La Palma: Discover the south of the island on a road bike

Discover La Palma’s Southern Sights on a Guided Road Bike Tour

If you’re looking to combine your love of cycling with the chance to see some of La Palma’s most breathtaking landscapes, this 6-hour guided road bike tour offers just that. Riding on top-quality carbon bikes, you’ll traverse from mountain ridges to volcanic fields and lush forests, all with plenty of picturesque stops along the way. It’s designed for those who want a manageable yet scenic cycling experience that highlights the island’s diverse natural beauty.

What really makes this tour stand out are the expert guides who speak multiple languages—German, Spanish, and English—making the experience accessible and informative. We love how the route balances gentle descents, scenic flats, and manageable climbs, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels. However, potential riders should note that the tour is about 60 km long with a total elevation gain of 900 meters, so some basic cycling fitness is recommended. This trip is ideal for active travelers eager to see La Palma’s highlights and enjoy a smooth, well-organized ride through stunning environments.

Key Points

• Impressive Landscapes: From volcanic fields to lush forests and coastal views.
• High-Quality Equipment: Carbon racing bikes with multiple pedal options ensure comfort and performance.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides who speak multiple languages and share fascinating insights.
• Balanced Route: An even mix of descents, flats, and climbs suitable for various fitness levels.
• Inclusive Transfer: One transfer from Los Llanos to the mountain start point simplifies logistics.
• Authentic Experience: Discover La Palma’s natural beauty away from crowded tourist spots, with only six participants per group.

An In-Depth Look at the La Palma Road Bike Tour

Starting Point and Initial Transfer

The adventure begins at the “Mountainride” store in Los Llanos de Aridane, a lively town known for its volcanic origins and charming streets. You’ll meet your guide here, where they’ll help you get fitted with your bike, helmet, gloves, and water bottle—everything you’ll need for a smooth ride. The tour price includes this gear rental, which saves you from packing or renting locally. Once suited up, you’ll hop into a transfer vehicle heading to the Refugio El Pilar at 1,450 meters altitude. This transfer alone is a bonus, as it takes care of the logistical challenge of ascending into the mountainous terrain before the ride even begins.

The Ride Begins: From Mountain Ridge to Forests

The tour’s first highlight is the descent from El Pilar, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the island’s volcanic landscape. The ride down into the east side of La Palma takes you through vibrant green forests, offering a refreshing contrast to the volcanic terrain above. The guide’s local knowledge really shines here—pointing out notable flora, geological formations, and offering insights into the island’s volcanic activity. As one reviewer noted, the guides excel at “making the history and geology of La Palma come alive.”

Mazo and Fuencaliente: Coastal and Volcanic Beauty

After descending, the route takes you south towards Mazo, where you’ll be treated to scenic vistas over the coast. This stretch is mostly flat and ideal for enjoying the views without too much effort. The next stop is Fuencaliente, famous for its volcanic landscape and quiet streets. Here, you’ll have the option for a coffee break, giving you a chance to rest and soak in the scenery. Many riders appreciated this pause, describing the scenery as “breathtaking,” with one saying, “You feel like you’re riding through a lunar landscape with lush greenery shadowing the volcanic terrain.”

Las Manchas and Lava Fields

Continuing westward, the route passes through Las Manchas, another area renowned for its volcanic scenery. The guide shared stories about the eruptions that shaped La Palma’s landscape, adding depth to the experience. The final part of the ride takes you over the newly formed lava fields from the 2021 eruption of Tajogaite. Here, the trail is quite unique—riding over solidified lava with the striking contrast of black hardened flows and the surrounding green landscape. Many participants found this part especially memorable, describing it as “a surreal walk through recent geological history.”

Return and Reflection

The tour concludes back at the starting point after approximately 60 km of riding. Along the way, you’ll have enjoyed a well-paced, scenic journey with plenty of stops to appreciate the views. The guides’ multilingual abilities mean you’ll get detailed explanations regardless of your language preference, enriching your understanding of La Palma’s geology, flora, and local culture.

