The best traffic-free bike rides in La Palma

There are 16 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes listed in this guide for La Palma. While one is rated moderate, the majority (15) are classified as difficult, offering significant challenges and rewards for experienced cyclists.

La Palma's routes offer incredibly diverse terrain. You'll encounter challenging ascents through volcanic landscapes, including areas with recent lava flows, and winding paths through lush laurel and Canarian pine forests. Many routes also feature dramatic coastal roads with stunning ocean views, providing a varied and engaging cycling experience.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Llano del Jable Viewpoint – Puerto de Tazacorte Beach loop from La Palma is a challenging 81 km route, or the shorter El Pilar Recreation Area – Llano del Jable Viewpoint loop from El Socorro covers 36 km.

La Palma, known as "Isla Bonita," enjoys year-round spring-like temperatures, making it an excellent destination for touring cycling almost any time. However, for the most comfortable conditions, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) often provide ideal weather with pleasant temperatures and less chance of extreme heat or rain.

La Palma's volcanic origins and lush ecosystems provide many sights. You can explore unique geological formations, dense forests, and dramatic coastlines. Some routes offer views of the Cumbre Vieja Volcano, while others pass by significant natural highlights such as the Buracas Caves or the fascinating Porís de Candelaria. You might also encounter the La Cueva del Dragón.

While cycling is generally restricted within the Caldera de Taburiente National Park itself, several touring routes around its perimeter provide breathtaking panoramic views of this immense volcanic caldera. These routes allow you to appreciate its dizzying walls and unique geological formations from a distance.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes in La Palma are predominantly challenging. Out of the 16 routes in this guide, 15 are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and distances. Only one route is classified as moderate. Cyclists should be prepared for substantial climbs and descents across varied terrain.

The touring cycling experience in La Palma is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the island's dramatic and diverse landscapes, the challenging yet rewarding ascents, and the opportunity to explore its natural beauty away from traffic.

Yes, the El Pilar Recreation Area is a central hub for outdoor activities on the island. You can find routes that incorporate this area, such as the View of Llano de la Venta – El Pilar Recreation Area loop from San Pedro de Breña Alta, which is a difficult 47 km route with significant elevation changes.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes in La Palma vary significantly in length and duration. You can find routes ranging from approximately 25 km, like the View of Cumbre Vieja Volcano – La Fajana Petroglyphs loop from Los Llanos de Aridane (around 2 hours 40 minutes), to longer, more demanding rides such as the 81 km Llano del Jable Viewpoint – Puerto de Tazacorte Beach loop from La Palma, which can take over 7 hours to complete.

Yes, La Palma's recent volcanic history is evident across the island. Routes like the View of Cumbre Vieja Volcano – Llano del Jable Viewpoint loop from Fuencaliente de La Palma offer perspectives on the volcanic landscapes, including areas affected by recent lava flows and views of volcanic cones like Teneguía.