The best walks and hikes in La Palma
4.4
(25511)
97,337
hikers
1,429
hikes
Hiking in La Palma offers diverse terrain, from the immense Caldera de Taburiente, a vast erosion crater, to the dramatic volcanic ridge of Cumbre Vieja. The island features ancient laurel forests, high peaks like Roque de los Muchachos, and deep ravines. Its landscape is characterized by significant elevation changes, with trails traversing pine forests, black lava fields, and coastal paths.
Best hiking trails in La Palma
- The most popular hiking route is Cubo de la Galga – circular route, a 4.4 miles (7.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 42 minutes to complete. This moderate route leads through ancient laurel forests, offering an enchanting atmosphere.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Caldera de Taburiente route – La Palma, a difficult 12.9 miles (20.8 km) path. This challenging route explores the heart of the national park, featuring alpine scenery and rugged cliffs.
- Local hikers also love the Barranco de las Angustias to Cascada de Colores Trail, a 6.9 miles (11.1 km) trail leading through volcanic boulders and towering rock walls, often completed in about 3 hours 57 minutes.
- Hiking in La Palma is defined by volcanic peaks, ancient laurel forests, and deep ravines. The extensive network of trails offers options for various ability levels, from gentle walks to challenging multi-day treks.
- The routes in La Palma are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 23,000 reviews. More than 93,000 hikers have used komoot to explore La Palma's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.6
(956)
3,198
hikers
7.03km
02:42
420m
420m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(673)
2,557
hikers
3.04km
01:00
80m
90m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.9
(577)
2,402
hikers
20.8km
07:49
920m
920m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(477)
1,882
hikers
11.1km
03:57
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(370)
1,539
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
If you can't get a parking reservation, hitchhiking is a good option. Going up and down worked perfectly!
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Sturdy footwear with good tread and plenty of water are essential for this tour. The dry conditions will make you thirsty, and the ground is quite sandy in places, so you'd be slipping without good tread. A truly beautiful tour, 5 stars plus, an absolute highlight, and manageable for most people.
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It would have been nice to name the highlight here, and not just "Barranco"! The Barranco de las Angustias is a very beautiful gorge that essentially drains the caldera. The path sometimes leads directly along the water and sometimes above it. Anyone visiting La Palma should definitely visit this gorge. Free parking is available at the gorge exit!
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Don't be fooled by the name Playa de Taburiente. It's not a beach like the ones a few kilometers further west by the sea, but rather a flatter spot in the caldera. A beautiful view of the surrounding caldera mountains. A very beautiful place that's well worth a visit.
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On the path, or rather trail, from Los Bercitos to Playa de Taburiente, you automatically come to the Lomo de Tagasaste lookout point. It offers a beautiful view of the caldera and its mountain range. Breathtaking!
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In October 2025, we encountered the rather aggressive German Shepherds from the blue house next to the very pretty, colorful door on the path. Fortunately, after a few minutes of growling and barking, they retreated onto the property, allowing us to pass. Avoiding them is otherwise impossible at that point. So, if the dogs had stayed on the path, we would have either had to stay within one meter of two territorial guard dogs or face a long, steep climb back down.
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Super cute door Please respect privacy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there in La Palma?
La Palma offers a vast network of hiking trails, with over 1,400 routes available on komoot. These range from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks, ensuring options for every hiker.
What kind of terrain can I expect on La Palma's hiking trails?
La Palma, known as 'La Isla Bonita', boasts incredibly diverse terrain. You can expect dramatic volcanic landscapes with black lava fields and craters, lush ancient laurel forests, deep ravines, and high peaks offering panoramic views. The island's high orography means significant elevation changes are common.
Are there hiking trails suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, La Palma caters to all abilities. Approximately 500 routes are considered easy, over 700 are moderate, and more than 200 are difficult, providing a wide range of options from gentle walks to demanding ascents.
Are there any trails that lead to waterfalls or unique natural features?
Absolutely. One notable trail is the Barranco de las Angustias to Cascada de Colores Trail, which takes you through volcanic boulders to the colorful Cascada de Colores, vibrant with minerals. You can also explore the enchanting laurel forests, such as those found on the Cubo de la Galga – circular route.
Can I hike to La Palma's highest peaks and viewpoints?
Yes, hiking to the peaks is a highlight. The island's highest point, Roque de los Muchachos, offers breathtaking panoramic views and is part of the GR131 long-distance trail. Other high-altitude destinations like Pico de la Nieve also provide stunning vistas, often above a 'sea of clouds'.
Are there many circular hiking routes in La Palma?
Yes, La Palma offers several excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Cubo de la Galga – circular route, which guides you through ancient laurel forests. Another option is the challenging Los Brecitos to Camping Area to Barranco de Las Angustias circular within the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
What are some unique geological features I can explore on a hike?
La Palma's volcanic past is a major draw. You can explore the immense erosion crater of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, or traverse the dramatic black lava fields and extinct craters of the Cumbre Vieja mountain range, famously known as the Ruta de los Volcanes. The Teneguía Volcano and Martín Volcano are also notable volcanic landmarks.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in La Palma?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 23,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the island's diverse and dramatic landscapes, from volcanic peaks to ancient forests, and the extensive network of well-maintained and clearly marked trails.
Are there any long-distance hiking trails on La Palma?
Yes, the GR131 long-distance trail, also known as the 'Ruta de los Volcanes', is one of the most famous and iconic trails on the island. It traverses the Cumbre Vieja mountain range, showcasing dramatic black lava fields and offering an otherworldly experience.
Is it possible to hike through the Caldera de Taburiente National Park?
Yes, the Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a centerpiece for hiking. The Caldera de Taburiente route – La Palma is a challenging path that explores the heart of the national park, featuring alpine scenery, rugged cliffs, and lush pine forests.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in La Palma?
La Palma's mild climate, influenced by its high orography and constant winds, makes it suitable for hiking year-round. However, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures and stable weather conditions for exploring the diverse terrain.
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