Three days in La Palma are enough to fall in love with the Isla Bonita, although you will almost certainly want to come back. With this complete route you can discover the essentials: the capital, the spectacular west coast with its sea caves, the Caldera de Taburiente, the Roque de los Muchachos and the laurel forests of the north. We suggest a day-by-day itinerary with practical tips so you can make the most of every moment.
Day 1: Santa Cruz, the west coast and a kayak experience
Begin your trip in Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island's capital. Stroll along Calle Real (Calle O'Daly), one of the prettiest streets in the Canary Islands, with its traditional wooden balconies and colourful colonial buildings. Do not miss the Plaza de Espana with the church of El Salvador and the Renaissance town hall. If you are interested in history, the Naval Museum Barco de la Virgen, housed in a replica of Columbus's caravel, is a quick and fascinating visit.
After lunch, head to the west coast for the highlight of the day: a kayak excursion from Poris de Candelaria. This cave village, hidden beneath an enormous cliff, is already worth a visit in its own right. From here you will set off by kayak through crystal-clear waters, paddling along the impressive volcanic cliffs of Tijarafe to reach Cueva Bonita, a sea cave with mesmerising blue light effects that leave you speechless.
The excursion lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and is suitable for all levels. Groups are small and the local guides know every corner of this coast. It is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences you can have in La Palma.
To round off the day, stay to watch the sunset from Tijarafe or from the Mirador del Time. The sunsets on the west coast of La Palma are among the most spectacular in the Canary Islands.
Day 2: Caldera de Taburiente and Roque de los Muchachos
The second day is dedicated to the mountainous interior of the island. The Caldera de Taburiente is La Palma's National Park and one of the most impressive landscapes in the Canary Islands: an enormous erosion crater nearly 10 km in diameter surrounded by walls exceeding 2,000 metres in height.
If you enjoy hiking, you can take the trail that descends into the interior of the Caldera to the Cascada de Colores (Waterfall of Colours), where waters stained by iron minerals create a unique chromatic spectacle. This route requires a moderate level of fitness and takes around 5-6 hours return. If you prefer something gentler, the Mirador de la Cumbrecita offers panoramic views of the Caldera without the need for much walking (but you must book vehicle access via the park's website).
In the afternoon, drive up to the Roque de los Muchachos, the highest point on La Palma at 2,426 metres. Here you will find the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, one of the most important observatories in the world. From the summit the views are breathtaking: on clear days you can see Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro, and as evening falls the sea of clouds that forms beneath your feet is an unforgettable natural spectacle.
If you book in advance, you can complete the day with a stargazing session. La Palma is a Starlight Reserve and from the summits the Milky Way can be seen with astonishing clarity.
Day 3: The green north of La Palma
Your third day takes you to the north of the island, the greenest and most lush area of La Palma. Start at Los Tilos, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where you will find one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the world. This prehistoric woodland, which once covered all of Europe millions of years ago, survives here thanks to the humid microclimate of the area. The Cubo de la Galga trail is a perfect choice: a circular walk of around 2 hours through giant ferns, moss-covered trees and waterfalls.
Continue to San Andres y Sauces, a municipality that combines historical heritage with nature. Visit the historic centre of San Andres, with its church and cobbled streets, and then head down to the Charco Azul, one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the Canary Islands. Formed by volcanic lava and fed by the ocean, it is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip surrounded by spectacular scenery.
For lunch, take the opportunity to try the local cuisine at one of the area's restaurants: papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, grilled cheese with green mojo, fresh fish and local wine. Canarian cuisine from La Palma is simple but bursting with flavour.
If you have time to spare, visit Barlovento and its natural pools at La Fajana, or the village of Garafia to see centuries-old dragon trees and the archaeological site of La Zarza with its aboriginal petroglyphs.
Practical tips for 3 days in La Palma
- Hire a car: It is essential for getting around the island. The distances are not great, but the roads are winding and journey times are longer than they appear on the map.
- Book in advance: Both access to the Cumbrecita viewpoint and kayak excursions require advance booking, especially during peak season.
- Dress in layers: The temperature is pleasant year-round on the coast, but it can be very cold at the summits, even in summer.
- Start early: Mornings tend to be clearer, especially at higher altitudes. The sunsets from the west coast are unmissable.
- Proper footwear: If you plan to go hiking, wear boots or trekking shoes. Volcanic trails can be slippery.
Three days offer plenty of time in La Palma, but if you have the chance to stay longer, check out our 7-day itinerary to discover even more corners of the island. And if you are looking for a different experience that combines adventure and nature, do not miss our guided kayak experiences along the wildest coast in the Canary Islands.