Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2 & 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
La Gomera is one of the lesser known Canary Island and yet is only 35 minutes by fast ferry from Tenerife. As such it remains beautifully unspoilt and is therefore a walker's delight. Measuring the equivalent of just 20 miles by 20 miles yet packed with a variety of walks it is a tiny, friendly island with charming, rural villages and a handful of small coastal towns with the sparse population still predominately engaged in agriculture. The sun drenched south is arid in appearance but explore further and you will soon find hidden valleys with deep green forests, delightful palm groves and isolated beaches. The more rugged north is typified by narrow ravines with green hillsides patched in scrub and capped with woodland. Garajonay, the highest peak, stands in an extensive Natural Park famed scientifically for its amazing cloud forest housing flora and fauna unique to the area.
La Gomera is blessed with good walking weather all year round temperatures averaging 20°C at lower altitude. The island's sub tropical climate is also influenced by the trade winds which particularly in winter may bring cloud and rain to the north and much higher temperatures to the south.
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 in Hermigua and then two in the coastal town of Valle Gran Rey. The last night is back in San Sebastian all perfect bases from which you take in a variety of walks and treks, to see the best this island has to offer.
We recommend adding on an extra few days in Tenerife at either the start or the end of the trip. The stunning Parador de Las Canadas del Tiede is situated right in the Teide National Park; a wonderful location from which to explore this incredible landscape. Ask your Sales Consultant at time of booking.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, forestry tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are highly recommended.
Arriving at the ferry port on La Gomera from Tenerife, you will be transferred the short drive 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 ( upgrade option) or Hotel Torre Del Conde.
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.
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
The first days walk from Alto del Contadero to Hermigua offers a magical walking experience. Starting at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, the path takes you through dense laurel forests with Tertiary Era vegetation, featuring twisted trunks and giant ferns, it then steadily descends until it reaches El Cedro, a small village with just seven houses nestled in the laurel forest. Here you can take a break and enjoy a drink or some food at the Las Vistas Restaurant. The journey then continues through the Barranco del Cedro ravine, offering diverse and scenic landscapes, and ends in Hermigua, a northern village known for its agricultural tradition and claims of having 'the best climate in the world.' All walking transfers included. You overnight in Hermigua.
You stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
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 begins in Agulo, one of La Gomera's most unique villages with its superb views of Tenerife and Pico del Teide. Agulo was honored as one of Spain's 11 most beautiful villages in 2021. The walk starts with a climb up the Agulo cliff to Mirador de Abrante, an impressive overhanging viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of Pico del Teide. The route traverses the rural heart of La Gomera, passing through small villages like La Rosa. To the north, the silhouette of La Palma island is visible on the horizon. Upon reaching the highest point at Cruz del Tierno, the path descends to the foot of Roque Cano, a spectacular monolith and unique icon of Vallehermoso.All walking transfers included. You overnight in Hermigua.
You stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
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
Starting at Las Hayas, popularised by the centenarian Dona Efigenia, today's route traverses the central plateau of La Gomera, covered in lush vegetation and situated at 1,000 meters above sea level. The walk heads north into Garajonay National Park, where the imposing laurel forests create a magical, prehistoric atmosphere. The path gradually descends into the Barranco de la Cuesta ravine. After passing the Ermita del Carmen, the first houses and cultivated areas appear, featuring vineyards and fruit trees. The route circles the picturesque La Encantadora Dam, a reservoir supplying water to northern La Gomera. Shortly after, the trail leads to Vallehermoso, an idyllic rural setting dotted with stone houses. All walking transfers included. You overnight in Hermigua.
You stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
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
After a 40-minute drive to Las Hayas the path leads you to Arure and begins a spectacular descent through the palm grove of Valle Gran Rey. The upper part of the ravine is home to peaceful herds of goats grazing in their enclosures. As you descend, small houses appear intermittently, creating an idyllic setting that culminates at the sea in La Calera. Historically, Valle Gran Rey was a stronghold of the Guanches and a stroll through La Calera's narrow streets still evokes the authentic charm of a fishermen's quarter. After your hike, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa del Ingles. All walking transfers included. You overnight in Valle Gran Rey.
You stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
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 walk starts with a taxi transfer to Los Granados and then climbs up the restored Camino Real, to the village of Arure. On your 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 hotel for your final evening on the island. You overnight in Valle Gran Rey.
You stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
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
This impressive route traverses the sunny southern slopes of La Gomera. After a 40-minute transfer to the hamlet of Imada, the journey begins by crossing several ravines to reach El Azadoe. The path then continues to Lo del Gato, a landscape filled with palm trees, before ascending to the abandoned village of Benchijigua. From there, the path enters the leafy foothills of Roque Agando and begins a quite steep ascent. Roque Agando, a phenomenal basaltic monolith, rises majestically in the centre of the island. The route culminates at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, at the foot of this impressive rock formation. All walking transfers included. You spend your last night back in the capital San Sebastian.
You stay at Parador de La Gomera or Hotel Torre Del Conde.
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.
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
Depart La Gomera harbour for your ferry back to Tenerife, and from there your onward journey home.
OR: Optional extension to Canadas del Tiede.
Why not extend you stay on Tenerife with 3 nights at the Parador Canadas del Tiede. n.b. in order to climb Mount Teide, a permit must be obtained. The permits are free, but places are limited so we suggest you do this as soon as possible, and might be wise to check availability before booking the extension.
You stay at Parador de Las Cañadas del Tiede.
Set high in the Teide National Park, this charming Parador is located at the centre of the island. There are views to Mount Teide as well as the volcanic scenery of Las Cañadas. This scenery of lava flows, Mars-like scenes and mountains means that the Parador offers the types of walking not available in other areas of the island. Meals are taken in the restaurant which also has views of Mount Teide. Breakfast is a buffet while dinner is served at your table and will include Canarian specialities. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. All rooms feature television, telephone, safe, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £296.
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 South Reina Sofia 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 & 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App