La Palma, also known as the "Isla Bonita" due to its incredible natural beauty, is a paradisiacal corner of the Canary Islands. Despite its relatively small size, the island offers a diverse and extraordinary landscape that ranges from lush laurel forests to stunning volcanic peaks, black sand beaches, and ancient villages. Here, I propose some unusual itineraries, off the beaten path, to discover the island's most iconic places from unique perspectives.
From La Cumbrecita to Pico Bejenado: A Journey Through Forests and Volcanic Peaks
The first stop on this unusual itinerary takes us to one of the most remote and lesser-known areas of La Palma: La Cumbrecita, a viewpoint offering one of the best views of the Caldera de Taburiente. While most tourists flock to the more popular routes within the caldera, the hike from La Cumbrecita to Pico Bejenado offers spectacular views, far from the crowds.
The Caldera de Taburiente is an impressive crater located in the most important national park of the Canary Islands. This massive natural depression, spanning eight kilometers in diameter, is characterized by lush vegetation and dramatic landscapes due to significant altitude differences. The highest point, Pico de la Cruz, reaches 2,426 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is near the Taburiente River at less than 500 meters. This vast altitude range contributes to the park's extraordinary variety of landscapes and rich biodiversity.
The route starts at La Cumbrecita, at an altitude of about 1,300 meters, where the LP-302 road ends. From there, we take the left-hand path to begin the ascent. The trail zigzags upwards, passing through spectacular specimens of Canary pine and small viewpoints offering glimpses of the Cumbre Vieja volcano area. The path is relatively demanding, but the beauty of the scenery—with shaded trails and peaks outlined against the sky—makes every step a unique experience.
Upon reaching Pico Bejenado, at 1,848 meters, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view: from here, you can admire the vastness of the Caldera de Taburiente and the western coast of the island. This route, requiring about five hours of hiking, is an excellent alternative for those seeking a more intimate and tranquil experience compared to the more popular excursions.
The Volcano Route: The Lesser-Known Volcano Trail
Although the "Ruta de los Volcanes" is one of the most famous hikes on La Palma, the version I propose is not the usual one starting from Fuencaliente. Instead, I suggest a quieter and more unusual variant beginning at the San Antonio volcano, one of the island's most recent eruptions, and heading toward Teneguía. This route takes you through a lunar landscape, where volcanic terrain transitions into vast lava fields, offering extraordinary views of craters, valleys, and the southwestern coast.
The walk also leads to some of the island's most impressive geological formations, such as the San Antonio crater and the lava flows descending toward the sea. During the hike, you'll likely find yourself alone, far from the crowds that swarm other parts of the island, allowing you to savor the silence and solitude of a truly extraordinary landscape.
The ascent to Teneguía, a young mountain formed during the last eruptions in December 1971, is not particularly strenuous, and from its summit, you can see the Salinas and the Fuencaliente Lighthouse. Behind you rises the majestic San Antonio, one of the best-preserved volcanic cones in the world. This shorter route, taking about 3-4 hours, is no less spectacular than the traditional Volcano Route, as it allows you to explore a lesser-known side of the island while walking among fascinating geological formations and breathtaking landscapes.
If you stay until nightfall, you can stop at the astronomical viewpoint located on the San Antonio volcano. Its strategic design and position allow you to study the Sun's movement, with a special focus on sunsets, which can be observed through star references marking seasonal changes. Along the path, visitors will find informational panels indicating the position of Polaris and a planisphere useful for identifying the constellations of Ursa Major and Cassiopeia. Situated at 633 meters above sea level, the viewpoint also features a visitor center, making the experience even more immersive.
The Bosque de los Tilos: An Immersion into the Heart of the Laurisilva
Next, we move to the island's interior, home to one of the Canary Islands' most spectacular forests: the Bosque de los Tilos. This laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents one of La Palma's richest and most fascinating ecosystems. The itinerary I propose starts in the village of San Andrés and follows a network of trails that immerse you in lush vegetation. Along the way, you'll have the chance to admire hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and unique flora.
The forest is also renowned for its biodiversity, hosting many species of birds and plants endemic to the Canary Islands. The tranquility of this area is extraordinary, and walking among centuries-old trees offers an almost mystical experience.
For the more adventurous, a trail leads to the top of a ridge, where you can enjoy incredible views of the island and the surrounding sea. This itinerary is perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore one of La Palma's wildest and least-known areas.
Astro-Tourism
To conclude our selection of unusual itineraries on La Isla de La Palma, we must recommend a visit to the Astronomical Observatory. If you're passionate about astronomy, you should explore the surprising quality of the skies over the island. La Palma is famous for being one of the world's best places for stargazing, thanks to its geographic position and air quality.
While the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is the most well-known, there are smaller Starlight-certified stations and viewpoints worth visiting. Although not all facilities are open to the public, many offer public observation nights or guided tours. The view of the starry sky above La Palma is extraordinary, and the chance to observe planets, nebulas, and galaxies with professional telescopes is an unforgettable experience.
These unusual itineraries take us through some of La Palma's most hidden and fascinating corners. The island, with its untamed nature, stunning landscapes, and serenity, is a destination that offers unique experiences far from the bustle of mass tourism. If you're looking for an adventure off the most-traveled tourist paths, La Palma is the perfect place to be amazed and discover unspoiled places that will stay in your heart forever.