The Canary Islands have so much to offer, from subtropical landscapes and lush vegetation to desert landscapes to breathtaking cliffs and golden beaches. There’s Lanzarote, the land of lava and fire, Fuerteventura with its endless beaches, La Palma with its unspoilt nature, Tenerife with its imposing volcano, and Gran Canaria with its majestic dunes reminiscent of the Sahara desert... Each island is different, but they are all bathed by a generous sun and enjoy a mild climate, so you can be sure of a great beach holiday all year round!
La Palma, also known as "La Isla Bonita", is the most north-westerly island in the Canary archipelago. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers, who will delight in discovering its unique vegetation. The island’s breathtaking scenery of multi-coloured waterfalls, centuries-old forests and black sand beaches are a wonder to behold. In the centre of the island, the Caldera de Taburiente, one of the largest craters in the world, dominates the landscape, while to the north-east, the Charco Azul natural pools provide a unique setting for swimming. The local cuisine, based on fish and seafood, goes perfectly with the unique flavour of the island's wines.
The seaside resort of Los Cancajos is bordered by a black sandy beach and lies on the east coast between the capital, Santa Cruz, and La Palma airport. This former fishing village is flanked by a seafront promenade perfect for long strolls, and its small town centre, with cafés, restaurants and boutiques, is well worth a visit for a lunch break or a shopping spree. The town is known for its salt mines, which are the oldest salt mines in La Palma. Distance from the airport: 2 km.
Fuencaliente is a town on the southern tip of La Palma. It is known for its palm wine and the grape harvest is celebrated here in a traditional fashion. The vines grow on sunny volcanic slopes and are criss-crossed by winding country roads which run down the side of the region's three volcanoes towards the coast. If you enjoy hiking, Fuencaliente is the ideal starting point for exploring the island's volcanic landscape on foot. When the sky is clear, it is even possible to see Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro from the San Antonio volcano. Distance from the airport: 25 km.
Puerto Naos, in the south-west of La Palma, stretches along the island's longest beach. As a result of volcanic eruptions in the past, the beach is black with ash, and the contrast against the deep blue of the Atlantic is striking! It's the perfect place to admire some magnificent sunsets. Distance from the airport: 33 km.
Tazacorte stands out from the crowd for its charming historic centre and its banana museum, the only one of its kind in Europe. In the past, the village was mainly used by the Spanish conquerors to grow sugar cane. Today, it boasts numerous banana plantations, as well as a fishing port and marina. Distance from the airport: 32 km.
Excursions allow you to discover your destination from all perspectives. LuxairTours offers a range of selected tours that will help you to discover unmissable places, paradisiacal beaches, typical dishes... LuxairTours organises a range of quality excursions for you :
La Palma is renowned for its lush natural heritage. On this excursion to the north-east of the island, you'll discover its beautiful landscapes, changing vegetation due to the area's multiple microclimates, imposing ravines and picturesque villages full of tradition. You'll visit the Mirador de La Montaña or Salto del Enamorado for an unrivalled panoramic view of mountains covered in a green blanket, a rugged coastline full of cliffs and an original sculpture that recalls the local legend of the Salto del Enamorado. After admiring the view from the top of the mountain, stop off at the viewpoint beside the church of San Bartolo, where you can enjoy a coffee before continuing on your way.
At San Andrés y Sauces, the Los Tilos forest nature reserve, known as the green heart of La Palma, awaits you. It is the island's first biosphere reserve and protected by UNESCO. It is also one of the most important forests in the Canary Islands, where the beauty of the laurel forest is showcased in all its splendour, with its ecosystem inherited from the Tertiary era. You'll learn more about the features of this exceptional environment.
The route leads from the mountains to the sea, passing through the picturesque village of San Andrés. Its banana plantations and historic church make it one of the most beautiful spots on the island. A stroll to Puerto Espindola will give you a chance to explore the area, see the natural pools of Charco Azul and visit the Ron Aldea distillery, where rum is carefully made from sugar cane in the traditional fashion. Finally, you'll stroll through the streets of the historic centre of Santa Cruz de La Palma to discover the capital's most emblematic landmarks.
