass through the last of the deep canyons to reach the remote villages of Gallegos and Franceses. Our efforts are rewarded with dramatic views over the coastline at the end of today's walk.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

725 M

Descent

900 M

Time

5 hours walking

Distance

8 KM
Hide Details

In the heart of La Isla Bonita lies the world's first scientific site for a caldera: the Caldera de Taburiente. This 2,000-metre-deep depression, spanning 8 kilometres across the mountain tops, has been protected as a National Park since 1954. After transferring to the Los Brecitos viewpoint, which offers dramatic views of the area, we begin our walk through a Canary pine forest. We cross wooden bridges over streams and take in magnificent views from various vantage points. Upon reaching the main stream at Taburiente, we pause to dip our toes in the water and enjoy a picnic. The trail then descends steeply to the Cascada de Colores before continuing more gently through the Barranco de Las Angustias. As we crisscross the stream along the riverbed, we encounter pillow lavas formed underwater long ago and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the canyon.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

350 M

Descent

1200 M

Time

6 hours walking

Distance

13 KM
Hide Details

Today, we head to the highest point on the island. Our route begins with a climb through the pine forest to Pico de Las Nieves, standing 2,235 metres above sea level, where we reach the ridge and are rewarded with expansive views of the Caldera de Taburiente. From here, we follow the caldera's rim, ascending to the summit of La Palma, the Roque de Los Muchachos, which rises to 2,426 metres above sea level. As we traverse the ridge, neighbouring islands, including Tenerife crowned by Mount Teide, emerge above the clouds, offering a 360-degree panorama. Along the way, we may encounter native high-mountain plants, birds, and lizards. Snow-white buildings atop the mountains mark the Roque de Los Muchachos Astronomical Observatory, home to numerous telescopes, including the world's largest, the GRANTECAN. This area is a globally renowned site for scientists who utilise the pristine skies for astrophysical research. From the summit, the awe-inspiring views of the landscape are truly captivating, and on a clear day, you may be able to see the islands of Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

1000 M

Descent

450 M

Time

6 hours walking

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

On our final walking day, we split our time between two distinct areas. In the morning, we get up close to the island's most recent volcano, Tajogaite, which erupted for three months between September and December 2021, severely disrupting life across the island and burying thousands of houses, farmland, and properties under its lava flows. The path, covered in volcanic ash, winds through pine woods to a mirador, offering expansive views over the Aridane Valley, the Tajogaite volcano, and its dark lava fields. In the afternoon, we transfer to the southern tip of the island for a second walk through the volcanic region of Fuencaliente, famous for its malmsey wines. Here, vines are cultivated in the lapilli from previous eruptions, such as those of San Antonio and Teneguía. At Roque Teneguía, we admire ancient rock engravings and endemic plants unique to the Canary Islands. Our route follows the lava flows of Teneguía downhill to the sea, concluding the walk at the marine salt pans and the lighthouses of Fuencaliente. We then return to our hotel in Santa Cruz de La Palma for a final included dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

300 M

Descent

850 M

Time

5 hours walking

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

The holiday ends after breakfast. A single timed transfer to the airport is provided. Flight time allowing you may wish to spend the morning exploring Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Meals

B
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The Route
Point Point
Transfer
Walk/Trek

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Professional local leader

  • All accommodation as described in the trip notes

  • All meals listed in the program

  • All land transport involved in the itinerary

  • Travel Insurance

  • Meals not included in the program

  • Tips for support staff and guide

  • Miscellaneous expenses such as drinks and souvenirs etc

The group will meet at the group hotel in Santa Cruz de La Palma.

There will be a single-timed transfer from the airport to the group hotel departing in the early afternoon on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary.

On the last day of the Land Only itinerary, there will be a single-timed transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Anyone may join the group transfers by prior arrangement. Travelling as a group or on public transport saves energy. If this is not practical, we can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Taxis are also available locally.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner are included on this holiday.

Water from the taps may not be drinkable in all locations on this trip - please check with your guide. We recommend taking water purification tablets and a reusable bottle with a filter such as Water-to-Go, which can both be used to help make safe other water sources. Please note that we do not encourage the purchase of single use plastic bottles.

