Cumbre Vieja Natural Park Park

Address: Cumbre Vieja Natural Park, La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain

Website: https://www.miteco.gob.es/en/biodiversidad/planes-y-estrategias/cumbre-vieja/

Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset (visitor centre hours may vary)

Admission: Park entry free; visitor centres and guided activities may charge

Cumbre Vieja Natural Park is the volcanic ridge and protected area on the southern part of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The ridge is an active volcanic zone that has produced several historic eruptions.

The ridge has been volcanically active throughout the island’s geologic history, with recorded eruptions at Teneguía in 1971 and a major eruption on Cumbre Vieja in 2021, as well as earlier 20th century activity. These eruptions altered local topography and produced lava flows and ash that reshaped parts of the island’s southern landscape.

The natural park runs along the southern-central spine of La Palma in the western Canary Islands, forming the central volcanic axis of that portion of the island. It lies within La Palma municipality boundaries and is accessed from roads leading up the island from coastal towns.

• Eruption history: The ridge is an actively volcanic area with recorded eruptions in 1949, 1971 and 2021, the 2021 eruption being the most recent major event.
• Volcanic landscape: The landscape includes recent lava flows, volcanic cones and ash deposits; access and conditions can change after eruptions due to damage and restricted zones.

What to See#

• Cumbre Vieja ridge: The volcanic ridge itself, composed of multiple cones, fissures and lava fields that form the spine of the southern half of the island of La Palma.
• Teneguía cone (1971 eruption): The Teneguía volcanic cone, one of the historically active vents that produced the 1971 eruption on the southern flank of the ridge.

Cumbre Vieja runs along La Palma’s central-southern spine. Access points depend on the chosen trail; many routes start from small mountain roads off LP-2 or LP-3. Rent a car or join guided hiking tours for the most flexible access, and always check current park advisories.

• Drive the main access roads slowly to spot endemic flora and lava fields; some roads may be narrow and winding.
• If planning hikes, check local volcanic safety notices and park alerts - conditions can change after seismic or eruptive activity.
• Bring sun protection and sufficient water; the terrain is exposed and shade scarce in many sections.