Top La Palma Full-Day Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

So, you are dreaming of a vacation that’s filled with unique experiences? You see, La Palma, the “Isla Bonita” (beautiful island), is calling, and one of the greatest ways to see it all is through a full-day tour! That means there are views everywhere you go. In some respects, these adventures pack the must-see spots, delicious food, and local secrets into one unforgettable day.

1. Volcano Route Hiking Tour

Alright, ready to experience the volcanic heart of La Palma? In that case, this hiking tour, well it showcases the awe-inspiring Volcano Route, a trek that really winds through a string of volcanic peaks. You might see lava fields. It is kind of unreal!

As a matter of fact, the hike usually starts near Refugio El Pilar, a well-known recreational area. From there, the path goes across the Cumbre Vieja, a volcanic ridge. Often, you get incredible panoramic views of the island on one side and the endless Atlantic on the other! Seriously, it’s the kinda view that sticks with you. This, anyway, is a top La Palma hiking experience.

As a matter of fact, this tour usually includes very knowledgeable guides who really talk about the geological wonders and unique ecosystem that you’ll see. More or less, you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic origins and also about the plants that live there. Lunch is normally a simple but yummy picnic, giving you a chance to, basically, chill out right in the middle of these awesome landscapes.

Why you might like this one: For example, If you’re into moderate to tough hiking, spectacular volcanic landscapes, and maybe gaining some geologic smarts along the way, this adventure could be for you.

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2. Northern Wonders Tour: Exploring Barlovento and Garafía

Alright, looking to go where the wild things are? Usually, the Northern Wonders Tour gets you up close with the green landscapes and traditional villages of La Palma’s north. At the end of the day, you get to explore places such as Barlovento and Garafía.

By the way, the adventure starts, too it’s almost, with a drive into the lush, green heart of the island, by way of scenic roads. More or less, Barlovento charms you with its gorgeous coastline and natural swimming pools. From there, you might head to Garafía. That’s where you could find some of the best stargazing spots. It is definitely something. Plus, there might be places where they make gofio. That is a traditional Canarian flour, so maybe they’ll show you.

In some respects, the itinerary might also add in a stop at the impressive Mirador de la Degollada. So, that provides fantastic views of the northern coastline and the Caldera de Taburiente. I mean that’s a giant volcanic crater. Actually, lunch normally takes place in a local restaurant. So you get a chance to taste proper Canarian food, such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce. Seriously yummy.

Why you might like this one: Anyway, if you want to see green scenery, cool villages, and awesome viewpoints, all with local eats, you might consider this.

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3. South Route: Volcanoes and Wine

You see, wanting some cool geology with a dash of yumminess? Right then, the South Route is actually all about touring the volcanic region of La Palma and exploring its wineries. At the end of the day, there’s something for almost everybody!

Anyway, the day usually includes tours to the Volcán de San Antonio and Teneguía. This last one came from the most recent eruption on the island back in 1971. I mean, you’ll probably get the chance to walk around the volcanic landscapes, seeing interesting formations. So, you will find it is very, very photo-worthy! As a matter of fact, often this involves a stop at a local winery where you get a tour of the vineyards, so you can try wines produced from the volcanic soil. That actually gives a pretty special flavor!

Usually, there’s lunch included at a local eatery. Typically they’ll give you regional specialties that really match up with the wines. Basically it’s the local cuisine, so maybe you’ll sample things like grilled cheese. Basically it has mojo sauce. Usually it’s served with local bread. A bit more or less is also an interesting culture that I think most of you may find to be enjoyable and very, very rewarding in terms of experiences.

Why you might like this one: You might be considering this adventure if you love volcano landscapes, local wines, and flavors from the island.

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4. Full Island Tour: A Comprehensive La Palma Experience

Looking to check all the boxes? So, the Full Island Tour claims to take you on a grand spin all around La Palma, by way of all the highlights, which should make for one very unforgettable day.

Right, this kind of trip includes destinations across the entire island, from the capital Santa Cruz de la Palma. At the end of the day, you will be hitting all the highlights! Usually, itineraries bring you to places like the Caldera de Taburiente National Park viewpoint, as well as little historic towns. Also you could see some banana plantations, and beautiful shorelines. Anyway, because La Palma has really diverse scenery, you could almost say it’s a world in one island! Of course, tours will adapt to show it off to you!

Most of the time, there’s a stop in a local place for lunch, where people like your guide would probably suggest that you test out a few Canarian classics. Right then, in addition to that tasty food, guides give tidbits about history, culture, and, maybe, fun details on the island as you go. Usually, it’s a good choice if you just want the most information with all the key sights.

Why you might like this one: This is to say nothing of the fact that for people who seriously like the idea of hitting all the important destinations on La Palma in a single tour, here’s one choice. It could happen. If you take the tour!

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5. Stargazing Tour at Roque de los Muchachos

Did you know, La Palma is regarded as one of the top spots for seeing the night sky. So it would make sense that you’d pick a stargazing trip up to Roque de los Muchachos, the island’s highest point! By the way, it comes fully stocked with top-tier telescopes.

In effect, a typical trip kicks off as evening rolls in. In short you’ll climb up to Roque de los Muchachos. Naturally this goes above the clouds. Seriously. More or less. Now this location boasts really dark skies and top astronomy observatories! Right then, guides will lead you around as you gaze through telescopes. Now it’s pretty easy to see planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies with awesome detail! Usually you will learn some cool details regarding the constellations along the way.

First, some stargazing tours have extras. For instance they’d use laser pointers to point out stuff overhead. They could even give you cozy blankets to keep the night’s chill off your bones. Actually, there might even be hot drinks to keep you cozy.

Why you might like this one: Did you know, this excursion could be totally amazing for you if you just like astronomy or find yourself in awe when gazing into the star-filled night sky. Maybe that sounds like you!

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