Runners along La Crestería in La Palma, Canary Islands

Nature activities on La Palma: unleash the adventure

La Palma

It is often said that La Palma has a nature of contrasts. And so it is. Cliffs, mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, deep ravines, dragon trees, lush laurel forests, and one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. The isla bonita (the "Beautiful Island") is the greenest of the Canary Islands, and after the most recent eruption in 2021, a small part of its territory has become the youngest in Spain.Every corner of the island seems to conceal a new paradise waiting to be discovered. And, best of all, there are a thousand ways to enjoy these landscapes: hiking, mountain biking, diving, paragliding... So don’t forget your boots and your swimming things, and get ready to enjoy some great experiences on the island.  

  • Hiker in Cardones de La Palma, Canary Islands

    1,000 kilometres of hiking trails

    On your visit to La Palma you will find a perfectly signposted network of paths with different levels of difficulty to cover the island from the coast to the summit. Ready for a walk? You can walk alongside volcanoes or take the coastal path that borders the island. Take a look at this page for more information on each path. Also, here you'll find the 16 most popular routes.  

  • Cyclists on the coast of La Palma, Canary Islands

    By buggy, quad bike, bicycle - there are lots of other ways to explore the island

    If cycling is your thing then you will love covering some of the conditioned routes that cross through landscapes of pine forests and volcanoes. Other unusual fun experiences to be enjoyed are a buggy or 4x4 quad bike ride across volcanic lava flows and through tunnels of laurisilva.And the most intrepid can venture into the bowels of the Earth, descending lava tubes or into caves with an expert speleologist guide.  

  • Ideas for enjoying the sea.

    The beach isn’t just about swimming. If you’re looking for a different kind of activity, sign up for one of the whale watching boat trips that leave from Tazacorte - you can spot turtles and flying fish as well as whales.Some more suggestions? How about exploring the coast around Fuencaliente by canoe, or going scuba diving at different island locations such as Los Cancajos, Tazacorte and Puerto Naos. Volcanic eruptions have created a fascinating undersea world of arches, towers and caves. Download a diving guide here. Ride the waves, merge with the wind, feel free and let it take you where excitement lives, by kitesurfing or windsurfing on the beach of the capital city.

  • Paragliding over the island

    Did you know that La Palma is one of the places in the world with the most days that are perfect for paragliding? Ask at any tourist office on the island about the many paragliding sites, and get ready for a bird's eye view of the landscape!

  • Tourists looking up at the sky from the Caldera de Taburiente National Park in La Palma, Canary Islands

    Enjoy the stars

    La Palma's night sky is simply spectacular and fascinating. You will have never seen a sky like this or have experienced the unique feeling of having the stars, the planets, the universe at your fingertips. You just have to move away from urban areas to enjoy its splendour.Alternatively, you can visit one of the astronomical viewing points conveniently scattered around the island, or hire the services of one of the companies and professionals to embark on an unforgettable stargazing experience. You will understand why the island is a Starlight Reserve and Destination.

  • Detail of Porís de la Candelaria in La Palma, Canary Islands

    The tranquillity of rural tourism

    If you want to discover the very essence of the island, and put the cherry on top of your sustainable holiday cake, the best idea is to totally immerse yourself in rural destinations with bags of charm, many of which you’ll find in the north.  A few examples: La Tosca, a farmhouse in the middle of a forest of dragon trees; Puntagorda and Las Tricias, where the flowering almond trees are a delightful show; El Tablado, located between the two largest ravines on the island; San Andrés and its centuries-old mansions; Santo Domingo de Garafía and its artisan dairies; Porís de Candelaria, which seems to be hidden in a cave…You can experience the tranquillity of country life in many parts of the island, stay in a rural house in the midst of nature, enjoy the sunsets or go on an original guided tour of an organic banana plantation.  

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