La Palma isn’t just another pretty island in the Canaries; it’s a place where natural landscapes, volcanic history, and unique culture combine to create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring the fiery craters of the Caldera de Taburiente, tasting volcanic wines, or cruising along rugged coastlines, La Palma offers a wealth of activities that go beyond the typical tourist route. We especially love the guided walking route in Caldera de Taburiente for its immersive connection to nature, and the private Lanzarote excursion that’s perfect for those who want a personalized taste of volcanic landscapes and local culture. Each experience is designed to help you see La Palma in a way that suits your interests and energy level.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 12 best tours and experiences in La Palma, including scenic drives, active hikes, cultural visits, and marine adventures. Whether you’re a wine lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxed day by the sea, there’s something here for everyone. Read on to find the perfect match for your trip.
1. Guided tour: Timanfaya National Park and La Geria with pick-up
At number 1, this half-day bus excursion in Lanzarote combines the island’s most iconic volcanic and wine regions. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable camel ride on the volcanic slopes of Timanfaya and explore the La Geria wine region, famous for its innovative volcanic viticulture. This tour is ideal if you want a balance of activity and scenery without the hassle of self-driving.
The standout feature is riding camels in the Timanfaya National Park, where geothermal demonstrations reveal the island’s fiery heart. The La Geria visit showcases how local farmers cultivate grapes in volcanic soil—an inspiring example of resilience. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the scenic route, though some note the pick-up process can be slow. For about $55, you get a well-paced experience with admission included.
Bottom Line: Great for first-timers who want a snapshot of Lanzarote’s volcanic and wine landscapes in a manageable half-day.
2. Private excursion in Lanzarote, minibus and guide available
If you prefer a fully customizable experience, this private Lanzarote tour is hard to beat. For around $830 per group, up to 10 people, you get your own vehicle and guide—no waiting in lines or being shuffled onto crowded buses.
Highlights include visiting Timanfaya National Park without changing vehicles, as the tour is conducted in your private minibus. You’ll also see El Golfo’s green lagoon and the dramatic coastline at Los Hervideros, with flexibility to tailor the stops to your interests. The guide’s local knowledge makes it especially appealing—reviewers mention Angela’s excellent English and her ability to adapt the itinerary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups or families wanting a personalized, flexible day that hits Lanzarote’s top sights with expert guidance.
3. Cumbrecita Route and Volcanoes
This self-drive style tour, costing just $57 per vehicle, takes you through some of La Palma’s most dramatic volcanic scenery. Starting at the Mirador de La Concepción, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Santa Cruz and the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
The highlight is the Mirador de La Cumbrecita, located inside the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Here, you get breathtaking views into the caldera’s interior, perfect for photos and soaking in the vast volcanic landscape. The route continues through charming towns like El Paso and Los Llanos, ending at Playa Tazacorte, where volcanic black sands make for a relaxing beach stop.
Reviewers love the size of the lava flows and the local charm of the towns, making this a good choice for active travelers who want to explore at their own pace.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, scenic drive that offers plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of La Palma’s volcanic character.
4. Guided Walking Route to Caldera de Taburiente
For those who want to experience La Palma’s natural beauty firsthand, this full-day hike is ideal. Covering about 10 miles (16 km), the guided walk through Caldera de Taburiente takes you through pine forests, volcanic terrain, and along the Taburiente River.
Your guide, in addition to sharing insights about the landscape, ensures safety on often challenging trails. Walking sticks are provided, but you should bring your own food, drinks, and clothing suitable for a long, active day. The review mentions the route is “breathtaking” but also physically demanding, so this is best suited for fit travelers eager for a challenge.
Bottom Line: A top pick for active travelers who want to really connect with La Palma’s rugged scenery and volcanic serenity.
5. Lanzarote Island Tour (Full-day)
This full-day bus tour of Lanzarote covers both the north and south, making sure you see the island’s highlights in one go. The itinerary includes the El Golfo Green Lagoon, Timanfaya National Park, and Jameos del Agua, plus a wine tasting in La Geria.
Reviewers call it “the best way to see Lanzarote without renting a car,” emphasizing the convenience of air-conditioned transport and guided commentary. Stops are well-timed, with around an hour at each key site, giving you a good overview without feeling rushed. The cost of $92.89 offers solid value considering the inclusions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with limited time who want a rundown of Lanzarote’s volcanic and cultural highlights.
6. Visit Bodegas Teneguía Winery in La Palma with Wine Tasting
For wine enthusiasts, this one-hour visit to Bodegas Teneguía offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Canary Islands’ top wineries. Located near Fuencaliente, the tour covers the de-stemming, pressing, and bottling process, culminating in a tasting of award-winning volcanic wines.
Reviewers praise the winery’s long history—over 70 years—and the guide’s passion and knowledge. The experience is intimate and informative, perfect for those wanting to understand the island’s volcanic viticulture. Post-tour, you can purchase bottles directly from the winery.
