Contrasts of La Palma
- Walk mountain trails and enjoy local hospitality on this peaceful Canary Island
- Explore the architectural history with its wooden balconies, town squares and stone churches
- Enjoy sunshine and sea views along the coastal paths, laurel forest and caldera
- Tread on the new earth of the recently erupted Cumbre Vieja volcano
- Every season is a treat with fresh produce from the almond, banana and citrus trees
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Santa Cruz de La PalmaArrive in La Palma either into the airport or on the ferry from Tenerife, and jump in your private transfer for the short journey along the rugged sea cliffs to your hotel in Santa Cruz de la Palma.
Once settled in you can take a wander through the narrow cobbled streets to a relaxed café for a cold drink before finding a small restaurant for a spot of dinner. Delicious seafood options are aplenty with fresh produce also abound from these fertile lands.
Located on the beachfront in Santa Cruz de la Palma and featuring a bar, Hotel Emblemático Holiday Time has free WiFi. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
At the hotel, every room is equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All units at Hotel Emblemático Holiday Time include air conditioning and a wardrobe.
Hotel El Galeon is ideally located just a few minutes from the port and city centre. Soak up the sea and mountain views from the sun terrace.
Modern and stylish, this small hotel in the centre of Santa Cruz La Palma town is located just 200m of the beach.
The en-suite rooms are all equiped with a TV, fridge, kettle, hairdryer and desk. Select rooms have a sea-view balcony.
There is a rooftop terrace to sip cocktails on with views of the historic centre and endless ocean.
A short taxi ride along the rugged coastal sea cliffs of this ‘Isla Bonita’ – the ‘pretty Isle’, gives you some expansive and glorious ocean views. This lush green region is home to prehistoric laurel forest, endemic trees and giant ferns. It’s through this plant lovers paradise you walk along the well marked Camino Real or GR 130. As you skirt along the coast you will see Nogales beach far below. The Atlantic Ocean views are something to savour. An easy short bus ride takes you back to your hotel in Santa Cruz.
Ascent/Descent: 741m/912m
Located on the beachfront in Santa Cruz de la Palma and featuring a bar, Hotel Emblemático Holiday Time has free WiFi. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
At the hotel, every room is equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All units at Hotel Emblemático Holiday Time include air conditioning and a wardrobe.
Hotel El Galeon is ideally located just a few minutes from the port and city centre. Soak up the sea and mountain views from the sun terrace.
Modern and stylish, this small hotel in the centre of Santa Cruz La Palma town is located just 200m of the beach.
The en-suite rooms are all equiped with a TV, fridge, kettle, hairdryer and desk. Select rooms have a sea-view balcony.
There is a rooftop terrace to sip cocktails on with views of the historic centre and endless ocean.
Your helpful taxi driver this morning will take you to the ‘Mirador de la Cumbrecita’ at 1300m in the centre of the island. From here you ascend slowly along the ridge with 360 degree views to the top. This crater rim walk epitomises the volcanic nature of the island as you can see deep into the 8km caldera of the national park.
You descend into the Aridane Valley through fragrant pines and rock roses. At the road we take the convenient short bus trip to the colourful town of Los Llanes de Aridane in the west for the next four nights.
Ascent/Descent: 677m/1146m
This family-run, 3-star hotel in Los Llanos offers cosy rooms. It has a café and a rooftop terrace, with dip pool and great views of the surrounding area. It is located just a few metres from the lively Plaza de España.
A short distance north of Los Llanes in the traditional village of Tijarafe, your walk starts with a zigzagging descent with views over the deep blue Atlantic, to the coast and the hidden houses of smugglers cove ‘Cueva de Candelaria’. The trails are steep but well maintained.
You then ascend the valley to the hamlet of El Jesus. A welcome end to the walk is the small microbrewery where you can have a cool drink whilst waiting for the bus back to Los Llanes.
Ascent/Descent: 890m/926m
This family-run, 3-star hotel in Los Llanos offers cosy rooms. It has a café and a rooftop terrace, with dip pool and great views of the surrounding area. It is located just a few metres from the lively Plaza de España.
