Few Canary Islands pack in as much drama as La Palma. Known as La Isla Bonita (“the beautiful island”), it’s a paradise of volcanic craters, laurel forests, and sleepy seaside towns. Spending 7 days in La Palma gives you time to see it all – from black-sand beaches to cloud forests and starry skies.
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I’m Hazel, a travel blogger and solo traveller who’s spent months exploring the Canaries, and La Palma remains my favourite for nature, quiet roads, and the friendliest locals. This guide shares my personal route – designed for solo travellers who love wild landscapes, small towns, and safe, relaxed exploring.
Planning a shorter visit?
If you’ve only got a few days on the island, check out my 5-Day La Palma Itinerary, which uses one simple base and focuses on the highlights – perfect for a long weekend or stopover between islands.
🚗 Getting around:
La Palma’s roads are scenic but winding, so a car is essential. I recommend booking through Discover Cars for reliable local deals and easy airport pickup.
To make the most of your week, base yourself in Santa Cruz de La Palma for the first three nights, then move west to Los Llanos or El Paso for the final four. It’s the perfect split – less packing and more exploring. You can read more about these towns in my Towns of La Palma post.
Day 1: Arrival & Santa Cruz Charm 🌄
Ease into island life in Santa Cruz de La Palma, the cute and colourful capital.
Things to do in Santa Cruz de La Palma:
🏛️ Wander along Calle O’Daly (also called Calle Real) for boutiques and cafés, then head to the Avenida Marítima to see the town’s famous row of brightly painted wooden balconies.
⚓ Pop into the Naval Museum (El Barco de la Virgen) and enjoy the calm of Plaza España.
☕ Stop for coffee in Plaza España, then finish the day with tapas at Enriclai – a tiny, creative restaurant that’s well worth booking ahead.
🌅 Watch the sunset at Playa de Bajamar.
🛏️ Stay: Hotel San Telmo (mid-range) or El Hotelito 27 (boutique).
Day 2: Volcanoes & the Fuencaliente Salt Flats 🌋
A day of surreal volcanic landscapes. Drive south through endless black lava fields, still scarred from past eruptions, as the scenery turns otherworldly.
Things to do in Fuencaliente:
🌋 Visit the San Antonio Volcano Visitor Centre and walk to the viewpoint over Volcán Teneguía, once La Palma’s youngest volcano before the 2021 Tajogaite eruption.
🍷 Pause at Bodegas Teneguía or Carballo for a local wine tasting. Both vineyards grow grapes on volcanic soil.
🧂 Continue to the Salinas de Fuencaliente, the island’s salt flats framed by a white lighthouse and pink evaporation pools. It’s a brilliant spot for photos or a late lunch at Jardín de la Sal overlooking the ocean.
🌅 On the drive back to Santa Cruz, the golden light over the lava fields is unforgettable.
🛏️ Return to your hotel in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Day 3: Los Tilos Forest & Charco Azul 🌿
Head north into the lush Los Tilos Biosphere Reserve, where mist drifts through ancient laurel trees.
Things to do near Los Tilos:
🥾 Take the Los Tilos Waterfall Trail or continue to the Mirador del Espigón Atravesado for sweeping views over the valley.
🍴 Stop in San Andrés for lunch at Restaurante San Andrés or Casa Asterio, then cool off with a swim at Charco Azul, a natural sea pool by the coast.
🌴 On the way back, drive through banana plantations and stop at San Andrés, one of La Palma’s prettiest villages.
🛏️ Overnight again in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Day 4: Cross-Island Drive & New Base in the West 🏞️
Time to head west – it’s one of the most scenic drives on the island.
🚗 Stop at Mirador de la Cumbrecita, inside Caldera de Taburiente National Park, for your first panoramic view into the island’s volcanic heart (you’ll be coming back to here tomorrow!).
☕ Continue west to Los Llanos de Aridane or El Paso, both perfect bases for the next few days (and both feature in my Best Towns in La Palma post).
