Galga on La Palma: Nature, Trails and Culture

Cubo de La Galga is a lush green natural area in the Parque Natural de las Nieves, with remarkable stands of laurel forest. The laurel forest of Cubo de La Galga is home to a significant population of the endemic and strictly protected pigeon species Paloma Rabiche and Paloma Turqué of the Canary Islands.

When comparing holiday apartments in Galga, check the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective listing page. These details keep the travel period, desired room layout and booking conditions separate, making it easier to objectively compare different booking websites.

Nature

The PR LP 5.1 Cubo de La Galga is described as a 9 km-long, easy hiking trail with a duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes. The PR LP 5 offers an easier, approximately two-hour round-trip option through an area characterised by large ferns, as well as a more demanding option that climbs up to the Mirador de Asomada Alta. The official PR LP 5 Fuente Vizcaína–La Galga hiking trail begins at the information hut and car park of the natural area.

The PR LP 05.1 connects the trail with the main road and a bus stop. The GR-130 circles Punta de La Galga, crosses the small Barranco de La Galga and then runs along walls with impressive basalt columns. The different lengths, durations and trail characteristics provide several reference points for planning your own day.

Culture

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad y San Bartolomé dates back to 1514 and is located in the La Galga district. It houses three polychrome wooden sculptures from the 16th century: San Bartolomé, Nuestra Señora de la Piedad and San Amaro. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad y San Bartolomé is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) in the Monument category.

The Romería de La Galga, also known as “San Bartolo”, is a celebration in the municipality of Puntallana in honour of San Bartolomé. During the Romería de La Galga, the procession begins in La Longuera; children and adults wear traditional Canarian dress, decorated floats provide food and drinks for participants, folklore groups and parranda bands accompany the procession, and the celebration ends with a dance party in the Plaza de San Bartolo.

The “Perro Maldito” tradition in La Galga began in 2007. The “Perro Maldito” event takes place in the area around the Ermita de San Bartolomé. The “Perro Maldito de Puntallana” tradition is celebrated on 23 August, the eve of San Bartolomé, as part of the Fiestas de La Galga.

Geographical Setting

The Mirador de San Bartolo is located in La Galga and features a sculpture commemorating the legend of the shepherd in love. The Mirador de San Bartolo can be reached by car via the Ermita de San Bartolo and a short ascent; it has a large car park, information panels and two star charts. From the Mirador de San Bartolo on Montaña de San Bartolo, the sky can be observed in almost every direction.

Playa La Galga is a secluded rocky beach with few visitors. Playa La Galga can be reached by car; the LP-1 runs nearby.

For the higher-level travel overview: Puntallana.