The island of La Palma is one of the highest islands in the world in proportion to its surface area. It is marked by three mountain ranges :
- the Caldera de Taburiente rim reaches heights of more than 2,000 metres, with its highest point, Roque de Los Muchachos, soaring to 2,426 m,
- the Cumbre Nueva ridge is part of the old island,
- the Cumbre Vieja ridge, formed more recently, reaches heights of up to 1,949 m.

This spectacular topography includes a dozen or so splendid peaks which are more than 2,000 m high.

Although the island is of recent formation, erosion has carved the landscape into impressive shapes, especially in the north. Older volcanic formations have been destroyed or modified, leaving a rugged landscape indicative of intense erosion.

The Caldera de Taburiente was initially a large dome that gradually became hollow as large masses of material collapsed to be washed away by the flow of water from Barranco de Las Angustias ravine. This is why sheer cliffs are often found: their foundations were undermined by erosion to such an extent that they collapsed.

The most recently formed part of the island is covered by malpaíses, volcanic land, with an abundance of cones. The relief is less abrupt but there are still steep slopes. The typical ravines are not found here.

In the older parts of the island beside the sea are impressive cliffs which are often more than 200 m high. Landslides give rise to the well known fajanas, strips of land formed at the feet of cliffs. Caves such as "Cueva Bonita" in Tijarafe are formed by the intense erosion of rock by strong waves. In the area where the most recent eruptions occurred many coves and black sand beaches have formed.