🍽️ Enjoy dinner at Tasquita El Secadero or Franchipani, both known for excellent Canarian fusion dishes.
🛏️ Stay: Try Hotel Benahoare (Los Llanos) or a La Palma Jardin Resort in El Paso.
Day 5: Hiking in Caldera de Taburiente & Tajogaite Volcano🌋
A whole day for La Palma’s volcanic heart – the showstopping island centrepiece.
🥾 Hike the Los Brecitos to Caldera River Trail (moderate 5-6 hours), passing pine forests, waterfalls, and stream crossings. Or try this full-day hike, and don’t forget your swimsuit!
🔥 On the way back from your hike, visit Mirador de Tajuya for views over Volcán Tajogaite, the new cone formed during the 2021 eruption. It’s an ever-present reminder that La Palma is still alive beneath the surface.
🍷 Celebrate the day with dinner and local wine in El Paso.
🛏️ Stay another night in Los Llanos or El Paso.
Day 6: Roque de los Muchachos & Optional Stargazing 🌠
Morning is the best time for Roque de los Muchachos, the island’s highest peak (2,426 m), before clouds roll in.
🔭 Visit the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (book in advance if you’d like a guided tour) and enjoy the views over the crater and other Canary Islands.
☕ Stop in Puntagorda for a lazy lunch or weekend market browsing.
🏖️ If you’re after some beach time, drive down to Puerto Naos in the afternoon (check current access before you go). This long, black-sand beach is great for a swim or sunset drink by the water
✨ Optional evening add-on: Return at night for a stargazing tour – La Palma is a certified Starlight Reserve and one of the clearest places on Earth to see the Milky Way.
🛏️ Stay in Los Llanos or El Paso.
Day 7: Beach Time, Tazacorte & Departure 🏖️
Spend your last day soaking up the sun and La Palma’s laid-back coastal charm.
🏝️ Head to Playa de Tazacorte, a calm black-sand beach backed by colourful houses and palm trees.
🎨 Wander through Tazacorte village, where murals brighten narrow streets and cafés spill onto sunny squares.
🐬 If you fancy a little adventure, join a dolphin-spotting boat trip from the harbour – trips often include views of the dramatic cliffs and sea caves.
🍴 End your trip with a seafood lunch at Restaurante Casa del Mar before driving back to the airport.
Practical Tips for La Palma 🚗
🚘 Driving: Spain drives on the right; roads are steep and winding but well-maintained.
🔑 Car rental: Use Discover Cars for good rates and flexible pickup.
🌤️ Best time to visit: March-June or September-November for pleasant weather and clear skies.
🧭 Solo travel: La Palma is friendly, calm, and very safe for solo travellers.
🥾 Hiking prep: Good shoes, water, and layers. Weather changes 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 calm small-town energy.
Do I need a car for La Palma?
Yes you do need a car. Buses are limited and hiking areas are spread out. Many national parks and sights cannot be reached by public transport.
When’s the best time to visit La Palma?
Spring and autumn offer ideal hiking weather and clear skies for stargazing. See La Palma Travel Guide for more info.
Can I visit La Palma without hiking?
Yes, there are scenic drives, beaches, and villages perfect for a relaxed itinerary.
How many days do I need in La Palma?
Seven days lets you see both the volcanic south and forested north. If you’re short on time, try the 5-day version linked below.
Final Thoughts 🌋
Spending 7 days in La Palma gives you the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation – hike craters, swim in natural pools, sip volcanic wine, and gaze at one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
If you’re short on time, check out the 5-day La Palma itinerary, designed to complement this one and suit different travel styles.
Map of This La Palma Itinerary 🗺️
See all key stops pinned on this custom map.
Related Reading 🌴
More Canary Island inspiration to plan your trip:
🗓️ 5 Days in La Palma, Canaries: A compact itinerary with one base area.
🌋 Things to Do in La Palma: Volcanoes, viewpoints, and wild nature.
🏛️ 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 7-Day La Palma Itinerary for Later
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
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