In the heart of La Palma, nestled between the volcanic ridges of Cumbre Nueva and Cumbre Vieja, lies one of the island’s most beloved spaces: the El Pilar Recreation Area. Surrounded by a dense pine forest at the foot of Pico Birigoyo (1,441 m), it’s the perfect spot for families, hikers and nature lovers. Birthdays, school outings and family gatherings are celebrated here, always with fresh mountain air and breathtaking views.
Useful Information
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Cumbre Vieja Natural Park, between El Paso and Breña Baja |
| Visitor Center Opening Hours | Daily: 08:30 – 17:00 |
| How to get there | From Santa Cruz: LP-3, exit after the tunnel → follow the signs. From El Paso/Los Llanos: before the tunnel, take LP-301 towards El Pilar. |
| Camping | Allowed with prior authorization (max. 7 days) |
| Permits | Casa Forestal El Paso: +34 922 485 278 / Environment Dept. Santa Cruz: +34 922 423 100 |
| Facilities | Camping area, toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecue huts, picnic tables, playground |
| Extra | Perfect stargazing spot thanks to dark skies (nearby Llano del Jable viewpoint) |
What You’ll Find at El Pilar
- Large picnic areas with benches, tables and covered barbecue huts
- Playground for children
- Camping zone for those who want to sleep under the stars
- Full facilities: toilets, showers and drinking water
- Visitor Center, open daily, with information about volcanoes, flora and fauna
El Pilar is one of the most complete areas on the island to spend a day in nature.
Starting Point of the Ruta de los Volcanes
El Pilar is not just a recreation area, it is also the starting point of the famous Ruta de los Volcanes: a spectacular hiking route that crosses ridges, craters and unique lunar landscapes all the way to the south of the island.
Stargazing at El Pilar
Thanks to its altitude and lack of light pollution, El Pilar is an excellent spot for stargazing. Close by is the Llano del Jable viewpoint, the perfect place to enjoy unforgettable sunsets or an evening of astrotourism.
El Pilar, the starting point of the famous Volcanoes Route
Enjoy safely one of the most representative routes of the island of La Palma with an experienced and passionate guide.
Encounter with a Hidden Cone: a short walk full of natural magic
The Encounter with a Hidden Cone trail is a perfect circular walk for families. It is self-guided, very easy to follow, and combines nature, silence and scenery that surprises at every step.
- Distance: 1.5 km
- Duration: about 60 minutes
- Difficulty: easy
- Start/End: El Pilar Visitor Center
- Ideal for: children over 6 years old and beginners in hiking.
The path begins behind the Visitor Centre, a comfortable and accessible starting point. From here, the trail enters the beauty of the laurel forest, with interwoven branches covered in moss and lichen that create an almost magical atmosphere.
Little by little, the humid forest gives way to majestic pine woods, where the air smells intensely of pine and every breeze makes the treetops whisper.
The Charm of the Peak and the Sea of Clouds
The most inspiring moment arrives at the Pico de la Montaña de la Venta, the highest point of the route. With some luck, visitors can enjoy a sea of clouds stretching like a white ocean. To the right lies the east coast, and to the left, part of La Palma’s western slopes. It is a natural viewpoint, perfect for pausing and enjoying the moment.
From here, the trail continues following the numbered posts that guide the route. The landscape opens again at Llano del Rehielo, a wide and peaceful area that invites walkers to stop, breathe and enjoy the calm of the surroundings. After that, the path gently returns to the starting point.
This is a short, varied and very rewarding walk. Ideal for connecting with nature, observing how the vegetation changes, breathing the forest’s humidity and letting yourself be surrounded by an atmosphere that, in some sections, feels like a fairytale. A simple and beautiful experience in the heart of La Palma.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Bring a jacket or windbreaker: it can get cool, even in summer.
- Request permits in advance if you plan to camp or use the barbecues.
- Always follow the authorities’ instructions in case of weather alerts.
- Wear comfortable shoes: paths are wide but made of volcanic soil.
Map of Camping at El Pilar La Palma
