Sporting events in La Palma: trail running, cycling and active tourism

La Palma isn’t just one of the prettiest islands in the Atlantic — it’s also one of the most complete sporting destinations in the Canary Islands. Its volcanoes, summits and miles of trails make the Isla Bonita a natural stage that’s hard to beat for trail running, road and mountain cycling, or any form of active tourism. If your next holiday involves a race number, a pair of trail shoes or a road and mountain bike, here’s everything you need to know.

Why is La Palma an ideal destination for outdoor sport?

Few islands combine climate, terrain and nature quite so well. La Palma is known for stable temperatures all year round, which makes training and competing possible in any month of the calendar. But what truly sets it apart as a sporting destination is its landscape: the island climbs from sea level to the 2,426 metres of Roque de los Muchachos in just a few kilometres of horizontal distance.

The result is brutal elevation gain, forest tracks running through Canary pine woods, volcanic lava fields and long-distance GR trails such as the GR-130 and GR-131, which cross the island from north to south. For mountain runners or cyclists chasing genuine altitude gain, there’s no better natural laboratory anywhere in Spain.

This is reinforced by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network, which covers 70% of the island’s surface, guaranteeing preserved landscapes and routes set within an environment of outstanding natural value. Running or cycling in La Palma also means coming into contact with nature like nowhere else.

Trail running events calendar in La Palma

La Palma hosts two of the most important trail running races on the national and international calendar. Here’s the latest information.

Transvulcania

Transvulcania returns for a new edition in May. It’s without doubt the most iconic trail running event in the Canary Islands and a true benchmark on the world stage. The Ultra category covers 73 kilometres across La Palma via the GR-130 and GR-131, starting at the Fuencaliente Lighthouse and finishing in Los Llanos de Aridane, with 8,185 metres of elevation gain.

The event isn’t reserved for elite runners alone. Transvulcania 2026 features four categories — Ultramarathon (73 km), Marathon (43 km), Half Marathon (25 km) and Vertical Kilometre (7.3 km) — allowing runners of different levels to take part. The 2026 edition has already broken entry records: with months still to go before race day, the Marathon and Half Marathon categories sold out, and the event surpassed 2,600 entrants, a historic milestone.

The best part is that there’s always a special offer tied to this major trail running date. If you’re planning the trip, take a look at the deals available with Princess Canarias to secure your stay at the best price.

Reventón Trail El Paso

Reventón Trail El Paso Fred. Olsen Express is already gearing up for its next edition, usually held between March and April. It’s the other major date on the island’s trail running calendar, based in El Paso, in the green heart of the island, close to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

The event runs across up to eight categories: Subida a las Estrellas (Vertical), Starter (8 km), Sprint (17.5 km), Classic (31.8 km), Marathon (42.2 km) and Ultra Trail (70.5 km). The Ultra Trail is particularly demanding, following the Ruta de los Volcanes and passing close to the area of the Tajogaite volcano, the most recent in Europe.

One of the standout features of Reventón is its connection with astronomy: the Subida a las Estrellas takes place beneath La Palma’s spectacular night sky and was the first competition to receive the sporting quality seal from the Starlight Foundation.

Other mountain and trail sport events

Beyond the two major dates, La Palma has a well-established tradition of popular races and trail events throughout the year. Club Flow Trails La Palma regularly organises mountain biking and trail races for all levels, while the La Palma Cabildo promotes active tourism initiatives linked to the island’s natural surroundings. If you’re planning to visit La Palma outside March and May, check the calendar of the Canary Islands Cycling Federation and the island’s tourism portal to find events running during your trip.

Cycling events and routes in La Palma

La Palma is one of those destinations cyclists like to keep to themselves. Its extreme terrain and excellent mountain roads put it on a par with other Atlantic islands famous in the world of road cycling.

La Palma, a road cycling paradise

The island concentrates levels of elevation gain rarely found at any other European destination reachable by direct flight. Among the most demanding routes for cyclists chasing a real challenge are Puntallana and Cumbre Nueva. For those after something more manageable, the Fuencaliente route is a comfortable option, conveniently close to the La Palma Princess hotel.

The stable year-round climate makes it possible to train in short sleeves even in winter, attracting clubs and cycling teams looking for a pre-season training base. Many groups ride up to Roque de los Muchachos, a climb exceeding 2,000 metres in altitude and one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the archipelago.

Cycling races and notable events

La Palma has its own cycling calendar, with island road and mountain bike races organised by the Canary Islands Cycling Federation that bring out the local community and attract participants from other islands. Add to that its established presence on the international scene: the island regularly hosts training camps for professional teams and clubs from Germany, the UK and the Netherlands, who choose La Palma precisely for the quality of its routes and its climate.