You are in for a treat today as you walk along the valley edge to the coastal town of Puerto de Tazacorte. You begin by walking up to the Torre de Time where the views open up eastwards into the Angustias Gorge (where you will be walking tomorrow) and over the fertile terraced fields down to the expansive ocean. You gently descend along the GR 131 with a final very steep section into the town. This vibrant town has an inviting beach, restaurants and cafes. When you feel ready for home, maybe even after dinner, you can hop on the bus back to Los Llanes.
Ascent/Descent: 942m/1577m
This family-run, 3-star hotel in Los Llanos offers cosy rooms. It has a café and a rooftop terrace, with dip pool and great views of the surrounding area. It is located just a few metres from the lively Plaza de España.
Today your taxi takes you along a small road high into the centre of the island to explore the National Park and the Caldera De Tabureinte. Your well maintained path starts at Brecitos with a steep section down to the river. You then walk through the river gorge surrounded by the high 2000m walls of this natural amphitheatre. Your loop walk descends past the refreshing and beautiful Cascada de Colores, before the trail ends at the road where you transfer back for your last night in Los Llanes.
Ascent/Descent: 350m/920m
This family-run, 3-star hotel in Los Llanos offers cosy rooms. It has a café and a rooftop terrace, with dip pool and great views of the surrounding area. It is located just a few metres from the lively Plaza de España.
Your final day is a beauty. Starting in the middle of the island you make your way along the new formed volcanic mountain chain Cumbre Vieja and the famous Volcano Route. With Tajogaite volcano having erupted in 2021 this fresh geological landscape is fascinating as you pass by newly formed craters and different shades of red rock. Alongside this volcanic marvel, you will hopefully be blessed with tremendous views to the surrounding islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. Walking at around 2000m along the crater rims you really get a feel for these explosive islands. The walk finishes through fragrant pine forests as you descend to the village of Fuencaliente. Here you will find a bar/café serving barraquito (a coffee liqueur) and the best homemade almond biscuits. Deliciosa!
Ascent/Descent: 712m/1458m
The beautifully located Parador de la Palma is built in the classic Canary Islands style, with white walls and wooden balconies. It has a swimming pool and an enormous, well established garden, all with spectacular views of the Atlantic.
The rooms at Parador combine design and modern service. In each room you will find comfort and elegant design and furnishings, and splendid views.
The restaurant prides itself on fine traditional Canarian cuisine made from the best local produce. The menu will include specialities such as watercress or chickpea stew with a variety of meats. Try the fresh fish, grilled or boiled, accompanied by a mild mojo or picón (spicy) sauce and complete the experience with tropical fruit desserts and the local La Palma wine.
After a glorious week on the island of La Palma it's time to say goodbye. The airport is only a short transfer away for your onward travel.
Other Information
Is it for me?You stay in three different accommodations and have 6 days of walking, with an average of 14km per day. The walks involve steep and exposed ascents and descents. In the traditional towns and villages, you can explore the narrow cobbled streets and famous houses with wooden balconies whilst finding a nice restaurant or café serving local food and wine. We’ve pre-paid for your transfers to/from the trail heads so that your loose change goes towards a cool beer or cake, instead of the bus fare. We’ve done the work, so you can concentrate on the important things of your holiday.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This trip is graded moderate to strenuous, with the longest day being just short of 18km. The greatest elevation gain is almost 1000m and the largest day of descent is almost 1500m. As you’ll be walking for at least 4 to 6 hours each day you should have a good level of walking fitness to enjoy this aspect of the holiday. The terrain is volcanic and the walks have sections that are rough and rocky underfoot, as well as being exposed and steep. You will need a good head for heights and be surefooted to enjoy the walks.
This is a self-guided walk and you will be responsible for navigation, decision making, and safety during your trip.
This walking trip on La Palma includes overnight accommodation in 2 different small and simple hotels in Santa Cruz de la Palma, and the last night in the Parador La Palma. All rooms are en-suite. The towns are small and the hotel options are limited on the island, and we use the best in the range to ensure that you get good and friendly service and the hotels are clean, even if simple. The Parador on the last night is a higher standard with a delightful pool and excellent restaurant.
