Special cruise tour Center and South La Palma (Price per car not per person)

Exploring La Palma: An In-Depth Look at the Center and South Tour

If you’re planning to visit La Palma and want a way to see the island’s most captivating sights without the hassle of organizing multiple trips yourself, this special cruise tour for the Center and South of La Palma offers a solid option. Offered by Taxi La Palma Isla Bonita, it’s a private experience that takes you through some of the island’s most beautiful viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and charming towns—all in about 6 to 7 hours.

What I find compelling about this tour is its balance between iconic viewpoints and local flavor. You’ll visit Mirador de La Concepción, with its sweeping views over Santa Cruz, and the stunning Mirador de la Cumbrecita, inside the Caldera de Taburiente, which is a favorite among visitors for its breathtaking interior vistas. Plus, the trip includes a relaxed stop at Playa Tazacorte, one of the best beaches on the island, and a visit to the artistically designed Plaza La Glorieta.

A potential consideration is the price point of $318.12 per group of up to four—which is quite reasonable for a private tour, but might feel steep if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. Also, while the itinerary covers a good range of highlights, the tour’s nature as a vehicle-based experience means it’s less about hiking or physical activity and more about sightseeing from comfortable spots.

If you’re keen on a comprehensive, flexible, and relaxed way to see La Palma’s central and southern scenery, this tour could be a perfect fit. It suits travelers who appreciate good views, local culture, and a personalized experience without the stress of self-driving or multiple bookings.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Only your group participates, offering personalized attention.
• Varied stops: From viewpoints and beaches to charming towns and artistic plazas.
• Cost efficiency: For up to 4 people, it’s a good deal considering transportation and guiding are included.
• Ease of access: Pickup is offered, and the mobile ticket makes it straightforward to join.
• Flexible schedule: Duration of about 6-7 hours, fitting easily into a day.
• Highly rated: With a 5.0/5 from five reviews, travelers seem very satisfied overall.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Mirador de la Concepción

Our journey begins at Mirador de la Concepción, located at the southern edge of a declared Natural Monument. Here, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views over Santa Cruz de La Palma and the port, with a clear view of La Palma Airport on the other side. This spot is perfect for snapping pictures and getting your first taste of the island’s dramatic scenery.

The view here is especially striking in the early morning or late afternoon light, making it a favorite stop for photographers. The best part? It’s a quick 10-minute stop with free admission, so it’s easy to include without feeling rushed.

Mirador de la Cumbrecita

Next, you’ll head inside the Caldera de Taburiente National Park to the Mirador de la Cumbrecita. This viewpoint is among the most popular on the island because of its incredible interior views of La Caldera, a massive volcanic crater. The landscape here is otherworldly—think rugged cliffs and lush greenery.

This stop is about an hour long, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery or take photos. Since it’s inside a national park, the views are both awe-inspiring and a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins. The route to nearby galleries is only suitable for experienced hikers, so this is more about admiring the vistas than strenuous walking.

Playa Tazacorte

After the high-altitude views, the tour moves down to Playa Tazacorte, a well-loved volcanic black sand beach. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed break—whether you want to dip your toes in the water, lounge on the sand, or stroll along the marina and promenade.

It’s a good 30-minute stop, giving you enough time to unwind and enjoy the scenery. The beach is fringed with restaurants serving fresh fish, making it an ideal lunch or snack stop if you’re hungry. The volcanic black sand makes the beach visually striking, and year-round swimming is possible, thanks to the warm climate.

Plaza La Glorieta

The tour then visits Plaza La Glorieta, a beautifully mosaiced square designed by local artist Luis Morera. The plaza’s artistic elements include lava stone stages, mosaic-covered benches, and native Canarian flora—an artistic tribute to La Palma’s culture.

Spend about 30 minutes here to appreciate the craftsmanship and take a breather from the road. It’s a peaceful spot and offers a different perspective compared to the natural landscapes—more about local life and artistic expression.

