The island of La Palma will be the epicentre of European hiking with the eighteenth edition of the Walking Festival, which will take place from September 18 to 20, 2026.
The island of La Palma is preparing to welcome nature and mountain lovers with a new edition of its most international hiking festival. The Insular Council of La Palma and Sodepal have confirmed the dates for the XVIII La Palma Hiking and Mountain Festival, known as the Walking Festival, which will be held from September 18 to 20, 2026.
The event, which has already established itself as a key date in the active tourism calendar, will offer three days of guided routes through the most emblematic trails of the Beautiful Island. Participants will be able to explore volcanic landscapes and laurel forests, all organised by the insular institutions.
Volcanic Trails and Unique Nature
The network of trails in La Palma, which totals more than 1,000 kilometres, will be the main stage of the festival. Attendees will be able to choose from routes of varying difficulty, designed to connect with the natural environment and promote a healthy lifestyle. The organisation highlights that the aim is to promote the island as a sustainable and reference destination for hiking at a European level.
The Walking Festival not only attracts foreign visitors but also involves the local population. More than 500 people participated in the previous edition, according to data from the Council, and it is expected that this number will be surpassed this year. The routes will be guided by experts in the island's flora and geology, offering an educational and immersive experience.
Registrations and Complete Programme
The detailed programme of the routes will be published soon on the official event website, at which point the registration period will open. Interested parties will be able to reserve their place through the Sodepal page, where they will find information about the profiles of the routes and registration deadlines. The registration fee has not yet been announced, but in previous editions it was around 30 euros per person, including insurance and a guide.
For the residents of La Palma, the festival represents an opportunity to rediscover their own territory. Residents usually enjoy special discounts, according to sources from the organisation, which facilitates local participation. Additionally, the event generates a positive economic impact on the island, with hotel occupancy rising during that weekend.
A Boost for Sustainable Tourism
The celebration of the Walking Festival reinforces La Palma's commitment to environmentally friendly tourism. The island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002, and such initiatives help preserve its natural heritage. The organisers emphasise that all routes are carried out under minimum impact criteria, with small groups and specific signage.
Attendees will be able to enjoy local cuisine and the hospitality of the Palmero towns. The festival will conclude with a day of community where experiences will be shared and the most active participants will be rewarded. For those wishing to extend their stay, the island offers multiple options for rural accommodation and complementary activities.
With this new edition, La Palma reaffirms its position as a reference point in European hiking, offering a safe and high-quality experience for both locals and visitors. Registrations will open in the coming weeks, and it is recommended to keep an eye on the official website to not miss the opportunity to explore the trails of the Beautiful Island.
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