Hiking in La Palma

Rising 7,959 feet (2,426 m) above the cobalt waves of the Atlantic Ocean, this fiery Canary Island, said to be the steepest in the world, is remarkable on so many levels. Walks in La Palma are endlessly magnificent.

The verdant laurel forests of the north contrast sharply with the desertscapes of the spectacular volcanic ridge in the south, speckled with craters and sprouting twisted igneous formations. Meanwhile, perhaps the best hikes in La Palma take place in its heart, which is dominated by a gigantic caldera. Over six miles (10 km) wide and with walls that tower almost 6,600 feet (2,000 m) from its base, the Caldera de Taburiente is an awe-inspiring landscape.

Experience the lush national park in its dramatic centre, accessible only by hiking through Barranco de las Angustias: the Ravine of Anxiety. This incredible adventure leads you into a lost world, where your steps are cushioned by pine leaves and nightfall sees some of the world’s most incredible celestial displays.