For anyone looking to combine events with training in a natural setting, La Palma offers an excellent logistical base: short distances between points of interest, light traffic on inland roads, and direct access to high mountain areas straight from the coast.

Best areas for cycling training

• Fuencaliente – Cumbre Vieja: in the south of the island, with access to the Ruta de los Volcanes. Ideal for long rides with moderate elevation gain.
• Puntallana – Barlovento: in the north of the island, greener and cooler. Technical routes with steep gradients.
• Cumbre Nueva: a classic climb connecting the coast to the central ridge. Popular with cyclists looking for sustained climbing.
• Los Llanos de Aridane – El Paso: an inland area with access to several mountain passes and a connection to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

Fitness and wellness holidays in La Palma

You don’t need to sign up for a race to enjoy an active trip to La Palma. More and more travellers are planning holidays built around sport, combining training, nature and recovery.

The Vital & Fitness programme at La Palma Princess

La Palma Princess hotel has developed the Vital & Fitness programme, a concept that goes well beyond the conventional hotel gym. The facilities, covering almost 500 m², offer more than 50 state-of-the-art Technogym strength machines, alongside a varied range of group classes including yoga, pilates, spinning, zumba, aerobics and core training, among others.

The sports centre also features five high-quality tennis courts, with individual and group lessons, guest tournaments, video analysis and Wilson racket hire. The outdoor multi-sport court allows guests to play five-a-side football, basketball and handball with views over the Atlantic.

Train and unwind during your holiday

The Vital & Fitness concept at La Palma Princess is built around a complete approach: train well, recover well. After a demanding session or a day’s trail running on the island, the Aqua Princess Spa offers a thermal circuit with saunas, hydromassage and sensation showers. MyPrincess members enjoy a 10% discount on massages.

The hotel works with a local company that organises activities and excursions including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, diving, caving and kayaking, led by specialist guides who know every corner of the island.

Where to stay in La Palma to enjoy sport and nature

Choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference on a sporting trip. Princess Canarias has two options in La Palma: one in Fuencaliente, at the southern tip of the island, just a few kilometres from the Fuencaliente Lighthouse, the starting point of Transvulcania.

La Palma Princess is a 4-star all-inclusive hotel set on a cliff with direct views over the Atlantic Ocean. It features the Vital & Fitness programme, seven swimming pools, a spa and a full dining offer. Designed for athletes seeking top-level facilities, as well as for those travelling with companions who want to combine sport with rest.

Esencia de La Palma by Princess is the adults-only (16+) area integrated within the resort. A calmer option with an atmosphere geared towards rest and wellbeing, perfect for athletes who need active recovery or for travelling companions who prefer a quieter setting.

Both options are within five kilometres of the Fuencaliente Lighthouse, making them the ideal base for Transvulcania participants and for cyclists looking to explore the island’s southern routes.

Check availability and offers at La Palma Princess and Esencia de La Palma.

When to travel to La Palma for sporting events

La Palma’s sporting calendar has two peak moments:

• Late March: Reventón Trail El Paso. A perfect season, with mild temperatures and longer days. Ideal for combining the race with exploring the island.
• Early May: Transvulcania. The biggest event of the year in La Palma. Book accommodation several months ahead, as race numbers and rooms sell out fast.

Outside these dates, La Palma remains a great destination for training all year round. Winter (November to February) is especially appealing for European cyclists and runners looking to escape the cold and keep training at full capacity.

Tips for planning a sporting trip to La Palma

Before you set off, keep these points in mind:

• Register early: trail events in La Palma sell out months in advance. Transvulcania entry fees vary depending on when you sign up: the Ultra costs between €90 and €110, the Marathon between €65 and €85, and the Half Marathon between €55 and €75. Register as soon as places open.
• Getting around the island: distances are short, but the terrain is very steep. A hire car is almost essential for reaching race start points and the more remote training areas.
• Mountain gear: races in La Palma have mandatory kit regulations that can vary from year to year depending on weather conditions. Check the official rules for each event before travelling.
• Recovery: plan active rest days between training sessions. The island offers options such as swimming in natural rock pools, guided kayaking excursions or an afternoon at the hotel spa.
• Book your hotel: during Transvulcania and Reventón week, accommodation on the island fills up months in advance. Check availability and book your stay with Princess Canarias ahead of time.

La Palma has all the ingredients for a memorable sporting trip: internationally renowned events, volcanic nature, a stable climate and accommodation with facilities built for athletes. All that’s left is to choose your race, book your stay and start training.

Discover the Princess hotels in La Palma and plan your next active stay on the Isla Bonita.

Categories: Canaries, Travel Tips, La Palma