Information
Landmark: Valle de los TilosCity: La Palma
Country: Canary Islands
Continent: Europe
Valle de los Tilos, La Palma, Canary Islands, Europe
Overview
Tucked into La Palma’s northeast, near the quiet village of San Andrés y Sauces, the Valle de los Tilos-Los Tilos Valley-is a lush, emerald pocket and one of the island’s most breathtaking natural treasures, simultaneously this green, thriving corner belongs to the Los Tilos Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site celebrated for its rare laurel forest, sweeping cliffs, and the hum of life in every branch and leaf.It’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone wanting to slip away into La Palma’s untouched beauty, where pine-scented trails wind through quiet hills, along with top sights in Valle de los Tilos, like the moss-covered trails and cool fern-lined streams.Somehow, The Los Tilos laurel forest, or “laurisilva,” is a living remnant of the Tertiary period, its dense evergreen canopy once stretching across much of Southern Europe, at the same time here, constant mist and gentle warmth create a rare microclimate where laurel trees, tree heather, canary holly, and carpets of moss and ferns flourish, for the most part Birdsong fills the air, with the Bolles laurel pigeon and the white-tailed laurel pigeon-both found nowhere else-gliding between branches, drawing birdwatchers from afar, therefore a short, easy 2 km trail winds through the green hush to the Cascada de Los Tilos, where water spills in a silver ribbon against the obscure rock.Valle de los Tilos is a spot where mist clings to the trees, the air smells of wet earth, and every turn offers something worth a photo-or a quiet moment to breathe, also nacientes de Marcos y Cordero, one of La Palma’s best-known trails, tests your legs and rewards your effort as it winds through 13 rock-carved tunnels, over streams and ravines, and up to the springs themselves.The 12‑kilometer route calls for a guide or solid preparation-think flashlight, waterproof gear, and sturdy boots, what’s more nearby, the gentler Cubo de la Galga loops through laurel forest rich with sweeping views and tangled plant life.At the Los Tilos Visitor Center, you can wander exhibits on the valley’s flora, fauna, and geology, pick up maps, and get tips from friendly staff before setting out, in turn from there, a short amble leads to Mirador Espigón Atravesado, where you can take in the green canopy and rugged slopes from above.Streams and narrow rivers lace the valley, fed by constant mist and rain, creating a lush, almost tropical feel rare in the Canary Islands, equally important just 25 kilometers from Santa Cruz de La Palma, Los Tilos is easy to reach by car or bus, and it’s worth visiting any time of year-though spring and autumn bring the best weather, and mornings promise cooler air and fewer people, more or less Bring good footwear, rain gear, water, snacks, and a flashlight if you’re heading for the tunnels, to boot it’s a destination where beauty, biodiversity, and a deep sense of calm meet.Whether you love hiking, delight in spotting shining-winged birds, or just want a quiet moment among the trees, Los Tilos leaves an impression you won’t forget, on top of that with its ancient forests, silver-threaded waterfalls, and air so still you can hear the wind in the pines, it’s no wonder this spot is among La Palma’s most treasured places and a standout in the Canary Islands.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-08