Details of the local hotels we normally use are detailed below. These are subject to availability, and early booking is recommended as they is limited accommodation on the island.
Alternate Accommodation
We will always try and use the hotels detailed in the accommodation information. Occasionally, because of limited availability we may have to accommodate you in alternative hotels which are not listed in the description. The alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described. In case of alternative accommodation needing to be booked, supplements may be payable, and we will advise you accordingly.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Due to the remote nature of some of the walks we do not offer this route to solo walkers.
If you require any single rooms within your party, we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. These usually consist of breads, fruits, cheeses and meats, as well as tea and coffee.
Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (please request these the night before). Alternatively you can stock up with delicious local produce at the village shop for your lunches.
The majority of dinners are not included giving you the freedom to choose what you fancy each evening. The last night, at the Parador dinner is included as there is no alternative nearby. The restaurant in the Parador is excellent. When eating out you can expect Canarian specialities which include grilled meat dishes such as puchero canario (a meat-based soup) and papas arrugardas con mojos (boiled potatoes with dipping sauces). It all tastes a lot nicer than it sounds!
Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure App which has maps, GPS tracks and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost.
You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
- Overnights in small hotels and the Parador de La Palma. Twin share basis with en suite rooms
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Parador
- Private transfers from/to La Palma Airport
- All transfers by taxi or public bus as required for the walks
- Detailed information pack, GPS tracks and route information with the Macs Adventure App
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK & US offices
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to/from La Palma
- Lunches, dinners (apart from 1 included), drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights
- Single Room Supplement
You can start your La Palma hiking trip on any day of the week, year-round, as the weather is generally very pleasant and ‘spring-like’ at any time of the year. The summer months of June, July, August are hottest and if you are walking at this time of year it is important to keep hydrated, wear a sun hat and apply plenty of sunscreen.
In the winter months Oct-May you should expect temperatures between 16-24 degrees Celsius with a little rain (average 5cm per month) Summer, from Jun-Sep the ranges 22-32 degrees Celsius and very little rain These are approximate ranges and extreme heat, cold and rain can occur during any season. Generally speaking it is a lovely climate to walk in all year around, with a sea breeze keeping you cool in the hot months.
By Air: Santa Cruz , La Palma Airport (airport code: SPC) is the best airport for the start and end of the tour. From the UK you can find several low-cost airlines that fly into Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Skyscanner is useful when searching for flights. Remember to reserve your flights after we have confirmed your booking.
By Sea: There is also a regular ferry route from Los Cristianos on Tenerife. So you can combine a tour in Tenerife with this one on La Palma.Return airport transfers on La Palma are included in your arrangements. Details will be given in your pre-departure information pack.
Baggage transfers are included on this tour, as per the itinerary, so you only walk with a small back-pack. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a packing list on what to bring. This includes walking gear, hiking boots, rain gear, day pack and other specifics.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised. La Palma is a small island and good accommodation is limited.
This trip is graded moderate to strenuous, with the longest day being just short of 18km. The greatest elevation gain is almost 1000m and the largest day of descent is almost 1500m. As you’ll be walking for at least 4 to 6 hours each day you should have a good level of walking fitness to enjoy this aspect of the holiday. The terrain is volcanic and the walks have sections that are rough and rocky underfoot, as well as being exposed and steep. You will need a good head for heights and be surefooted to enjoy the walks.
Your bags will be transferred by taxi between your accommodations as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
La Palma enjoys good weather year-round with generally comfortable temperatures and a spring-like climate. However the summer months of June, July and August are hotter, and you should make provisions against the heat (sun hat, sun cream and drinking a lot of water etc).
No problem, either jump on one of the islands well serviced public buses to your next overnight, or call a taxi (telephone numbers provided with pre-departure info).
Some days you do not move accommodations, so you can opt to just relax and enjoy the village/towns.
By Air: Santa Cruz on La Palma is the best airport for the start and end of the tour. From the UK you can find several low-cost airlines that fly into Santa Cruz de La Palma. Details will be given in your pre-departure information pack.
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