Contrasts of La Gomera

Walking information

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.

Day 1: Arrive in La Gomera

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 the Hotel Torre Del Conde

Day 2: Degollada de Peraza - Roque Agando (7km/4.3mi)

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 the Hotel Ibo Alfaro (breakfast)

Day 3: Alto de Garajonay to Chipude (11km/6.8mi)

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 the Hotel Ibo Alfaro (breakfast)

Day 4: La Meseta - Hermigua (9km/5.6mi)

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 the Hotel Ibo Alfaro (breakfast)

Day 5: Agulo - Mirador de Abrantes (7km/4.3mi)

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 the Hotel Jardin Concha (breakfast)

Day 6: Alojera - Puerto del Trigo (7km/4.3mi)

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 the Hotel Jardin Concha (breakfast)

Day 7: Valle Gran Rey - Arure (8km/5.0mi)

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 the Hotel Jardin Concha (breakfast)

Day 8: Leave La Gomera

Depart La Gomera harbour for your ferry back to Tenerife, and from there your onward journey home.
Breakfast is provided