Walking in La Gomera

Arrival on the island of Tenerife and ferry to La Gomera, with a chance of spotting dolphins on the way.

After a short transfer, you walk up towards Garajonay National Park, the green heart of La Gomera. Here you enter the rainforest-like atmosphere of the dense laurel wood which covers most of the northern part of the island. The path continues steeply up, among the twisted trunks of laurel trees, through ferns, moss and lichens. From the top, you’ll enjoy splendid views of the entire island and further on – to La Palma, El Hierro and the stunning volcanic peak of El Teide on Tenerife. The day ends with a short descent to Chipude.

The day begins by traversing two lovely valleys, or ‘barrancos’. You then pass the pottery making the village of El Cercado to reach the prettiest valley on the island, Barranco de Valle Gran Rey, with its terraced fields and palm groves. Along the way, stop for lunch in Las Hayas at a traditional restaurant which serves regional specialities, before making your descent among palms, junipers, heather and laurel trees, into the Valley of Los Loros and on to your hotel.

Today’s walk takes you into a somewhat drier landscape. A long gradual ascent leads up to the chapel of Santa Clara, built high on a ridge. From there, you’ll enjoy breath-taking views – 700m straight down and out over the mountaintops to the sea. Then, following a well-maintained (though very steep) path, you walk down to a tiny cove along the coast. Return on foot to the village of Vallehermoso.

Today you will take a walk that takes you up and out of the valley passing through Las Rosas. You reach the Garajonay National Park visitors’ centre. You then follow the path descending into the Barranco de Argoto. After which you climb to the vista point at Chorillo to enjoy views some 800m down into the valley. The path continues at a  high elevation before a steep descent down to Hermigua.

Today’s walk starts with a short, steep ascent. Your route then leads you into a fruit-producing region full of banana groves. Then the landscape changes abruptly. A wide path crosses stark surroundings with sparse vegetation, passing several Barrancos on its way toward the blue sea. Succulents and cacti carpet the ground, while ahead you enjoy one of the weeks highlights, fabulous views of Tenerife and El Teide Peak.

Today you choose between a shorter or longer descent back to San Sebastián. Both walking routes begin with a short transfer.

The shorter walk (9,5km, 260m ascent, 600m descent, 3 hrs) starts at Las Casetas. After a short ascent, you start downhill on steep terrain along the coast. Beautiful views of the sea, with Tenerife and Pico del Teide in the distance. This walk is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.

The longer route (13km, 300m ascent, 1200m descent, 5.5 hrs) takes you to the vista point at Degollada de Peraza, then through a stunning landscape on the southeast coast of the islands. Some sections traverse high terrain, but paths are well-maintained and way-marked. The last section takes you past a beach, where you can stop for a swim. A lovely way to end your week walking on La Gomera.

Your walking holiday on La Gomera comes to an end today after breakfast. Take a ferry back to Tenerife and catch your flight home.