La Palma

Your tour starts off with a short drive to Santuario Virgen de Las Nieves. Inside the small whitewashed church you’ll find the island's most sacred icon, the Virgin Mary of the Snows, the patron saint of the island.

Travelling through the mountain roads, which offer spectacular views, you’ll arrive at La Caldera de Taburiente. Designated a National Park, this particular volcanic crater is 5 miles wide and its rims reach right up to the mountain ridge that runs from the north to the south of the island. The crater was not actually formed as a result of volcanic activity, but from subsequent erosion, and it is forested with the exceptional fire-resistant Canary Pine.

Afterwards, take some time to relax and enjoy some local refreshments. On the way back, a brief photo stop will be made at the viewpoint Mirador de la Concepcion where you can admire the stunning views along the coast and to the north of the island.

Drive through vineyards and lava streams passing pine trees and small villages towards the deep south – the area where the volcanoes take charge. Arriving at Fuencaliente, a famous wine-producing region, you’ll visit the San Antonio Volcano. Here, you’ll be able to walk over the crater border and stroll around the Visitor Centre.

A visit will be made to a typical bodega, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the local red and white wines. You may also wish to purchase the wines that you have sampled.

A short drive brings you to the pottery centre of ‘El Molino’ in Mazo. Located in an old windmill, you’ll find a pottery unique to the Benahorita people, which is to this day lovingly reproduced. There is a gift shop where you may purchase those all-important souvenirs.

Leaving the port, your journey will take you on a scenic panoramic drive to the west of the island and through the upper region of the Aridane Valley. The area is the highest point of the island and is also home to the charming town of El Paso. Its name, meaning ‘The Pass’ derives from its location on the mountain road from Los Llanos and Tazacorte. Upon arrival, a short stop will be made for you to enjoy the town’s surroundings.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the southern tip of La Palma where a brief photo stop will be made at Fuencaliente. This village differs from the others because of the volcanoes, some of which date back to the 18th century. There will be some time to relax with a tea, coffee or soft drink at a local restaurant.

At the quayside, you’ll be welcomed by your guide who will supply you with a wireless headset. Hop on the ‘trolley train’ that will take you on a short panoramic tour of the town along Santa Cruz de La Palma’s main avenue, Avenida Maritima.

Arriving at the replica of the Santa Maria of Columbus, you will disembark the trolley train and follow your guide on a walking tour of the town. Discover the streets and squares including Plaza Alameda, Plaza San Francisco, and Placeta Borrero.

Your guide will enlighten you about the buildings, Flemish art works and other topics that have had a deep influence on the history and development of the island. Other sights to look out for are the Town Hall and the church Iglesia del Salvador, both from the 16th century.

During your walk, you will have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy some light refreshments and a drink which will be served in one of the traditional tapas bars located in the centre of Santa Cruz.

Despite being one of the smaller Canary Islands, La Palma is unusually steep in relation to its size. A ridge runs down the centre of the island from north to south and the entire mountain range exceeds 6000 feet in altitude.

Travelling along the Le Cumbre road, you will reach La Zarza Archaeological Park. Here, you can marvel at the findings including a large number of complex inscriptions.

Roque de los Muchachos is situated on the northern slope of the National Park, Caldera de Taburiente, at an altitude of 7949 feet. Designated as a National Park in 1954 because of its immense scientific importance and its wild and exceptional landscapes, the enormous crater of the Caldera de Taburiente offers spectacular views from wherever you look. With a circumference of 8,400 feet, diameter of 2,700 feet and a depth of 210 feet, the crater is one of the biggest in the world. Along the way you’ll make a stop at the El Time viewpoint, which offers lovely views across the Aridane Valley.

During your tour, a light picnic snack box will be provided.

Join your unique bus, complete with lounge and waiter, who will serve you drinks during the stops.