Recommendations and additional information:
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and suitable footwear, sun protection, sunglasses and a hat, and in winter warm clothes. Also remember to take enough food and drink for the whole day.
This tour will give you the chance to contemplate one of the most beautiful skies on the island, both by day and night. You'll make your way to the Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint, which rises to an altitude of 2,426 metres. This natural enclave is also home to the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory (ORM), a prestigious scientific research centre.
On your way to the island's highest point, you'll pass the area where the telescopes line up on either side of the road. You can learn more about each of them and find out why they chose this extraordinary place to set up shop. This is a unique opportunity to admire the skies over La Palma and the special features of this observatory, which is considered one of the best places in the world for astronomy.
Not far from these facilities, high above the clouds, you can enjoy an unforgettable sunset with a glass of wine. As night falls, you can observe the sky through an amateur telescope at a nearby astronomical viewpoint. The team of Starlight guides will show you an infinite number of stars, as well as galaxies, planets, nebulae, star clusters and more.
The immensity of La Palma's sky will leave you in awe!
Recommendations and additional information:
The excursion may be cancelled due to weather conditions: high clouds, wind or snow (for example) that prevent the activity from taking place. In this case, you have the option of changing the date or receiving a full refund of the cost of the activity.
On days with a full moon, the activity cannot take place because the light from the moon affects the visibility of the rest of the stars.
Observation will take place from an astronomical viewpoint. Astronomical (night-time) tours are NOT available at the Roque de Los Muchachos observatory, which is closed to the public at night.
Essential clothing for all seasons: warm clothes, closed shoes and long trousers. Don't forget enough food and drink to last the duration of the tour, as well as a camera and mobile phone.
Duration of the excursion (guided bus tour + stargazing): approx. 5.5 hours.
The Roque de Los Muchachos is the highest point on the island of La Palma and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Before reaching the summit, you'll take a bus trip through several of the island's municipalities.
You'll start at the Plaza de Tajuya, a square that has become a prime vantage point for the recent volcanic eruption of Cumbre Vieja. From here, you can see the cone and lava flows left behind by this natural phenomenon that marked a before and after point in the lives of all the inhabitants of La Palma.
You will then continue on to El Time, an impressive viewpoint 594 metres above sea level, that boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the extraordinary Aridane Valley and the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
The route continues to the beautiful municipality of Puntagorda, where you can visit the farmers' market, a weekly meeting place where local produce from farmers, craftsmen and confectioners is on display.
After climbing a winding road, you will reach the natural balcony of Roque de Los Muchachos. This is considered to be one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation thanks to the quality of its skies, which is why internationally renowned telescopes are installed here. The view from the top of the island is just as impressive – at your feet is the Caldera de Taburiente, one of the world's largest erosion craters and a geological wonder. On a clear day, you can see the silhouette of the neighbouring islands of El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife.
The recently opened visitor centre at Roque de Los Muchachos will tell you more about the world of astronomy.
Travelling around the eastern part of the island, you'll see different levels of vegetation, whose spring blooms add to the appeal of the landscape. From the Mirador de Los Andenes, you can observe almost the entire course of the Barranco de Las Angustias ravine and finish with the breathtaking views of Santa Cruz de La Palma, Las Breñas and the east coast from the Mirador de La Concepción.
Recommendations:
Please wear comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, sun protection, sunglasses and a hat and in winter warm clothing. Remember to bring enough food and drink for the whole day, a charged mobile phone and a camera.
Bus excursion to the volcanoes, with various stops at the most interesting points to enjoy the scenery and walk around the area.
In this tour, you'll discover the volcano in a more adventurous way. You'll set off in a 4x4 bus from the Cancajos region, travelling along the south-east coast to Fuencaliente.
