Coastal Hike from El Tablado to Gallegos

An insight into the hike:

Between El Tablado and Gallegos, northern La Palma feels especially remote and authentic. The route uses historic sections of the Camino Real de la Costa through a landscape of deeply cut ravines, steep coastal slopes and scattered settlements. From high-lying El Tablado, views extend across the green terrain to the Atlantic, while dragon trees, euphorbias and small pockets of laurel forest add characteristic detail along the way.

The scale of the north coast becomes particularly clear in Barranco de los Hombres. The old path loses substantial height in tight switchbacks before climbing steeply out on the opposite side. Viewpoints overlook the ravine mouth, La Fajana and terraced hillsides. Later, the hike enters the rural areas of Franceses and Gallegos, where traditional houses, fields and crops reveal the demanding but living cultural landscape of the north.

The distance of 9.4 kilometres should not be underestimated: 897 metres of ascent and 933 metres of descent make this a physically demanding route. Stony, sometimes paved and occasionally exposed paths require sure-footedness and a head for heights. Sturdy boots, ample water and food, plus protection from sun, wind and rain are essential. Wet conditions can make the steep sections considerably more slippery.

The start and finish are in different villages, so a taxi or suitable bus connection should be researched and secured in advance. The route can also be walked in the opposite direction, although this changes the pattern of effort. The exact course along PR-LP 9.1 and GR 130, current information, full trail description, elevation profile and GPS data are available from our partner Sunhikes.