CUBO DE LA GALGA hike and Los Tilos Forest

Discovering La Palma’s Enchanted Laurisilva: El Cubo de la Galga, San Bartolo & Los Tilos

If there’s a place on La Palma where nature truly shows off, it’s the island’s lush northeast. Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the green heart of Puntallana and Los Sauces—a route that blends hiking, local flavours, and a deep connection with the island’s ancient laurel forest.

Our journey begins at El Cubo de la Galga, one of La Palma’s most iconic hiking trails. From the very first step, we’re immersed in a tunnel of vibrant greenery—giant ferns, tangled vines, and towering trees form a living canopy above us, like something out of a fairytale. This route is perfect for families: it’s an easy walk with gentle paths, no steep climbs, and countless magical corners that amaze young and old alike. We pass moss-covered walls, constantly damp and bursting with life, while the gentle trickle of spring water from the rocks reminds us of the island’s rich natural springs.

As we gradually climb between 600 and 800 metres above sea level, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. We reach the Somada Alta viewpoint—time to take a break and soak in one of the most spectacular vistas on the eastern side of La Palma. On a clear day, you can spot the distant outlines of Tenerife and La Gomera on the horizon. But the true showstopper is the endless green ocean of forest beneath our feet, stretching up the mountainsides towards the island’s highest peaks.

From the viewpoint, we spot our next destination: the peaceful village of San Bartolo, where a well-earned lunch awaits. The descent takes us along a wide forest track lined with aromatic herbs—thyme, mint, and wild oregano scent the air as we pass through sun-dappled stretches of woodland. Arriving in La Galga, a charming agricultural hamlet in Puntallana, we’re greeted by red-soiled terraces growing avocados, bananas, and mangos, and by colourful houses that guide us all the way to the chapel of San Bartolo.

There, beside this humble little church, we pause to taste the island’s authenticity. Traditional papas arrugadas with red mojo, local queso palmero, and—if we’re lucky—a warm welcome from Mariluz, whose smile makes us feel right at home.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. After lunch, we head towards one of La Palma’s best-kept secrets: the Los Tilos Forest. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this hidden gem is one of the last remaining laurel forests in Europe, a living relic of prehistoric times. We enjoy a short, easy walk—perfect for all ages—through shaded trails that lead us to its legendary waterfall. The sound of cascading water, the cool, fresh air, and the sense of being surrounded by nature unchanged for millions of years bring our day to a truly magical close.

This isn’t just a hike—it’s a journey into the green soul of La Palma. A full-sensory experience that combines nature, culture, and the privilege of walking through one of the last laurisilva forests in Europe.

We’ll be waiting with our walking sticks ready—and our senses wide open.