Once in Fuencaliente, you'll descend between the San Antonio and Teneguía volcanoes until you reach the salt flats. On the way, you'll cross the lava flows of the new Tajogaite volcano. You'll pass several viewpoints to see the different volcanoes in the region. After a stop for lunch and a rest, you'll head to the visitor centre to climb up to the La Cumbrecita viewpoint, where you can enjoy beautiful views of La Caldera National Park. You will then descend to Llano del Jable, from where the new Tajogaite volcano can be seen, and continue to the Llano de las Ventas viewpoint before returning to your hotel.
Recommendations and additional information:
Food is not included. It is advisable to bring a picnic and water. Please wear closed shoes and appropriate clothing.
Guided hike, 16 km // difference in altitude: + 100 m. / - 700 m. // duration: approx. 6 hours
Discover the heart of La Palma on an unmissable route for nature lovers, the Caldera de Taburiente. The Caldera de Taburiente has a diameter of around 8 kilometres and rises up to 2,000 metres high, with noteworthy geological formations and diverse wildlife. It is one of the island's main attractions, and was declared a national park in 1954. It’s just something you have to see with your own eyes!
From the Los Brecitos viewpoint (1,040 metres above sea level), which is the starting point for this spectacularly beautiful walk, you can see how the Canary pine forest protects and shelters the caldera and take in marvellous views of the National Park and Pico Bejenado.
The PR LP 13 trail takes you into the heart of La Caldera de Taburiente National Park, passing wooden bridges, ravines with streams, brooks and waterfalls. At the Taburiente river, in the camping area, you can take a dip in the cool, crystal-clear waters. You'll continue on a trail that will test your legs but reward you with beautiful views, always bearing in mind the majestic Roque Idafe, a sacred symbol for the aborigines.
You'll wind your way through the Barranco de Taburiente ravine until you reach another must-see spot, the Cascada de Colores, an iconic area of the island where ochre, green and reddish tones blend together magically, creating an idyllic backdrop. Finally, you will take the natural exit of the Barranco de Las Angustias, where it is the shape of the rocks is particularly interesting.
Come and see the heart of La Palma, because it’s so much more than just a volcano!
Recommendations and additional information:
Please wear comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, sun protection, sunglasses and a cap, and in winter, warm clothing. Also bring enough food and drink for the whole day, a telephone and a camera.
Depending on the weather conditions and the recommendations of the relevant authorities (national parks), the itinerary may be subject to change (departure and arrival at Mirador de Los Brecitos).
Guided hike, 7 km // difference in altitude: + 300 m. / - 300 m. // duration: approx. 4 hours.
The ancient forest of Cubo de la Galga, in Puntallana, is a precious natural treasure that reveals why La Palma is known as the Green Island. If you're a keen hiker or simply love the beauty of nature, you won't want to miss this route, which takes you through the lush laurel forest, whose origins date back to the Tertiary era and whose vegetation will amaze you.
The forest’s green colour comes from its environment, which is made up of a wide variety of species such as laurel trees, lime trees, vinatigos, barbusanos and incredible large ferns. In some areas, the humidity is much higher and sunlight is almost non-existent, but that's no problem when you're looking at such an unforgettable landscape!
After plunging into the Cubo de La Galga, you'll climb to the Mirador de Somada Alta, 900 metres above sea level. From here, on a clear day, you can see the neighbouring islands of Tenerife and La Gomera, as well as the town of San Andrés y Sauces.
In the final part of your walk, you'll visit the Mirador de San Bartolomé, between the ravines of Nogales and La Galga, and the Mirador de La Montaña or Salto del Enamorado, which has become one of the best places on the island to contemplate the stars at nightfall. You can enjoy an unrivalled panoramic view of this traditionally agricultural municipality and part of the eastern side of La Palma.
Green mountains, imposing ravines that merge with the ocean, cliffs and a statue recalling the local legend of the Salto del Enamorado punctuate the journey through a precious natural treasure.
There's no doubt about it… La Palma is so much more than just a volcano!
Recommendations and additional information:
Please wear comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, sun protection, sunglasses and a cap, and in winter, warm clothing. Also bring enough food and drink for the whole day, a telephone and a camera.
