On the island there are wonderful routes for those who wish to discover the world on their bike.
Nicknamed – no more nor less – as Isla Bonita, La Palma has a special energy that any visitor will appreciate from the moment they arrive. It is an ideal destination to relax, unwind and unwind, but it is also a perfect option for lovers of active tourism. Discovering and getting to know its beautiful corners by bicycle and with a spring temperature practically all year round can be a good way to recharge your batteries and revitalize yourself.
Without a doubt, La Palma is a unique destination for mountain bike lovers, with which they can travel the magical trails that cross the island and thus learn about its incredible landscape diversity. Mountain biking in La Palma is an absolutely unforgettable experience. A good number of forest tracks can help visitors discover the Canarian pine forests, laurel forest, volcanoes and also the coast of La Palma. An activity to enjoy alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family.
One of the most popular areas and prepared for mountain bike routes is the Recreational Area of El Pilar, in the center of the island. This is a multifunctional recreational space that offers hikers and cyclists a specific area to park mountain bikes and consult information on the network of trails and bicycle routes. In addition, El Pilar also has information on the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park and its resources of interest, and services such as stoves, tables, camping area, bathrooms...to spend a day with all the comforts possible.
Currently, several signposted MTB routes that add up to more than 100km depart from El Pilar. Many can be combined with each other and facilitate the possibility of designing a personalized itinerary for each user, taking into account factors such as the length, difficulty and unevenness of the route. For all these reasons, anyone, from those with a minimum of experience with a bike to the most experienced cyclists, will enjoy a magnificent day of pedaling.
In addition to these, there are many routes to discover the charms of La Palma riding a mountain bike. It can be explored from summit to coast on a route of almost 30km that starts from Roque de los Muchachos – the highest peak of La Palma – to the coast of Puntallana, through forest tracks, trails and tunnels formed by vegetation. If we are in the town of Mazo – or near it – we will have several options to enjoy mountain biking, since this municipality has an extensive network of forest tracks created as access roads to transport grass or fodder for local livestock. From Fuencaliente, the area where the last volcanic eruptions of the island occurred, we can make an excursion towards Cumbre Nueva, passing through its black forest tracks to descend, then to the coast enjoying the magnificent views of the volcanic landscape and the vineyards.
These are some of the most popular mountain bike routes in La Palma, but the possibilities are countless. In addition, there are many specialized companies that organize guided group tours with complementary services such as visits or meals. Just look for the option that best suits our plans and level, and enjoy contact with nature.
Dream Roads for Cycling in La Palma
But mountain biking is not the only way to explore La Palma. Rolling on its winding roads will be a real pleasure for lovers of this sport. Roads that lead to the coast, that climb hills, that cross charming villages...With desire and caution – in order to avoid frights on the road – we will enjoy cycling and good weather anywhere on the island.
Among the asphalt roads recommended for visitors are the famous Carretera de las Mimbreras (LP 109), the Traviesa in Puntagorda or the one that passes along the coast of Fuencaliente, next to the beaches. For the most daring climb to Roque de los Muchachos from Santa Cruz de La Palma (LP-4) going down the other side is also a challenge.
Finally, the bravest and most daring can even cross the island by bicycle. The Barlovento road, in the north of La Palma, marks the beginning of a 127km journey that runs through the island from north to south. Along the way we will contemplate the wonderful forests and agricultural areas of the municipality of Garafía, until facing the hard ascent – 15km – to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory with amazing views of the dizzying walls of the Caldera de Taburiente, a reward for the effort. On the way back, and once at the junction with the LP1 road, we continue to the El Time Viewpoint, in Tijarafe, a vertiginous descent that passes through the mouth of the Las Angustias ravine crosses the banana plantations of Los Llanos de Aridane and several villages in which to get supplies. A gentle ascent to Los Canarios, through the new roads built on the lava of the volcano, the highest area in the south of La Palma, leads to the final descent, a landscape marked by the impressive Teneguía volcano, the lighthouse and the Fuencaliente salt flats.
And for those who have days off – and a lot of practice – there are multi-day routes to get to know the whole island in which, in addition to cycling, other activities such as cultural visits or gastronomic tastings are conducted.
In any mode – mountain or road bike – the most important thing is safety. Therefore, it is recommended not to leave the marked roads and to drive prudently on the road. Pay attention to traffic signs and signals, and respect prohibitions and limits. In addition, an attempt should be made to generate the minimum amount of waste possible and the generated waste should be deposited in the relevant containers. Finally, it is necessary to control the braking and avoid skidding, since they produce the unnecessary erosion of the terrain, and, in no case, throw cigarette butts to avoid devastating fires.