Breakfast each day will be continental style, consisting of tea and coffee, bread, toast, butter, jam, honey, and fruit juice. Lunches will be picnic-style, which we’ll carry with us to enjoy during the day. In the evenings, we’ll dine at local eateries, where the evening meal is a social affair on La Palma. Some restaurants offer a fixed menu of two or three courses, while others provide a tapas-style menu. Tapas is a great way to sample a variety of local dishes.

La Palma produces its own wine, with an excellent selection of local varieties, the most popular being Malvasia. Originally a honey-coloured, medium to sweet wine highly praised by William Shakespeare, the grape now produces a range of quality white, red, and rosé wines, from very sweet to very dry—so there’s something for everyone. Worth sampling is the “ron miel,” or local honey rum, served over ice. Don’t forget, summer Sangria is widely available!

On this centre-based holiday, we stay in a comfortable hotel in the heart of Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island's main town. We are surrounded by the best shops and restaurants in La Palma and are just a couple of minutes' walk from Santa Cruz de La Palma Beach. The rooms are well-appointed, featuring twin beds and en suite bathrooms.

The group will be accompanied throughout the holiday by a local tour leader.

Approximately 250-350 Euros should be sufficient for miscellaneous expenses, including meals not included and drinks. If you intend to buy souvenirs you should budget accordingly.  ATMs are available at the airport and in Santa Cruz. Credit cards can be used on the island.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Luggage with wheels is useful for this holiday. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

This is a moderately-paced walking holiday which includes a fair amount of ascent and descent and it makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on any active holiday, getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are the more enjoyable you will find the holiday. While regular hiking is the best preparation, any weekly form of exercise (running, cycling and swimming) is good for developing cardio-vascular fitness. Before setting off we recommend that you make time to fit in a number of 5 – 6 hour walks in the hills.

La Palma boasts a mild and varied climate that makes it an ideal destination year-round. The island's unique topography creates distinct microclimates, ranging from the lush, green north, characterised by temperate weather and frequent rainfall, to the sunnier, drier southern regions, where warm temperatures prevail. Average temperatures typically range from 15°C in winter to around 25°C in summer, making it pleasant for walking. Visitors can enjoy sunny days interspersed with cool breezes, especially at higher altitudes, where the air is fresher and cooler.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Bananas about La Palma - David M. Addison

  • Canary Islands - Lonely Planet

  • Sandwiches in the Sun: The Extrodinary Truth about Life on a Spanish Island - Chris Herman

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing.  As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Please be aware that you will be required to carry your bag to your room which in some cases may involve flights of stairs.  Although this is the Canary Islands it can be quite chilly in the evening so it's a good idea to bring some warm clothing.

You should bring the following items:

  • Hiking boots (these should be sturdy with good tread on the sole and with ankle support)

  • Socks

  • Walking trousers

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Underwear

  • T-shirts and/or casual shirts

  • A fleece jacket or similar

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Lightweight thermal gloves

  • Warm hat

  • Sunhat

  • Swimwear

  • Eyewear - sunglasses

  • Daypack c. 30 - 35 litres

  • Sun protection (including for lips)

  • Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single-use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters (band-aids) and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

The following items are optional:

  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)

  • Trainers or sandals

  • Shorts

  • Camera and batteries

  • Penknife (for picnic lunches)

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

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DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

Get in Touch

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Walking in La Palma
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TLP /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Thu 6 Mar and ends on Thu 13 Mar
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$355 -

    There are a limited number of single rooms available on request.

  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Walking in La Palma
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TLP /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Thu 2 Oct and ends on Thu 9 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$355 -

    There are a limited number of single rooms available on request.

  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis and recommend that you book your flights to Santa Cruz La Palma Airport. Please refer to Joining Arrangements and Transfers for further details.

You SHOULD NOT book your flights until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.

If flying from the UK, TUI Airways has direct flights from Gatwick & Manchester.

If you would prefer to book a 'flight inclusive package' using scheduled airlines from the UK please contact our flights department for a quote. Whilst flight prices are likely to be more expensive you will benefit from full financial protection.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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