Best Hiking Trails in La Palma

La Palma hiking ranges from moon-like volcanic ash fields to dense, ancient forest — often within the same day. Here's a guide to the island's most rewarding trails, whichever kind of landscape you're after.

Route of the Volcanoes (Ruta de los Volcanes)

The island's most iconic hiking route follows the volcanic ridge along Cumbre Vieja, passing craters both old and new. It's a demanding full-day hike, but the views — across both coasts of the island at once in some sections — are unmatched. A special full-moon edition lets you walk part of the route after dark.

The Tajogaite Volcano Trail

For a shorter, more focused hike, the trail to the Tajogaite volcano crater covers around 7 km across volcanic ash, with a certified guide required due to restricted access.

Book the guided tour here.

Marcos y Cordero

One of the most popular trails on the island, this route winds through laurel forest and past a historic irrigation channel (the "Marcos y Cordero" water channel), with waterfalls and dense, prehistoric-feeling vegetation along the way.

Cubo de la Galga

A shorter, family-friendly hike through one of the best-preserved laurel forests on La Palma — cool, shaded, and often misty, a completely different atmosphere from the volcanic south.

Caldera de Taburiente

Hiking inside the Caldera de Taburiente National Park means walking through pine forest and dramatic rock walls inside what is essentially a giant, eroded volcanic crater — one of the most striking landscapes in the Canary Islands.

Planning Your La Palma Hiking Trip

Trail difficulty on La Palma varies widely — some routes are gentle walks suitable for most fitness levels, while others (like the full Route of the Volcanoes) require a full day and good physical condition. Restricted areas, like the Tajogaite volcano, require a certified guide by law.

Ready to explore?

See all our guided hiking excursions in La Palma, or ask about a private, tailor-made route if you'd like to explore at your own pace.