La Palma is, quite simply, one of the best hiking islands in the world. In a single day you can walk from pine forest into a giant volcanic crater, along a ridge above the clouds, or through dripping laurel forest where pure spring water runs out of the rock. Here are the hikes we love most, including a few local secrets you will not find in the average guidebook.

Caldera de Taburiente

The island’s showpiece. This enormous erosion crater, ringed by cliffs up to 2,000 m high, is laced with trails through Canary pine forest, past springs and the orange-stained Cascada de Colores. The classic route starts at the Los Brecitos trailhead and descends through the crater to the Barranco de las Angustias, around six hours of pure scenery. See our full guide to things to do for more on the Caldera.

Ruta de los Volcanes

The most spectacular ridge walk in the Canaries. The Volcano Route runs roughly 17 to 24 km along the volcanic spine of the south, from the El Pilar recreation area down towards Fuencaliente, past craters and lava fields with the ocean on both sides. It is demanding, exposed and unforgettable. Bring plenty of water, sun protection and proper shoes.

Local secret: do it by full moon

Here is something most visitors never think of. On a clear full-moon night, La Palma is so bright that the moon casts a real shadow. In summer, when daytime heat makes the exposed ridge tough going, the locals’ trick is to walk the Ruta de los Volcanes at night under the full moon. You set off in the cool of the evening, walk the ridge in silver moonlight, and arrive down in Fuencaliente just as the sun comes up, perfect timing for breakfast. It is one of the most magical things you can do on the island.

Marcos y Cordero: the springs and tunnels

This is an adventure as much as a hike. High in the north, an old water canal threads along the mountainside through 13 hand-dug tunnels (the longest around 400 m), so a headtorch is essential. As you walk, the purest drinking water on the island streams straight out of the rock all around you, so bring an empty bottle and fill it as you go. The trail then descends through ravines, caves and the lush, almost rainforest-like laurel forest of Los Tilos. It is a strenuous walk of around five to six hours, and genuinely one of the most beautiful on La Palma.

The catch: you cannot reach the start at Casa del Monte (about 1,400 m) in a normal car. You will need a 4×4. You can book a 4×4 taxi from the Los Tilos visitor centre, or, if you are staying with us in Tazacorte, just get in touch: we have a 4×4 and may be able to arrange a trip for you. See the About page to reach us.

Roque de los Muchachos ridge walks

At the island’s 2,426 m summit, short trails follow the rim of the Caldera with staggering views over the crater and the sea of clouds. It pairs perfectly with a daytime observatory visit or an evening of stargazing. Wrap up warm: it is cold up here, even in summer.

Practical tips for hiking on La Palma

• You will need a car to reach most trailheads, or a hiking taxi for point-to-point routes like the Caldera and Marcos y Cordero.
• Weather changes fast with altitude. Carry layers, water, sun protection and a headtorch.
• For longer or logistically tricky routes, a guided hike takes the planning off your hands.
• Always check trail and weather conditions locally before you set off.

Where to stay for hiking

Tazacorte is a relaxed, sunny base within easy reach of the Caldera, the Volcano Route and the west coast. If you would like to stay with us, see our own places (Casa Cardon and Atlantis Apartments) on the home page and the About page. For more ideas, read our full guide to the best things to do in La Palma.