The best traffic-free bike rides around Puntallana

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Puntallana are generally considered difficult. They feature significant elevation changes, with ascents ranging from over 800 meters to more than 1,800 meters on some routes. For example, the View of Llano de la Venta – El Pilar Recreation Area loop covers nearly 47 km with over 1,850 meters of climbing. These routes are best suited for experienced touring cyclists with good fitness.

Puntallana's no-traffic touring routes offer a diverse range of terrain, reflecting La Palma's unique landscape. You can expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including forest tracks, trails, and even some unique volcanic sections. The region is known for its mountainous terrain and deep ravines, providing dramatic backdrops, and some routes pass through lush laurel forests, offering a distinct riding experience.

Yes, all the no-traffic touring cycling routes highlighted in this guide are circular. This allows you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier. For instance, the Refugio El Pilar Picnic Area – Refugio del Pilar loop and the Natural Spring Fountain – Las Mimbreras Tunnels loop are excellent examples of circular routes designed for touring cyclists.

Puntallana offers stunning natural beauty. While cycling, you might encounter dramatic mountain and ravine scenery, lush laurel forests, and coastal views. Notable attractions in the wider area include the Ascent to Roque de los Muchachos, which offers breathtaking vistas, and the Cumbre Nueva Ridge Trail. The Caldera, crater rim at Reventón Pass also provides impressive views of the island's volcanic heart.

For longer rides, some routes in the Puntallana area, such as parts of the Puntallana Red Dirt Trail loop (which shares sections with touring routes), include convenient water points and rest areas. Additionally, the El Pilar Recreational Area, a hub for cyclists on the island, offers facilities like parking, information, stoves, and tables, which can be useful for planning your touring adventures.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Puntallana, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse and challenging terrain, the dramatic mountain and ravine scenery, and the unique experience of cycling through ancient laurel forests. The sense of adventure on these no-traffic routes is a recurring highlight.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes featured in this guide are all rated as difficult due to significant elevation gains and varied terrain. While Puntallana offers diverse landscapes, these specific routes are more suited for experienced touring cyclists. For family-friendly or beginner options, you might need to explore other areas of La Palma or look for shorter, flatter sections within the region that are not specifically highlighted as full touring routes here.

La Palma generally enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the trade winds can influence conditions. The region's diverse elevation means weather can vary. For touring cycling, spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant temperatures and stable conditions. However, always check the local weather forecast, especially for higher elevations, as conditions can change rapidly.

While specific public transport options for bikes directly to the start of every no-traffic route in Puntallana can vary, La Palma's public bus system (Guaguas) does allow bikes on some routes, often requiring them to be folded or placed in designated areas. It's advisable to check with the local transport provider for specific routes and regulations regarding bike transport before planning your trip.

Many of the routes, being circular, often start and end near accessible points where parking might be available. For example, the El Pilar Recreational Area, a well-known hub for outdoor activities, provides dedicated parking facilities suitable for cyclists. When planning your route, check the starting point of specific tours like the View from Above Montaña Breña loop for nearby parking options.

Yes, some routes in the broader La Palma region, which connect to areas around Puntallana, are known to traverse tunnels of vegetation and unique volcanic trails. For instance, the Natural Spring Fountain – Las Mimbreras Tunnels loop specifically highlights tunnels, offering a distinctive and memorable cycling experience through the island's ancient geological features.