Hiking: GR 130 & GR 131★★★
La Palma is considered the best hiking island of the Canaries — and rightly so. Over 1,000 km of marked hiking trails crisscross the island, from leisurely coastal walks to challenging summit tours. The trail network is excellently maintained and signposted. Two long-distance trails form the backbone:
GR 130 — Camino Real de la Costa
The historic coastal path circles the entire island in 8–10 stages (approx. 120 km). It follows the old royal paths (Caminos Reales) that connected the villages before road construction. The GR 130 is not technically difficult, but due to constant ups and downs (a total of approx. 8,000 meters of elevation), it is physically demanding. Each stage ends in a village with accommodation.
Best sections for day hikers: Stage Barlovento–Los Sauces (through the laurel forest Los Tilos, 14 km, 5 hrs) and Stage Fuencaliente–Los Canarios (along the volcano route in the south, 10 km, 4 hrs).
GR 131 — Ruta de los Volcanes
The most spectacular hiking trail of the Canaries: a ridge hike over the volcanic peaks of the Cumbre Vieja from Refugio El Pilar (1,450 m) to Fuencaliente (lighthouse, sea level). The 17 km long route takes 6–7 hours past extinct craters, through pine forests, and over lava fields with views of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Since the eruption in 2021, the route has been partially rerouted but is fully accessible again.
Access: Bus Line 300 from Santa Cruz to Refugio El Pilar (few trips, check the schedule). Return from Fuencaliente by bus or pre-arranged taxi (approx. 45€ to Santa Cruz).
Other Top Tours
Bosque de Los Tilos (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve): 3 km easy circular hike through the primeval laurel forest. Shady path, ideal in the heat. Impressive ferns and moss-covered trees. Free of charge.
Marcos y Cordero: Legendary tunnel hike through 13 water channels ("Levadas") in the northeast. Flashlight needed, waterproof shoes recommended. Transfer from Los Sauces by 4x4 taxi (approx. 10€). Around 12 km, 5 hours.
Ruta de los Dragos: Short hike (3 km, 1.5 hrs) at Las Tricias to the oldest dragon trees on the island — some over 800 years old.
💡 Tipp
The free app "Senderos de La Palma" (from the island government) contains all official hiking trails with GPS tracks, elevation profiles, and current closures. Always check before each tour if the path is open — after heavy rainfalls, paths are closed. In the high summer (July/August), prefer high-altitude hikes — it becomes unbearably hot on the coast.
