Roque de los Muchachos from Santo Domingo de Garafía

Where it goes

This is the north-west side of La Palma's highest point and the quietest of the roads up to the Roque. You start in Santo Domingo, the main town of Garafía, almost level with the northern cliffs, and for the first few kilometres you climb through pastures, almond trees and scattered houses on the mid-slopes. Higher up you enter the Canary pine forest, with shade and long bends, and once the pines run out the road carries on through broom and volcanic rock to the telescopes of the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,419 m.

Where it bites

It's 30.4 km with 2,288 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.5%: there's no real recovery section, so ride at your own pace from the bottom and save something for the top, where the air is already thinner. The toughest kilometre hits 11.8%. It's almost all tarmac (95%), with a few short stretches of track and path according to the route's measurements.

Where to stop

There are no fountains or bars on the upper part. Fill your bottles and eat something in Santo Domingo or in the hamlets the road crosses on the mid-slopes, and take bars for the second half. It's cold at the top most of the year: pack a jacket and gloves for the descent.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. From November to March there can be ice or snow at the summit and the road closes on some days: check conditions before you set off. In summer the sun is strong above the clouds.

Getting there

La Palma has no trains. You arrive by boat or plane and, once on the island, by road to Garafía. You can park in the centre of Santo Domingo. If you'd rather not come back the same way, the descent towards Santa Cruz de La Palma is another option, and from the Aridane valley there's also the climb to La Cumbrecita from Puerto de Tazacorte.