7 km guided walk // difference in altitude + 150 m. / - 200 m. // duration: 4 hours approx.
The Roque de Los Muchachos (2,426 metres) is the highest peak in La Palma, offering breathtaking panoramic views and an unforgettable view over a sea of clouds. It is considered one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation, which is why it houses one of the most comprehensive sets of telescopes in the world.
From the viewpoint at Roque de Los Muchachos, you will take the GR-131, also known as El Bastón, along the ridge of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The route begins with a steep incline that gradually diminishes as you pass by a set of telescopes, where you can observe these special scientific infrastructures. Throughout the hike, you'll enjoy impressive views, particularly of the interior of the caldera, which is a true geological gem.
On the path to the summit, you'll see a variety of vegetation including cedars, broom, pansies and tajinastes, whose blossoming in spring adds an extra special touch to the landscape, filling the island's summit with a multitude of colours. The path crosses a basalt stone wall, Roberto's Wall, which is the subject of a unique legend.
To the north of the Caldera de Taburiente, you’ll find that the sensation of floating on top of the emptiness only gets more intense. From the Mirador de Los Andenes, you can see almost the entire length of the Barranco de Las Angustias ravine. From here, the path winds its way through the various obstacles created by the mountainous terrain of the region to reach the Pico de La Cruz, where, on a clear day, you can see El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife.
Recommendations and additional information:
Remember to pack comfortable clothes and closed shoes, sun protection, sunglasses and a cap, as well as enough food and drink for the whole excursion (meals not included).
17 km (return) // altitude difference: + 650 m. / -1,400 m. // duration: approx. 7 hours
The route starts at the Refugio del Pilar, at an altitude of 1,450 metres, where you will begin the ascent at 2,000 metres above sea level. You'll walk between recent and older volcanoes on this 17 kilometre hike to the village of Los Canarios / Fuencaliente.
Along the way, you'll pass by the different volcanoes of San Juan, Las Deseadas (the highest point), El Cabrito and the last volcano on the route, Martín, which stands out for the contrast between its reddish tones and the green of the pine forest.
The route ends in the village of Fuencaliente, where you can take a well-earned rest after a 7-hour walk.
This route can be described as the most spectacular and impressive due to the incredible views over both sides of La Palma, from a mountain range peaking at almost 2,000 metres.
Recommendations:
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, as well as sun protection, sunglasses and a cap. In winter, warm clothing is recommended. You should also bring enough food and drink for the whole day (meals not included).
7 km // difference in altitude + 50 m. / - 700 m. // duration: approx. 5 hours
Tijarafe, to the north-west of La Palma, is home to a hidden spot of singular beauty, the Porís de Candelaria. Here you'll find a cave around 50 metres high, housing a row of centuries-old white houses. Combined with the crystal-clear waters of a sea and its gentle sounds, you’re remember this picture-postcard image for a long time!
In this municipality, 700 metres above sea level, you'll find the Barranco del Jurado ravine, from where you'll begin your hike in search of a little paradise on the coast of this village with vibrant traditions.
You'll descend to the sea along the PR LP 12.2 trail, an impressive ravine with almost vertical walls reaching up to 620 metres in altitude, hosting distinctive geological formations, farmland, bird populations and interesting species of flora. It is for this reason that it has been listed as a Jurado Protected Natural Area.
The ravine gradually narrows as you descend along a winding path that takes you to the beach of Jurado, a coastal village that once served as a seaport where goods, particularly salt and fish, entered and left the region.
You will then climb up the right bank of the El Jurado ravine along a winding path, similar to the one on the descent, taking in the stunning views of the ravine and the immense blue sea.
In less than half an hour's walk and with your eyes fixed on the steep, rugged west coast of the island, you'll arrive at an unusual natural harbour built in honour of the Virgin of Candelaria, where you'll have some free time before the return transfer.
For more information and bookings, please contact your LuxairTours guide on site.
The beaches of the above-mentioned tourist locations have sun loungers and umbrellas available for hire by external providers.