Stage 6: Los Llanos de Aridane - Los Canarios (Fuencaliente)

Stage 6 of the La Palma Nature Trail, also known as the “Camino Real de la Costa y Medianías” or Royal Way of the Coast and Midlands, starts at the iconic Plaza de España in Los Llanos de Aridane, between the Town Hall and the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. From here, the path runs along Calle Real for a short stretch, where traditional buildings stand alongside lively shops, restaurants and terraces.

Following the signs, we turn left at Calle Benigno Carballo until it reaches the LP-2 road, passing the Benahorita Archaeological Museum.

After crossing the road and taking Calle Barranco Tenisca, we walk along the banks of the ravine of the same name before turning south on to Calle Pedro Miguel Hernández Camacho. The route climbs up the Camino de Triana and, a litter further on, we enter Camino de Malpaís de Triana, passing under the LP-21.

Due to the volcanic lava flow forms from the Tajogaite eruption in 2021, the route is temporarily interrupted at this point. The trail resumes 2.9 kilometres further on, at the Las Manchas football pitch and athletics track, just at the intersection of the LP-2 and LP-212 roads.

From here, we have the opportunity to visit the impressive viewpoints of the volcano, signposted by the island council, and located along the LP-212.

The eruption of the Tajogaite volcano, which began on 19 September 2021 and lasted until 13 December of the same year, was the most extensive in the history of La Palma. This eruption, preceded by thousands of earthquakes, dramatically transformed the landscape by covering 1,200 hectares with lava and destroying more than 1,600 buildings. The event was an impressive natural spectacle, marked by phreatic explosions, huge ash plumes and rivers of lava in Strombolian phases. However, it also brought with it an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with thousands evacuated and devastating economic losses, especially in the agricultural and tourism sectors.

After this natural interruption, the Camino Real resumes its course along the middle of the island, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Cumbre Vieja Ridge to the east. This section of the route offers a landscape of contrasts: rural dwellings, agricultural plots, some in use and others abandoned, and extensive areas of badlands. This volcanic terrain, marked by its arid and slightly eroded rocks, despite its desolate appearance, can become fertile soil under the right conditions, favouring both agriculture and urban development.

The path climbs to 800 metres above sea level for approximately 4 kilometres, until it enters an area of pine that marks the last kilometre before rejoining the LP-2. For about 800 metres, the path follows a signposted and paved walkway, crossing the road next to an old maintenance hut to enter a forest track.

This track, on sandy volcanic soil, continues to climb and crosses the first of many calderas that make up the Cumbre Vieja Ridge. The caldera, known as Hoyo Frio, is a small, relatively flat volcanic formation. From here, the path plunges into a dense pine forest, heading towards the southern tip of La Palma. On a clear day, the views are spectacular, with the ocean stretching both south and west, and even the silhouette of the island of El Hierro visible on the horizon.

After 5 kilometres through a landscape of pine forests and vineyards, the path reaches 920 metres above sea level and arrives at the majestic Pino de Santo Domingo, an iconic landmark close to Los Canarios, in the municipality of Fuencaliente. Here, the trail turns east, leaving behind the picnic area often used for cultural events, and enters a small valley, flanked by pine trees and vineyards. Some 400 metres later, stage 6 ends at the junction with stage 3 of the GR-131. From this point, walkers can continue on to Los Canarios, explore the salt flats or head towards the iconic lighthouse of Fuencaliente, marking the end of a fascinating journey.