Walking in La Palma & El Hierro: an introduction

La Palma and El Hierro: hiking havens in the Canary Islands

La Palma and little El Hierro, lesser known Canary Islands, are hidden gems for hikers. They have diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to volcanic deserts and offer a unique and unforgettable walking experience.

Our guidebook to walking in La Palma and El Hierro is your ideal companion.

Santa Cruz de la Palma or Los Llanos: two gateways to La Palma’s hiking trails

Santa Cruz de la Palma, the island’s capital, or Los Llanos in the west, are excellent bases for exploring La Palma’s hiking trails.

The towns offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Of course, if you have a rental car, the island’s your oyster.

Hiking around the Caldera de Taburiente

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging mountain hikes.

Trekking in the Los Tilos forest

The Los Tilos forest is a lush cloud forest that is home to a variety of endemic plants and animals. The forest offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging mountain hikes.

One popular trail takes you through a fern-filled forest.

Tigaday/Frontera: our preferred base for exploring El Hierro

Tigaday/Frontera, one of two main tourist bases on El Hierro (the other is La Restinga), is a charming town located in the island’s northern region.

The town offers a variety of accommodation options. It’s also a great base for exploring the island’s hiking trails.

Walking to the Mirador de la Peña

The Mirador de la Peña, designed by Cesar Manrique, is a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the island. A nearby chapel makes a good picnic spot, unless you visit the restaurant at the viewpoint.

Walking to the Arbol Garoë

This easy walk takes just two hours and visits the island’s ‘holy tree’ — a laurel with a girth of about 1.5m (5ft). This tree condensed enough water to fill the cisterns of the original inhabitants, the Bimbaches. The original tree was felled in a hurricane in the 17th century. It’ll take hundred of years for its replacement to grow to the size of the original.

The best time to visit La Palma and El Hierro for walking

The best time to visit La Palma and El Hierro for walking is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

However, both islands can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. Christmas is high season, as is Easter, when prices rise.

In summer it is usually not too hot for walking, and that has become a popular time to visit (but with climate change, it is hard to predict temperatures from one year to the next).

Tips for hiking on La Palma and El Hierro

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: Our book has suggestions for what to pack.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks: Hiking can be thirsty work, so it’s essential to stay hydrated.
• Respect the environment: Leave no trace and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Check the weather forecast: The weather on La Palma and El Hierro can change quickly on the heights, so it’s important to be aware of the forecast before heading out.
• Don’t take risks!: It is important to carry a mobile or smartphone, to be aware of emergency telephone numbers and to tell a responsible person where you are going and what time you plan to return. Always remember, your speed will be determined by the slowest walker in your group.

La Palma and El Hierro are paradises for walkers, offering a diverse range of trails to suit all levels of fitness. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging mountain hike, you’re sure to find the perfect trail to explore. Buy our guidebook to walking in La Palma & El Hierro.