Holiday cottage La CasitaTraditional self-catering holiday cottage in quiet country area
Franceses, La Palma, Canary IslandsEnglish owners
La Casita, Franceses, Rural holiday accommodation on La Palma, Canary IslandsSea views over the rugged scenery of La Palma, Canary Island
La CasitaLa Palma walkingContact and bookings
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Walking and Hiking Holidays on La Palma
La Palma is a paradise for both serious hiking and casual walking alike and is certainly known as the best Canary Island for walking. La Palma is made for the walker who loves nature and seeks adventures away from the noisy beach resorts and cheap tourist attractions. From the adventurous excursions into the rugged ravines, to donkey tracks linking ancient villages of the north and romantic scenery of the setting sun from the 2426 metre peak, and gentle walks through the open green pine forests, to the most spectacular walking destination on the island - the giant unspoilt landscape of the mighty Caldera de Taburiente, surrounded by thousand metre high precipices.		Barranco (ravine) and mountains near La Casita, Garafia, La Palma
Barranco (ravine) and mountains near La Casita
 
Franceses, in the north of La Palma, Garafia
Franceses, in the north of La Palma
The area around La Casita in Franceses is rich in walking paths and cliff top paths.
La Palma has a network of clearly marked footpaths which comply with the ERA (European Ramblers Association). The Rother Walking Guide on La Palma www.rother.de details over 50 selected walks around the coasts and mountains.
 
From Franceses there are footpaths down to the coast at La Fajana (Franceses) where the rocks jut out into the sea and where there is a small beach in the summer months. Further along the coast is another La Fajana (Barlovento) where there are seawater rock pools and a cafe/restaurant.La Fayana, sea water swimming pools
La Fayana, sea water swimming pools
 
La Zarza, tropical rainforest and aboriginal rock carvings
La Zarza, tropical rainforest and rock carvings
The rock carvings and rain forest flora at La Zarza are well worth a visit. The carvings were made by the original inhabitants of La Palma The Guanches. The siginificance is not certain, various theories and the history of the rock carvings can be found in the information center.
 
Marked walking paths lead from close to the casita through the steep barrancos (ravines) to the pictoresque villages of El Tablado, Don Pedro and Roque Faro.
El Tablado is a typical old village perched between two ravines, the population is diminishing and a visit is like going back in time. The cafe and restaurant provide a welcome break between hikes in the barrancos. The tiny village of Don Pedro is even smaller. You get the impression that time has stood still.		Typical scenery in the north of La Palma. Walking, hiking, rambling
Typical scenery in the north of La Palma
 
Walking routes
Enthusiastic walkers are spoilt for choice for walks of different duration, difficulty and topography, some of which are the most stunning on the island, and straight from, or nearby, La Casita.
 
La Casita is linked via donkey track to El Camino Real (the King’s Route) which is the main walking route joining the hidden settlements right across the North coast.
 
Circular walks
 
Circular walk 1. Right from the door of La Casita, you can enjoy a meandering walk up and over the ridges of Franceses exploring the ancient donkey paths with giant cactus, palm trees and dragon trees all growing together and discover small dwellings with wooden roofs nestling into the hillside. 40 minutes of pure pleasure or a more comprehensive walk of 4 hours.
 
Circular walk 2. From La Casita you can walk by donkey track and sections of road up to the hamlet of Roque Faro at an altitude of 1000m. Here you will find a traditional bar/restaurant serving rabbit, goat meat, local cheese, etc. Then begins the descent to the sleepy village of El Tablado and back up to La Casita/Franceses. 7 hours.
 
Circular walk 3. A short journey by car (20 mins) brings you to the Cultural Park La Zarza (the first of its kind in the Canary Islands). Here you can enjoy a walk around the Park looking at rock engravings/paintings and caves or an extended walk in the magnificent rain forest said to be one of the most beautiful and impressive walks on the island. 45 minutes or 4 hours.
 
Linear walks
 
For linear walks, drop-offs are available in the Land Rover Defender 110 by arrangement. Alternatively, there are taxis and a bus service.
 
Linear walk 1. Forming part of the Camino Real, either by car (12 minutes) or on foot (1 hour) a trip to the almost deserted old port village of La Fahana is a must. Explore the semi-ruined port buildings and then walk down through the banana plantation to the Atlantic Ocean.
 
Linear walk 2. A walk to the east along the Camino Real passing through the lively village of Gallegos and tiny hamlets to the lookout point of La Tosca where there is the greatest cluster of dragon trees on the island. 4.5 hours.
 
Linear walk 3. A walk to Santo Domingo in the west on the Camino Real passing through the pretty and typical villages of La Palma and the wonderful ravine - Barranco Fagundo. 7hrs, 45 mins. Alternatively stop at Don Pedro and take transport back - Land Rover or taxi. 4.5 hours.
 
The Big Walk!
From near the roof of the island – Roque de Los Muchachos at 2426m - down to Franceses enjoying the ever changing scenery. A challenge indeed. 6 hours.
Walking path to the coast. A Ramblers paradise
Walking path to the coast

A Pajero; stone shed found alongside the walking routes of La Palma

A Pajero; stone shed

Palm trees and dragos (dragon trees)

Palm trees and dragos

Viewpoint Franceses: Mirador of la Fahana

Viewpoint Franceses:
Mirador of la fahana

The quiet hamlet Don Pedro, La Palma

The hamlet Don Pedro
Garafia, La Palma

Roque de los Muchachos walking route

Roque de los Muchachos
walking route

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