What’s Included and Considerations

The tour’s value largely hinges on the quality of the equipment and expert guidance. The carbon bikes are top-tier, ensuring comfort and efficiency over the 60 km route. The helmet, gloves, and water bottle are included, which is handy, especially for those traveling light. The guided experience in three languages makes the tour accessible for international visitors, and the small group size (max six participants) guarantees personalized attention.

However, what’s not included—such as transportation from your accommodation or specific clothing—is worth noting. You should bring weather-appropriate gear, personal snacks, and drinks, especially since the ride covers a variety of terrains and climates. The route’s easy difficulty level and balanced profile make it suitable for those with basic cycling fitness, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or anyone with low fitness levels.

Bike Rental and Availability

The bikes are rental models, and their specific brands may vary depending on availability. Riders should communicate their height when booking to ensure a proper fit. This is a small detail but an important one; a well-fitted bike makes all the difference during a ride of this length and terrain.

Timing and Flexibility

The tour lasts approximately six hours, with starting times varying based on availability. Booking in advance and choosing the “reserve now, pay later” option allows for maximum flexibility, especially if your plans aren’t set in stone. Cancellation policies are straightforward—cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, providing peace of mind when planning your trip.

The Experience’s Unique Selling Points

Most participants loved the diverse landscapes packed into a single, manageable route. Many reviews highlighted the expert guides’ local knowledge, making the ride informative as well as scenic. The highlight for many was riding over the recent lava flows—something few tours can offer, thanks to La Palma’s active volcanic history. The small group size also meant that everyone received personalized attention, which enhances the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This bike tour is perfect for active travelers who want a day of exploring La Palma’s natural beauty without the need for extreme exertion. It’s suitable for those with basic cycling fitness, but not for complete beginners or those with mobility issues. The route’s balance of gentle climbs and flat sections makes it accessible for most people with some riding experience.

If you enjoy guided trips with knowledgeable local guides and want to avoid logistical hassles like organizing transfers or bike rentals, this tour offers excellent value. Nature lovers, geology buffs, and those craving a scenic outdoor activity will find it especially satisfying. Conversely, if you’re looking for a more intense cycling challenge or want to explore the island’s northern volcanic zones, you might prefer different tours.

The Sum Up

This guided road bike tour on La Palma stands out as a fantastic way to combine adventure, education, and stunning scenery. With top-quality bikes, a knowledgeable guide, and a route that showcases the island’s volcanic and forested landscapes, it offers excellent value for active travelers eager to see La Palma from a different perspective. The ride’s manageable length and balanced profile make it accessible for most with some cycling experience, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience.

The highlights—riding over recent lava flows, enjoying panoramic mountain views, and passing lush forests—are truly memorable. It’s an experience that will appeal to nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and those simply wanting a unique outdoor activity during their La Palma holiday. For travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic, and engaging day on two wheels, this tour delivers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
While it’s labeled as an easy ride with manageable distances and elevation gain, basic cycling experience is recommended. It’s best suited for those comfortable riding 60 km with some hills.

What equipment do I need to bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, personal snacks and drinks, a charged smartphone, and any personal medication. The tour includes rental gear, but you should be prepared for variable weather conditions.

Are the bikes suitable for all heights?
The rental bikes’ model may vary, so you’ll need to specify your height when booking. This helps ensure proper fit and comfort during the ride.

Can I join if I speak only English, Spanish, or German?
Absolutely. The tour guides are fluent in these languages, making the experience accessible regardless of your language preference.

What’s the best time of day to join?
Availability varies, so check the specific starting times for your preferred date. Morning or early afternoon rides are common, but always confirm when booking.

Is there an option to cancel if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which provides flexibility if your schedule changes.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?
No, transportation from accommodations to the start point is not included. You’ll meet at the Mountainride store in Los Llanos.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather conditions are a factor; it’s best to check the forecast and communicate with the provider. You can usually reschedule or cancel in case of severe weather.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The minimum height is 150 cm (4 ft 9 in), and the tour is best suited for active individuals with some cycling experience. It’s not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues.

This La Palma road bike experience offers a splendid way to see the island’s volcanic and forest landscapes on a comfortable, guided ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a reasonably active traveler, you’ll find it an unforgettable way to explore La Palma’s natural wonders.