Bottom Line: A short, quality visit for wine lovers who want to learn about volcanic wine production and sample top Canary Island wines.
7. Discover the Varieties of Wines, Olive Oil and Food on Mallorca
This all-day tour on Mallorca is a delicious journey into regional food and drink. Visiting the Macia Batle winery and the La Raixa estate, you’ll taste wines paired with local olive oil and regional snacks. The tour includes visits to Santa Maria del Cami and Sencelles, where you’ll sample more wines and experience the countryside’s culinary delights.
Reviewers note the professional guides and the opportunity to taste a variety of wines and snacks, making it a hit with foodies. It’s a longer, more immersive experience suited for those interested in gastronomy and local traditions.
Bottom Line: Best for wine and food lovers wanting a full-day immersion into Mallorca’s rural flavors, with guided tours and tastings.
8. Downtown Route
This four-hour scenic tour explores La Palma’s capital, Santa Cruz, and the Caldera de Taburiente. Starting at the Mirador de la Concepción, you’ll enjoy panoramic views, then descend into the caldera at Mirador de la Cumbrecita—a favorite viewpoint. The tour continues through charming towns like El Paso, Los Llanos, and Tazacorte, ending back at your start point.
It’s ideal for those who want a rundown of La Palma’s best viewpoints and towns in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the flexibility to see key sights efficiently.
Bottom Line: Designed for travelers who want a curated yet relaxed introduction to La Palma’s landscapes and towns.
9. Boat Trip Along the Northwest Coast of La Palma
Experience the coast from the water on this two-hour boat trip. You’ll cruise past sea caves, cliffs, and natural beaches in Tijarafe and Puntagorda. On most trips, you’ll also encounter whales, dolphins, and turtles, as the crew tries to find marine wildlife.
Reviewers highlight the spectacular scenery and marine life sightings, including dolphins and even whales. The trip offers a refreshing perspective on La Palma’s rugged coastline, perfect for nature lovers and sea enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wildlife enthusiasts or anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic cruise along La Palma’s coast.
10. Discover the Last Eruption in La Palma
This personalized tour, priced at $83.01, is crafted by a local guide with years of experience exploring La Palma. It combines cultural sights, volcanic landscapes, and the historic eruption sites. Starting at the Cartel “Nitrato de Chile,” the tour takes you through Santa Cruz, then into the volcanic heart of the island, visiting San Antonio Volcano and Las Indias.
What makes this experience stand out is its personalized touch and carefully curated stops. Reviewers mention a balance of authenticity and emotion, with the tour designed to ignite your curiosity about La Palma’s volcanic history.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking an authentic, in-depth exploration of La Palma’s recent volcanic activity and cultural spots.
11. Safari Cumbre Vieja
For a quick but exciting adventure, this dolphin and whale cruise on the “Fancy II” earns praise for its focus on marine wildlife. In just 2.5 hours, you’ll sail along La Palma’s northern shores, with a good chance to see dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles.
Reviewers love the knowledgeable crew and the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat, making this a hit for families or nature lovers short on time.
Bottom Line: A lively, marine-focused excursion that offers a good chance to see La Palma’s sea creatures up close.
12. Special Cruise Tour Center and South La Palma
If you’re after a full-day cruise experience, this private car-based tour takes you through La Palma’s southern and central highlights. Starting at the Mirador de La Concepción, then visiting Caldera de Taburiente, and exploring towns like El Paso, Los Llanos, and Tazacorte, the route also crosses volcanic areas like San Antonio Volcano.
It’s tailored for small groups or families, with the flexibility to customize the stops. At about $318 for the group, it offers excellent value for a personalized, comprehensive day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a private, flexible tour covering La Palma’s diverse landscapes and towns.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For active travelers eager to hike, the guided walk in Caldera de Taburiente offers a deep connection to nature, while self-driving routes like the Cumbrecita provide flexibility at a lower cost. If you prefer a relaxed cultural experience, the wine tours in La Palma or Mallorca are excellent choices—don’t forget to check discovering volcanic wines for wine lovers.
For those with limited time, the full-day Lanzarote tour or downtown scenic route pack the highlights into manageable days. Marine fans should not miss the boat trip along La Palma’s coast for its dolphin sightings and sea caves.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private outings or popular tours, to secure your preferred dates and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
La Palma’s diversity of guided tours, active hikes, scenic drives, and marine adventures makes it a standout destination for all kinds of travelers. If you’re after an authentic volcanic experience, the guided walking tour and personalized volcanic exploration are excellent. For those wanting a relaxed, cultural day, wine and food tours deliver flavor and insight.
Choosing the right experience depends on what you want most—adventure, culture, or relaxation. With so many options, you’ll find something that perfectly matches your trip style. Remember to book early, and enjoy discovering one of Spain’s most captivating islands.