A week in La Palma is the perfect amount of time to discover the island in depth without rushing. This 7-day itinerary takes you through all the essential spots: the capital, the west coast with its sea caves, the Caldera de Taburiente, the forests of the north, the volcanoes of the south and the experiences that make La Palma a destination unlike any other.
Day 1: Arrival and Santa Cruz de La Palma
Dedicate your first day to exploring Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island's capital. Stroll along Calle Real (Calle O'Daly) admiring the carved wooden Canarian balconies and the colourful colonial facades. Visit the Plaza de Espana with the church of El Salvador, the Renaissance town hall and the Plaza de Santo Domingo. The Naval Museum Barco de la Virgen and the Insular Museum are quick visits that will help you understand the history and culture of the island.
For lunch, try one of the restaurants in the centre serving traditional Canarian cuisine from La Palma: papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, grilled cheese and fresh fish of the day. In the afternoon, head to Santa Cruz Beach or climb up to the Mirador de la Concepcion for your first panoramic view of the city and the coast.
Day 2: West coast, Poris de Candelaria and kayaking
The second day is for the standout experience of the trip. Head to the west coast to visit Poris de Candelaria, a unique village where fishermen's houses hide beneath an enormous volcanic cliff. From here our kayak excursion departs, following the cliffs of Tijarafe to Cueva Bonita, a sea cave accessible only from the water where the light creates hypnotic blue reflections.
The excursion lasts around 2.5-3 hours and is suitable for all levels. Afterwards, have lunch at one of the restaurants in Tijarafe and stay to enjoy the sunset from the Mirador del Time or from the village itself.
Day 3: Caldera de Taburiente
Dedicate the third day to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. If you are a hiker, the route to the Cascada de Colores is a must: a descent into the heart of the caldera through Canarian pine forests to a waterfall tinted orange, yellow and green by minerals in the water. The full route takes around 5-6 hours and requires a moderate level of fitness.
If you prefer something gentler, the Mirador de la Cumbrecita offers spectacular views of the caldera's interior without the need for much walking. Remember that you must book vehicle access via the National Park's website. Round off the day with a visit to the park's Visitor Centre in El Paso.
Day 4: Roque de los Muchachos and stargazing
Drive up to the Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m), the roof of La Palma. The access road is an experience in itself: as you ascend, the landscape changes from pine forests to an almost lunar terrain above the clouds. From the summit, the views are otherworldly: the Caldera de Taburiente at your feet, the sea of clouds and the neighbouring islands on the horizon.
The Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos is one of the most important in the world. Guided tours are available (book in advance). In the evening, take advantage of a stargazing session. La Palma is a Starlight Reserve and from the summits the Milky Way can be seen with a clarity you will find in virtually no other place in Europe.
Day 5: The green north -- Los Tilos and San Andres
The fifth day takes you to the north of the island, the greenest and most humid area. Begin at Los Tilos, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you will walk among giant ferns, ancient moss-covered trees and waterfalls in one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the world.
Continue to San Andres y Sauces to visit the historic centre and swim at the Charco Azul, a natural pool formed by volcanic lava and fed by the ocean. Then carry on to Barlovento to enjoy the La Fajana natural pools and, if you have time, visit the archaeological site of La Zarza in Garafia, with aboriginal petroglyphs of the Benahoarita people.
Day 6: The volcanic south and the Route of the Volcanoes
The south of La Palma is a completely different landscape to the north: here volcanoes, lava and lunar scenery dominate. If you are in good shape, the Ruta de los Volcanes (GR-131) from the Refugio de El Pilar to Fuencaliente is one of the best hiking trails in the Canary Islands. It covers roughly 17 km between craters from various eruptions with views of the ocean on both sides of the island.
If you prefer a more relaxed day, visit the Salinas de Fuencaliente, where artisanal sea salt is produced with the Teneguia volcano as a backdrop. Next to the salt pans you will find the Fuencaliente Lighthouse and Echentive Beach, created by the 1971 eruption. The landscape is truly awe-inspiring. To finish, visit one of the local wineries and try La Palma's Malvasia wine, one of the oenological treasures of the Canary Islands.
Day 7: Valle de Aridane and farewell
Your final day is perfect for exploring the Valle de Aridane, the heart of the island. Wander around Los Llanos de Aridane, the most populated town in La Palma, with its lovely Plaza de Espana and shopping streets. Visit the Parque de las Eras to see centuries-old dragon trees and head to Tazacorte, a coastal village with a fishing port where you will find the best seafood on the island.
If you have not had enough adventure, this is your chance to try the Surprise Route: a guided excursion where you do not know where you are going until you arrive. It is an exciting and different way to discover hidden corners of La Palma that do not appear in the guidebooks.
For your farewell, a final sunset from Puerto de Tazacorte with a local beer or a glass of Malvasia wine as the sun sinks into the Atlantic is the perfect ending to an unforgettable week on the Isla Bonita.
Practical tips for 7 days in La Palma
- Hire a car: It is essential. The roads are good but winding; always allow more time than the sat-nav suggests.
- Accommodation: Los Llanos de Aridane or Santa Cruz are the best bases. Rural houses offer a more authentic experience.
- Bookings: The Mirador de la Cumbrecita, kayak excursions and Observatory visits all require advance booking.
- Best season: Any time of year is good, but spring and autumn offer the best balance between weather and visitor numbers.
- Gastronomy: Do not miss the local cheese, palm honey, almonds and mojos. Each municipality has its own restaurants full of character.
If you have fewer days available, check out our 3-day itinerary for a more condensed version. And remember that the best experiences in La Palma are those that truly connect you with the island: on the water, among volcanoes and beneath a sky full of stars.