Parque Natural de Cumbre Vieja, Canary Islands, Spain

5.0 (51 reviews) Spent Ranking #26 in La Palma National Parks • Parks

Sublimely breathtaking volcanic landscape

This is an amazing place that left me in awe. The scenery is indescribably beautiful and human beings are few and far between. The trails teeter on the edge of precipices with stunning views that make you appreciate why people started visiting 'sublime ' landscapes in the first place. A word of warning, however - you need to be fairly fit and well shod, as the paths can be treacherous at times due to masses of stones and dust that move under your feet when you least expect it - and I was wearing good hiking boots! Unless you're an expert mountain walker, add at least 30% to the estimated walking times provided in the otherwise excellent info provided at the visitors' centre. Take plenty of water and remember - the sublime cannot be tamed...

Address

, Spain.

Current local date and time now

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 9:19

User Ratings

5.0 based on (51 reviews)

Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%

Reviews

  • 5Aigoual 5:00 PM Feb 7, 2019
    Wonderful volcanic landscape
    You can take organised tours up here, but I simply caught the no. 300 bus from Santa Cruz bus station, which takes about 45 minutes to climb up to the information centre near Cumbre. You then have to pick up a taxi to the top (15 mins) which will cost you 9 euros each way unless you have others to share the fare. The winding roads to the top pass some fabulous scenery, and when you get to the top, and start walking through the pine forests, it's nothing short of spectacular, with its huge cliffs and sheer rock faces. You can do short walks, for about an hour, as I did, or much longer ones, but there are several warning signs that some of them are dangerous and shouldn't be attempted unless you are a very experienced walker and climber, and even then it's dodgy. It's important to be aware that this is not the top of the crater and does not give access to the 5 observatories. You have to either take an organised trip, or hire a car and walk in order to do this.
  • 5cc1Canada 5:00 PM Dec 24, 2017
    another world to experience in one short drive
    experience completely different eco systems from the sea level in this visit. Around the island you can also experience even more. The drive up to the top is definitely worth it, but plan ahead as only 10 cars ca be there at one time.

See also