La Palma is a true paradise for trekkers, offering trails of varying degrees of difficulty to discover the island's extraordinary beauty. One of the most impressive is undoubtedly the Ruta de los volcanes, a route that takes you through the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the southern part of the island. This trail, rated 5 stars by tourists, offers unearthly views of craters, volcanic cones and solidified lava. As one backpacker describes: 'A spectacular hiking route between volcanoes, for me a definite 'must see' while on La Palma. The landscape is Martian in places! Views unearthly, craters, cones, volcanic dust, solidified magma...' This route requires good physical preparation, but rewards you with beautiful panoramas of Cumbre Vieja, the caldera and neighboring islands.

For those looking for equally impressive but slightly easier routes, the trail starting at the Inicio ruta point is an excellent choice. This spot, rated 4.6 stars, is the start of many popular trails, including the one leading to Pico de La Nieve. The route is well marked and offers a smooth start, making it suitable for a wide range of tourists, including families with children. As one traveler notes: 'The beginning of the route leading to the intersection of Reventón, Peak of the Snows and Roque de los Muchachos. Smooth start and very accessible. Suitable for bicycles and large groups of pedestrians.''

For those who want to combine exploring the island on their own with a professional guide, a great option is to use the services of La Palma Outdoor. This tour agency, rated 4.8 stars, offers guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of the island's geology and history. Their tours of areas affected by the recent volcanic eruption are particularly recommended. One participant shares his impressions: 'Fantastic trek with a brilliant guide, lots of unknown facts about the eruption, photos and videos documenting the eruption. Highly recommended.

Comparing the three options, the Ruta de los volcanes offers the most intense experience for advanced trekkers, the Inicio ruta is more accessible to a wider range of tourists, and La Palma Outdoor provides the educational aspect and professional support. All of these options allow for a deep immersion into the extraordinary nature of La Palma, each in its own unique way.

The natural heart of La Palma is undoubtedly the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, rated at an impressive 4.8 stars. This remarkable area, with its lunar landscapes and lush pine forests, offers an unforgettable experience for backpackers. As one tourist describes: 'Unusual lunar landscapes at an altitude of over 2tys. above sea level. Below, the green of the pines, above, the blue of the sky and to top it all off, a sea of clouds. The park offers trails of varying degrees of difficulty, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced hikers. It's the perfect place for a day's trekking, where you can enjoy the beauty of wildlife and experience peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.

One of the best viewpoints in the park is Mirador de La Cumbrecita, rated 4.7 stars. This spot offers breathtaking views of the caldera and is accessible after a short, easy hike. However, it's important to remember to reserve a parking spot in advance, especially during high season. As one backpacker advises: 'Beautiful views, it's worth not only going to the mirador but doing the 1.5 hour trail - loop. Remember to book in advance to enter the parking lot through the Park's website. For free. Otherwise you won't get there.'

For those looking for a place to rest and prepare for further hiking, the Área Recreativa El Pilar is the ideal choice. This recreational area, rated 4.7 stars, offers ideal conditions for relaxing and preparing for a trek. There are picnic tables, grills and basic infrastructure. It's also a popular starting point for many hiking trails. One user describes: 'A large area to rest and gain strength. If you end your hike here you can call a cab. Ample parking.

For those who prefer organized tours but still want to keep the spirit of backpacking, a great option is to use NATOUR. This agency, rated 4.6 stars, specializes in walking tours on La Palma. They offer itineraries tailored to different levels of experience and provide valuable information about local nature and culture. One customer shares: 'Great trip. Beautiful detail from NATOUR. Great combination of Refugio and hotels. Fantastic walking routes amazing views highly recommend.'

Comparing these options, the Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers the most diverse trekking experience, the Mirador de La Cumbrecita provides easy access to spectacular views, the Área Recreativa El Pilar is the perfect place to relax and prepare for a hike, and NATOUR offers professional support for those who want to combine independent discovery with organized tours. Each of these options allows for an in-depth experience of La Palma's nature, tailored to different preferences and levels of backpackers.

La Palma hides a number of remarkable places that will delight any backpacker looking for an authentic experience. One such place is Pico de la Cruz, a viewpoint rated at the maximum 5 stars. Located 2,351 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking panoramas of the entire island. As one tourist describes: 'With good visibility you can see El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife. You can see the end of the island and the observatory from here if the visibility is good. Reaching the summit requires a short but steep hike, making it an ideal destination for backpackers looking for a challenge and unforgettable views.

Contrasting the high mountain scenery are the Salinas de Fuencaliente, unique salinas located on the southern tip of the island. Rated 4.6 stars, the site offers a fascinating combination of natural beauty and human activity. As one visitor describes: 'An interesting place, the salt looks like snow around which is a hot volcanic landscape.' It's not only a tourist attraction, but also a saline still in operation, where you can see the process of extracting sea salt. For backpackers, it's a great opportunity to learn about local traditions and take unique photos.

Another place to visit is the Mirador Caldera, a viewpoint rated at an impressive 4.9 stars. It is located at the top of Roque de Los Muchachos and offers some of the best views of the entire island. As one tourist enthusiastically describes: 'If you are on the island you must see these beautiful views.' The site is particularly popular with photographers and astronomy enthusiasts because of its clean air and minimal light pollution.

When comparing the three attractions, each offers a unique experience. Pico de la Cruz is ideal for those looking for a challenge and panoramic views, Salinas de Fuencaliente offers a fascinating combination of nature and culture, and Mirador Caldera probably provides the best views of the entire island. All of these places are accessible to backpackers, but require proper planning and preparation.

It is worth noting that access to some of these places may be limited depending on the season or weather conditions. For example, the road to Mirador Caldera may be closed in winter due to snow. The Salinas de Fuencaliente are open year-round, but are best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense sun.

For backpackers, it is important to remember to be properly prepared for hiking. Be sure to bring enough water, snacks, sun protection and appropriate footwear. It's also a good idea to check weather forecasts before setting out on the trail, especially for high altitude hikes.

La Palma, with its variety of landscapes and attractions, offers an unforgettable experience for backpackers. From the high peaks to the coast, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for physical challenges or quiet contemplation of nature, this Canarian island has everything you need for an unforgettable backpacking trip.