The Mountain and Volcanic Landscape

Finally, the trip takes you through El Paso, Los Llanos, and Tazacorte, passing through the oldest part of the island, where Conquest began back in 1492. Crossing the Mirador de San Nicolás, then heading towards Las Indias and San Antonio Volcano, you get a close-up view of the volcanic landscape that characterizes much of La Palma.

The route continues through Villa de Mazo, the quaint town known for its traditional architecture, and the Montaña de la Breña area before returning to the starting point. These last stops are more about experiencing the island’s volcanic terrain and local towns, rounding out the scenic tour with cultural and geological insights.

What Our Reviewers Say

The reviews echo a lot of what makes this tour attractive. One reviewer mentioned how the guide Manolo was very attentive and enthusiastic, despite limited English, making up for language gaps with his passion and friendliness. Others praised Jose Antonio’s professionalism and knowledge, noting that he knew the island inside out and made everyone feel welcome.

A reviewer who had an unfortunate experience with a late cruise ship appreciated that the company offered a voluntary refund when their plans fell through, highlighting the flexibility and honesty of the provider. That kind of responsiveness is a plus when booking a private tour.

Many reviewers described the experience as “marvelous” and “very good,” emphasizing the views and local culture. One noted the tour as “the best way to see La Palma,” praising the combination of viewpoints, beaches, and artistic stops.

Practical Details: What to Expect

Transportation

The tour includes transportation in a private vehicle, ensuring comfort and flexibility. You won’t be crammed into a large bus, but rather enjoy a more intimate experience tailored to your group size.

Duration and Schedule

With a typical duration of 6 to 7 hours, it’s a full but manageable day. The schedule is flexible enough to include all the stops without feeling rushed, with each location offering a good amount of time for sightseeing and photos.

Cost and Value

At $318.12 for the entire group of up to four, the tour offers good value for a private experience. When considering the guided service, transportation, and access to top viewpoints, it’s a cost-effective way to explore La Palma without the hassle of planning each stop independently.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking is straightforward, with confirmation received immediately. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time—a helpful feature if your plans change suddenly.

Accessibility and Other Notes

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals and those who prefer public transportation options nearby. It operates daily and runs year-round, so you can plan your trip well in advance.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This private tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of La Palma’s highlights without the stress of self-driving or multiple independent bookings. It’s ideal for those who appreciate scenic viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and local culture in a relaxed setting.

If you’re traveling with others and want a personalized experience, this private option makes a lot of sense, especially given its high ratings and flexible itinerary. It’s also a good choice for visitors with limited time but who want to see a broad swath of the island’s natural beauty.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, this Center and South La Palma tour offers a solid, well-rounded experience of some of the island’s most stunning sights. From panoramic viewpoints over Santa Cruz to the dramatic interior of the Caldera, combined with visits to charming towns and beaches, it covers a lot in a single day.

The private nature of the tour means you get personalized attention, and the inclusion of transportation and a guide makes it hassle-free. The reviews suggest that guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, adding value beyond just the sights.

While the price might seem steep at first glance, considering the convenience, comfort, and scope of what’s included, many travelers find it well worth it. It’s especially good for those wanting a flexible, relaxed way to explore La Palma’s highlights without sacrificing depth or quality.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Since the price is per group of up to four, solo travelers may find it a bit costly unless they’re sharing with others or looking for a private experience. It’s definitely designed for small groups or families.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes guide and transportation, with a mobile ticket for easy access. Tips are not included, so you can tip the guide if you feel they provided excellent service.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

What if the weather is bad?
Since good weather is necessary, the experience might be canceled in poor conditions. If that happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any physical activity requirements?
The tour is mainly vehicle-based, with short stops at viewpoints and towns. You might find some walking involved at each stop, but it’s generally accessible for most travelers.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the stops are suitable for most ages—especially if your family enjoys scenic views, beaches, and cultural sites. Just consider your children’s comfort with longer car rides and outdoor stops.

Whether you’re after stunning viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, or just a way to relax and enjoy La Palma without the hassle, this private tour offers a good mix of everything. It’s a chance to see the island’s highlights comfortably and at your own pace—definitely worth considering for a memorable day out.