Cross over Santa Cruz de la Palma via Maritime Avenue with its typical Canarian architecture. Continuing to Las Nieves, visit the insular Sanctuario of Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves, which houses various Flemish sculptures. You’ll then proceed to the viewpoint La Concepcion, a natural balcony that overlooks Santa Cruz, its bay and the eastern coast of the island. The road crosses over the arable lands of Brena Alta, an area known for fruit trees, ornamental flowers and tobacco used in the manufacture of handmade cigars.

As you head to the south of the Island, you’ll enjoy a short stop at the El Molino pottery workshop where craftsmen reproduce traditional ceramics. Afterwards you’ll head to Fuencaliente to visit the Information centre at San Antonio Volcano, before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant.

Your journey will then take you through the dorsal mountain chain by tunnel, where you can see the difference between the eastern slope covered with Laurisilva trees and the western area, brighter and arid with pine trees. At the viewpoint of La Cumbrecita, you’ll see part of the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente, one of the most impressive landscapes of the Canaries.

Setting off from the port, you’ll take a scenic drive to the village of Mazo. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Casa Roja, a renovated villa that now houses an embroidery collection and some of the beautiful Corpus Christi procession displays. Following a visit to each of the themed rooms, a glass of the local Mazo wine will be served, along with a sample of the regions cheese and cured ham. You’ll also have an opportunity to browse the shop for a souvenir.

Afterwards, your journey will continue to the town of El Paso, located within the upper region of the Aridane Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a visit to Las Hilanderas, a small but charming silk works where the ancient handmade method of silk making has been retained. Enjoy the opportunity to learn each stage of the silk making process from start to finish.

During the return drive, a stop will be made at La Concepción viewpoint, which offers a lovely panoramic view of Santa Cruz de La Palma and the east of the island.

You’ll take a scenic drive to the village of El Llanito where your buggy awaits you. After a quick safety and orientation briefing, you’ll don your helmets and climb aboard your self-drive buggy.

Your journey will depart towards Mazo via the main road, before reaching the upper mountain road, where your off road experience will begin. As you follow the lead buggy, you’ll traverse across the rocky and rugged terrain of the Brena Alta and Brena Baja regions and the geological area of Cumbre Nueva. Enjoy the thrill of the ride as you pass through rich vegetation and abundant flora. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in panoramic views and admire the surrounding beauty of La Palma.

After your buggy adventure, it’s time to take the minibus back to the port.

Leaving the port, your journey will take you on a scenic panoramic drive to the west of the island and through the upper region of the Aridane Valley. The area is the highest point of the island and is also home to the charming town of El Paso. Upon arrival, a short stop will be made for you to enjoy the town’s surroundings.

You’ll leave El Paso and take a short drive to the delightful La Glorieta Square. The square is the work of local artist, Luis Morera, who was once a pupil of César Manrique. Here, you can enjoy a photo stop and view the unique and colourful mosaic floor, reminiscent of Manrique’s designs found in Lanzarote.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the southern tip of La Palma and on to Fuencaliente. There will be some time to relax with a tea, coffee or soft drink at a local restaurant, before the return drive to the port.

Despite being one of the smaller Canary Islands, La Palma is unusually steep in relation to its size. A ridge runs down the centre of the island from north to south and the entire mountain range exceeds 6000 feet in altitude.

Travelling along the Le Cumbre road, you will reach La Zarza Archaeological Park. Here, you can marvel at the findings including a large number of complex inscriptions.

Roque de los Muchachos is situated on the northern slope of the National Park, Caldera de Taburiente, at an altitude of 7949 feet. Designated as a National Park in 1954 because of its immense scientific importance and its wild and exceptional landscapes, the enormous crater of the Caldera de Taburiente offers spectacular views from wherever you look. With a circumference of 8,400 feet, diameter of 2,700 feet and a depth of 210 feet, the crater is one of the biggest in the world. Along the way you’ll make a stop at the El Time viewpoint, which offers lovely views across the Aridane Valley.

During your tour, a light picnic snack box will be provided.