Caldera de Taburiente National Park

Caldera de Taburiente National Park on La Palma is a spectacular volcanic caldera of immense proportions — 10 km in diameter, with walls rising up to 2,000 m above the caldera floor. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive natural landmarks in the Canary Islands. The park is crisscrossed with hiking trails through Canarian pine forests, along crystal-clear mountain streams, and to dramatic viewpoints overlooking the crater.

By Plane

The nearest airport is La Palma Airport (SPC), about 20 km from the park entrance.

By Car / Road

Access the park via the LP-2 and LP-205 roads from Santa Cruz de La Palma or Los Llanos de Aridane. The main visitor centre (Centro de Visitantes La Cumbrecita) is the starting point for most trails.

The park is best explored on foot via its network of hiking trails. Access to the interior is by foot only. The road reaches the visitor centre at La Cumbrecita and the Roque de los Muchachos viewpoint.

• Roque de los Muchachos — the highest point on La Palma (2,426 m), home to the world-renowned astrophysical observatory. Breathtaking views across the caldera and the northern coast.

• La Cumbrecita — the main trailhead and viewpoint, at 1,200 m, overlooking the southern end of the caldera.

• Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos — one of the world's best astronomy sites, offering guided tours on select days.

• Mirador de Los Andenes — a dramatic viewpoint along the caldera's rim.

• Hike the Caldera Circuit — a full-day hike (8–10 hours) descending into the caldera, crossing streams and ancient lava flows, and ascending back to the rim.

• Stargazing tour — La Palma's dark-sky laws make this one of the best places on Earth for astronomy.

• Short walks — from La Cumbrecita, several shorter trails (1–3 hours) offer spectacular views without a full-day commitment.

• Birdwatching — keep an eye out for the endemic Canarian pine trees and the rare Canarian oystercatcher.

• Parador de La Palma (nearby in Los Llanos de Aridane) — Canarian cuisine in a quiet mountain setting. Mid-range.

Bring plenty of water — there are no shops or restaurants inside the park.

Budget

Mountain refuge: Refugio del Pilar — basic accommodation inside the caldera, must be reserved in advance.

Mid-range

Mid-range: Parador de La Palma — located near Los Llanos de Aridane, doubles from €80–120.

Upscale

Upscale: 5-star resort hotels in the main tourist areas range from €100–250 per night. Boutique rural hotels offer a quieter luxury experience from €80–150.

• Local crafts: traditional Canarian pottery, basketwork, and textiles
• Gourmet specialities: local cheeses (especially queso majorero), mojo sauces, gofio, and wines
• Aloe vera products — the Canary Islands are known for high-quality aloe-based cosmetics

• Tenerife — the largest Canary Island with Teide National Park and vibrant resorts
• Lanzarote — Timanfaya National Park and César Manrique's artistic legacy
• Gran Canaria — the dunes of Maspalomas and the historic quarter of Vegueta
• Fuerteventura — pristine beaches and world-class windsurfing