Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
La Gomera is known as the untouched Canary Island, popular with walkers, nature enthusiasts and those who are seeking the quieter side of the Canaries. Taking a little longer to arrive, and with a less direct route, you will soon discover it was well worth it. Situated off the coast of Tenerife by some 30kms, this is a paradise for those who like dramatic scenery, awe inspiring vistas, beautiful green valleys and ancient tropical rain forests.
This self-guided, multi centre holiday offers much in the way of varied routes; mountainous paths, walks through forests, treks through the National Park and along coastal paths. Past ancient villages with their colourful houses and pretty churches, to the towns of Hermigua and Valle Gran Rey, brimming with Canarian history, culture and cuisine.
You spend your first night in the capital town of San Sebastian, following your journey from Tenerife. The next three nights are at the Hotel Villa Hermigua, and then the last three at Hotel Jardin Concha in the town of Valle Gran Rey, perfect bases from which you take in a variety of walks and treks, to see the best this island has to offer.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended. As the walks do not start directly from the hotels, a hire car is required.
Arriving at the ferry port on La Gomera from Tenerife, you will pick up hire car for the week, and drive a short distance to your first stay in the capital town, San Sebastian. A pretty town with many colourful buildings, plazas and pedestrianised areas filled with shops and restaurants.
You stay at Parador de La Gomera or Hotel Torre del Conde.
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TV
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The Parador de la Gomera enjoys a stunning position perched on a cliff known as the Lomo de la Horca (Gallows Ridge) above the port of San Sebastian. The hotel is set in subtropical gardens from where you enjoy spectacular views across to Mount Teide on Tenerife looming up out of the sea.
Each of the twin rooms is furnished with 16th century style furniture, with wooden floors, en-suite marble bathrooms, mini-bar, telephones, satellite television and hairdryers. All our rooms overlook either the well-tended patio gardens, or have a balcony overlooking an internal courtyard garden.
Please note this is the upgrade option and therefore is subject to a surcharge.
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Located in the centre of the historical village of San Sebastián, the Hotel Torre del Conde is the perfect base from which to start your holiday. It has a gorgeous terrace with views of the sea, a five-minute walk away, where you can relax with a drink before sampling the delights of the restaurant, offering European and Canarian traditional dishes. Alternatively wander into the town, only a short walk away and try one of the local eateries and bars, soaking up the atmosphere of this pretty town.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Your day begins with a short drive from San Sebastian to Degollada de Peraza, a narrow pass through the edge of two mountains and the starting point of the first walk in La Gomera. Today's circular trail takes you towards the beautiful village of La Laja, with its stone zig zag path winding all the way down through palm trees, terraces and ruins of old stone cottages, long since uninhabited. From here there is a steep climb, passing through the hamlet and its orchards and with incredible views of the volcanic rocks all around. As you continue upwards you will see the Roque Agando, one of the islands most spectacular, often used as a symbol for La Gomera itself. A protected area, (sacrificial remains of an ancient tribe were once found on the summit), the viewpoint is a popular destination and leads to the path back to where you will find your car. Drive on to your second hotel in Hermigua.
You stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
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A beautifully restored manor house with 17 lovely rooms and views of the Hermigua Valley and Atlantic Ocean, only a 10 minute drive from La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park. The rooms are simple and characterful with private bathrooms and desks, some with balconies on request. The hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast in the dining room. You can relax in the living room or on the terrace where you can also enjoy a drink with the fantastic views of the Hermigua Valley below.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Your route today leads to the highest point on La Gomera, the Garajonay National Park. Located in the centre of the island, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, due to the large number of fauna and flora to be found here, endemic to this region and its volcanic climate. One of the most visited parks on the island, there are many trails and paths through the dense forest of laurel trees that you can follow. The highest point on La Gomera, the summit or Alto of Garajonay, lies in the middle of the park, from which you can see four other Canary Islands: El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, on a clear day. After the summit, the path leads down towards the village of Chipude, a mountain hamlet thought to be the oldest on the island. Two hundred years ago, this was the most inhabited village on La Gomera, though now it is mostly a starting point for hikes, with numerous bars and restaurants for its daily visitors, providing a perfect location for a lunch time break before returning to explore more of this beautiful National park.
You stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
VisaHairdryerWiFiTV
A beautifully restored manor house with 17 lovely rooms and views of the Hermigua Valley and Atlantic Ocean, only a 10 minute drive from La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park. The rooms are simple and characterful with private bathrooms and desks, some with balconies on request. The hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast in the dining room. You can relax in the living room or on the terrace where you can also enjoy a drink with the fantastic views of the Hermigua Valley below.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
A short transfer from your hotel and you will arrive at the northern part of the Garajonay National Park, and then onwards to the small village of El Cedro. The village is accessed from the Barranco de Monteforte ravine, where the El Cedro path ascends towards the Mirador de El Bailadero viewpoint, a stunning location to take some memorable photos. El Cedro is a beautiful hamlet, a reminder of the old villages that lived from the resources of the mountain and where the adventurous can still travel through the water tunnel running through the mountain. This is a great place to stop for a rest before a steep path down to Hermigua, via three waterfalls. The largest of these is Los Chorros del Cedro, which at more than 150 metres high, is a spectacular site and was once used locally to generate electricity. Continuing on you will soon see the twin rocks of Pedro and Petra, incredible rock formations before you arrive back at your hotel for a well deserved meal and rest.
You stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
VisaHairdryerWiFiTV
A beautifully restored manor house with 17 lovely rooms and views of the Hermigua Valley and Atlantic Ocean, only a 10 minute drive from La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park. The rooms are simple and characterful with private bathrooms and desks, some with balconies on request. The hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast in the dining room. You can relax in the living room or on the terrace where you can also enjoy a drink with the fantastic views of the Hermigua Valley below.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Today's walk, (quite steep in some places) leads you to one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Agulo (also known as the 'green balcony' as its main crop is bananas), which is situated inside the National Park. From the village there are stunning views across the Atlantic towards the island of Tenerife and its Pico del Teide. We recommend you take some time to wander through the twisty streets and small square, enjoying the colourful house and delightful churches. From here, there is a circular walk up to the Mirador de Abrantes, with its spectacular viewpoint, before returning to the village from the north. This afternoon, drive to your final hotel, in the town of Valle Gran Rey.
You stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
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Situated in the Valle Gran Rey, on the west of the island, this lovely, simple hotel is located in La Calera, the historic quarter. Surrounded by charming narrow streets it has unbeatable views of the valley and the sea. The rooms all have air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi and a fridge, with private bathroom, a balcony or terrace.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Today you will drive to the northwest of La Gomera, renowned for its wild and rugged landscapes which are continually at the mercy of the trade winds. We approach the route from Alojera a tiny coastal village with a dramatic location in front of spectacular cliffs and crashing waves below. The road leads across the coast to Puerto del Trigo, once a busy trade wharf for the transport of goods to the capital, is nowadays a refuge for fishermen. The path then climbs again on the opposite side of the ravine and continues to offer incredible vistas of natural beauty along the north coast of La Gomera.
You stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafe
Situated in the Valle Gran Rey, on the west of the island, this lovely, simple hotel is located in La Calera, the historic quarter. Surrounded by charming narrow streets it has unbeatable views of the valley and the sea. The rooms all have air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi and a fridge, with private bathroom, a balcony or terrace.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Today's final walk on La Gomera starts in Valle Gran Rey, and climbs up the restored Camino Real, to the village of Arure. On our way up you will enjoy the indescribable view of one of the most spectacular gorges on the island, the gorge of Valle Gran Rey, before reaching the viewpoint of Cesar Manrique. Following on you reach the village of Arure itself and visit the viewpoint at the Ermita de Santo, whilst taking a well deserved refreshment break. From here you can see magnificent views of the Taguluche Valley below, before you begin the descent to Los Granados and your final evening on the island.
You stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafe
Situated in the Valle Gran Rey, on the west of the island, this lovely, simple hotel is located in La Calera, the historic quarter. Surrounded by charming narrow streets it has unbeatable views of the valley and the sea. The rooms all have air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi and a fridge, with private bathroom, a balcony or terrace.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Depart La Gomera harbour for your ferry back to Tenerife, and from there your onward journey home.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £178.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Tour only: The above tour only prices exclude flights.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Tenerife airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
