Canarians call La Palma ‘la isla bonita' – the beautiful island – which is quite the compliment. It's so enchanting that Rudi, one of our guides, decided to make it his home 40 years ago. ‘I love doing this tour,' he says. ‘It shows you the island's past and present – from one of the world's biggest observatories to Tajogaite, Europe's newest volcano.' Plus, you'll discover wonders such as Roque de los Muchachos and the primeval Caldera de Taburiente.
Your adventure kicks off as you venture up the 2,500m-high Roque de los Muchachos – La Palma's highest peak – passing the domed astronomical observatory on the way. At the top, take in the views over the 8km-wide Caldera de Taburiente, the island's only national park. Ringed by cloud-bursting peaks, this immense bowl is thick with pine forests and waterfalls. Your guide will fill you in on the park's history and how your visit will help conserve its ecosystems.
Next, it's on to Puntagorda – arguably one of the prettiest villages in the Canaries. Nestled between two ravines, rows of pine and almond trees flank cobbled streets that enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you'll have some time to have a poke around the weekly farmer's market, with stalls dedicated to local produce and handicrafts. At El Time viewpoint, there are heart-pounding views over the Angustias gorge. We'll also make our way to Tajuya viewpoint, from where you can observe the scarred, inferno-like slopes of the Tajogaite volcanic cone, formed from an eruption in autumn 2021.
