Poris de Candelaria - La Palma

How to get there

It’s located in the northwest of the island, about 45 minutes from Los Llanos and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Santa Cruz de La Palma by car. The main roads are in good condition, however, from Tijarafe to the parking area, the road is very narrow, with a steep incline and zig-zags along the cliffside. It’s so narrow that two cars cannot pass at the same time. There are designated spaces along the way to allow cars to pass each other. Drive carefully and avoid rush hours. 

There is a parking lot near the lower part, but during high season it tends to be full. There is another parking area further up (here). If you don't see any cars coming up and notice several going down, it’s recommended to park at the upper lot and walk down. The way back will be tough, but at least you'll avoid a likely traffic jam on a steep road.

From the lower parking lot, it will take about 5 minutes to reach the cave. On the way, you'll pass some public restrooms. From the upper viewpoint, add an extra 15 minutes.

Poris de Candelaria

In Poris, you’ll find several houses with a Cycladic-style architecture, built directly into the rock and painted white and blue. Most of the owners live in Tijarafe, and during the summer months, move down to Poris to live in the cave. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic, and it feels like one big family. Walking through the area is truly charming. In winter, during the high season, they return to Tijarafe.

There is a small sheltered bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The color of the water is beautifully clear, with stunning colors. In addition to that, there’s a small sandy area where you can relax. You don’t need water shoes.

Despite its picturesque nature, the challenging access keeps it quite local, though in winter, it does get busier.

The sunset here is particularly special. Depending on the time of year, the sun sets right in line with the cave’s opening. However, we recommend going when the sun shines directly onto the bay, as this makes the water’s color even more beautiful.

Bear in mind that there are no beach bars or kiosks, so bring enough water and snacks. If you’re into kayaking, the locals rent them out, and nearby you can visit the "Cueva Bonita" (here). However, you should be careful with the currents. Follow the advice of the locals.

If you’re hesitant about driving down, there are boat excursions from Puerto de Tazacorte (you might even see whales and dolphins). However, you won’t be able to disembark at the cave. Alternatively, you can reach Poris on foot via a 10.3 km hike (circular route PR LP 12.2 Tijarafe).

Nearby

Around the area you can visit El Time viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of Tajogaite's eruption (2021), and The Garome Gorge viewpoint.

El Time Viewpoint

Garome gorge viewpoint