If you’ve only got 5 days in La Palma, you can still experience the island’s best bits – lava-black landscapes, laurel forests, viewpoints above the clouds, and some of the clearest night skies in Europe.
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I’m a travel blogger and solo traveller who’s explored the Canaries extensively, and La Palma stands out for its dramatic scenery and friendly calm. This 5-day La Palma itinerary shares a shorter version of my week-long route – perfect if you want the highlights without hotel-hopping.
🚗 Getting around:
You’ll need a car to reach the trails and viewpoints. I recommend Discover Cars for reliable local rentals and easy airport pickup.
Base yourself in Los Llanos de Aridane or El Paso for all five nights: they’re central, scenic, and great for day-tripping both coasts.
Day 1: Arrival & Santa Cruz de La Palma 🌄
Ease into island life in Santa Cruz, the colourful capital of the island.
🏛️ Stroll Calle O’Daly (Calle Real) for boutiques and cafés, then head to Avenida Marítima to see the pastel wooden balconies overlooking the sea.
☕ Stop for coffee in Plaza España, or a light lunch by the harbour.
🚗 In the afternoon, drive west across the island to your base in Los Llanos or El Paso (about 1 hour).
🍽️ Dinner idea: Tasquita El Secadero – local ingredients, cosy vibe.
🛏️ Stay: Try Hotel Benahoare (Los Llanos) or a La Palma Jardin Resort in El Paso.
Day 2: Volcano Route & Fuencaliente Salt Flats 🌋
Head south for one of La Palma’s most surreal drives through black lava fields and rugged coast.
🌋 Visit the San Antonio Volcano Visitor Centre, then walk to the viewpoint over Volcán Teneguía, once the island’s youngest volcano before the 2021 Tajogaite eruption.
🍷 Stop at Bodegas Teneguía or Carballo to taste wines grown in volcanic soil.
🧂 Continue to the Salinas de Fuencaliente, where white salt pans shimmer beside turquoise water. Lunch at Jardín de la Sal overlooking the lighthouse.
🌅 Drive back north as the sun dips across the lava plain – a hypnotic end to the day.
Day 3: Caldera de Taburiente & the 2021 Volcano 🌿
A full day exploring the island’s volcanic heart.
🥾 Hike part of the Los Brecitos to Caldera River Trail (moderate 5-6 hours) or, for an easier option, visit Mirador de la Cumbrecita for sweeping crater views. Or try this full-day hike to have a guide with you.
🔥 Stop at Mirador de Tajuya to see Volcán Tajogaite, the 2021 eruption site. It’s a stark reminder of the island’s living geology.
🍷 Reward yourself with tapas and local wine back in El Paso.
Day 4: Roque de los Muchachos & Optional Stargazing 🌠
Drive up to Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma’s highest point, where hairpin bends lead you above the clouds to one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints.
🔭 Take in views from the Observatory Viewpoints (book a guided tour if available).
☕ Have lunch or a coffee stop in Puntagorda, browsing the weekend market if it’s open.
🏖️ If you fancy beach time, detour to Puerto Naos in the afternoon (check current access). Black sand, warm water, and a laid-back beach-bar scene.
✨ Optional night add-on: Join a guided stargazing tour after dark – La Palma’s skies are UNESCO-protected and dazzlingly clear.
Day 5: Tazacorte Coast & Farewell 🏖️
Wrap up your trip with an easy coastal day.
🏝️ Relax at Playa de Tazacorte, framed by colourful houses and palm trees.
🎨 Wander through Tazacorte village – murals, cafés, and ocean views at every turn.
🐬 Optional boat trip from the harbour for dolphin-spotting and cliff views.
🍴 Final lunch at Restaurante Casa del Mar before heading to the airport.
Practical Tips for La Palma 🚗
🚘 Driving: Spain drives on the right; roads are steep but well signposted.
🔑 Car rental: Use Discover Cars for clear pricing and airport pickup.
🌤️ Best time to visit: March-June or September-November for warm days and clear skies.
🧭 Solo travel: Very safe and friendly – ideal for solo explorers.
🥾 Hiking prep: Wear trail shoes, pack layers and water; the weather shifts fast with altitude.
❓ FAQs: Quick Answers for Solo Travellers
Quick answers to help you plan with confidence.
Is La Palma safe for solo travellers?
Yes, it’s one of the safest Canary Islands, with welcoming locals and quiet towns.
Do I need a car for 5 days in La Palma?
You definitely need a car. You’ll want freedom to reach the volcanoes and viewpoints – you can’t get to a lot of them via public transport.
When’s the best time to visit La Palma?
Spring and autumn bring ideal temperatures for hiking and clear stargazing. See La Palma Travel Guide for more info.
Can I see the new volcano?
Yes. Visit the Mirador de Tajuya for safe and spectacular views of Tajogaite.
Is 5 days enough in La Palma?
There are lots of things to do in La Palma, but 5 days is perfect for the highlights. If you have a week, see the expanded 7-Day La Palma Itinerary for a slower pace.
Final Thoughts for La Palma 🌋
Spending 5 days in La Palma is the perfect way to experience the island’s highlights without feeling rushed. From the volcanic south and misty forests of Los Tilos to the summit of Roque de los Muchachos, you’ll see why La Palma is known as La Isla Bonita.
If you fall in love with its quiet beauty (and you will), come back for the 7-day La Palma itinerary to dive deeper into its trails and hidden corners.
Map of This 5-Day La Palma Itinerary 🗺️
See all the key stops pinned on this custom map.
🌴 Related Reading
More Canary Island travel inspiration to plan your trip:
🌋 Things to Do in La Palma: Volcanoes, viewpoints, and wild nature
🌋 7 Days in La Palma: A Week of Volcanoes & Forests.
🏛️ La Palma’s Prettiest Towns: From colourful seafronts to peaceful highlands
🍷 La Palma Travel Guide: Where to eat, stay and explore
🗻 Cumbre Vieja: My Visit to the 2021 Eruption Zone: A personal story from the lava fields
📌 Save This 5-Day La Palma Itinerary for Later
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👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
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