Overview
La Gomera, the greenest of the Canary Islands, lies just 30 km off Tenerife’s coast and is a real hiker’s paradise. Steep cliffs along the coastline give way to volcanic peaks, deep gorges and lush green valleys. From the highest point of Garajonay Peak through the tropical rain forest of National Park Garajonay to the rugged coast, you will be rewarded with spectacular views that will make for an unforgettable week of walking.
- Dense laurel forests, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986
- Amazing walks through impressive landscapes
- Accommodation in charming villages
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at the Canary Islands
Fly to Tenerife, which has excellent flight connections to the UK and Europe. Take a bus or a taxi to Los Cristianos Port and the ferry to La Gomera (about 1 hour, not included). Dolphins are regularly sighted during the ferry crossing. Walk to your hotel, located just 500 m from the port of La Gomera. After check-in, stroll around San Sebastian and enjoy the island life.
- Overnight in San Sebastián de la Gomera (Hotel Torre del Conde or similar)
Day 2: Garajonay National Park | 13km
From the houses, gardens and terraced fields of Hermigua Valley, you will walk up toward Garajonay National Park, the green heart of La Gomera. Here you enter the rainforest atmosphere of the dense laurel wood, which covers most of the island’s northern part. The path continues steeply up, among the twisted trunks of laurel trees clothed in likens and moss. 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.
- Walking for the day: 13km, 5-6h, ↑750m ↓760m
- Overnight in Chipude (Hotel Sonia or similar)
Day 3: Chipude to Vallehermoso | 15km
After traversing two lovely valleys, or barrancos, you pass the pottery-making 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.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑240m ↓1,100m
- Overnight in Vallehermoso (Hotel Añaterve or similar)
Day 4: Vallehermoso Circular Walk | 14km
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 breathtaking 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.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 5-6h, ↑735m ↓735m
- Overnight in Vallehermoso (Hotel Añaterve or similar)
Day 5: Vallehermoso to Hermigua | 17km
Walking up and out of the valley, you reach the Garajonay National Park visitors’ centre. Following a descent into the Barranco de Argoto, you later ascend to the viewpoint at Chorillo to enjoy views some 800m down into the valley. The path continues ascending, then makes a steep descent down to Hermigua.
- Walking for the day: 17km, 6-7h, ↑935m ↓1,140m
- Overnight in Hermigua (Hotel Rural Ibo Alfaro or similar)
Day 6: Hermigua Circular Walk | 13km
Today’s walk starts with a short, steep ascent. Your route then leads you through terraced farms and banana groves. Then the landscape changes abruptly. A wide path crosses stark surroundings with sparse vegetation, passing several barrancos on their way toward the blue sea. Succulents and cacti carpet the ground, while ahead you enjoy one of the week’s highlights: fabulous views of Tenerife and El Teide Peak. Note that some sections of the path may be damaged, so you will need to be extra careful. Using walking poles is highly recommended on this day.
- Walking for the day: 13km, 5-6h, ↑600m ↓660m
- Overnight in Hermigua (Hotel Rural Ibo Alfaro or similar)
Day 7: Hermigua to San Sebastian | 10-16km
You have a choice of walking routes today, both routes begin with a short transfer.
- Option 1: The shorter walk starts at Las Casetas, with a short ascent. You then start downhill on steep terrain along the coast. There are beautiful views of the sea, with Tenerife and Pico del Teide in the distance.
- Walking for the day): 10km, 3-4h, ↑125m ↓1,025m
- Option 2: The longer route takes you to the viewpoint at Degollada de Peraza, then through a stunning landscape on the south-east coast of the island. Some sections traverse high terrain, but paths are well-maintained and waymarked. The last part takes you past a beach, where you can stop for a swim. A lovely way to end your week on La Gomera.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 6-7h, ↑350m ↓1,300m
- Overnight in San Sebastián de la Gomera (Hotel Torre del Conde or similar)
Day 8: Departure
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Ferry back to Tenerife (not included) and flight home.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in nice, mainly 3-star hotels. All of them have private en-suite rooms and offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default hotels
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available on route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. You have plenty of options for dinner in the villages and towns.
Difficulty and terrain
This walking tour is quite demanding with walks of 4 to 7h a day with long (sometimes very steep) ascents and descents (up to 935m in a day). It is not suitable for those who do not have a head for heights as there are some steep drop-offs on clifftop sections. The walks follow rural tracks, either surfaced and unsurfaced, footpaths and animal trails. You must be sure-footed as you may encounter some loose rock, or muddy/slippery sections in wet weather (read more about difficulty grades). Most of the routes are not way-marked, but we will provide you with detailed road notes and maps. We strongly advise you to follow the trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
You can start this holiday on any date during the year. La Gomera enjoys year-round mild weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees. Being an island it can however experience foggy weather (especially in winter months), some strong winds and tropical storms in summer, when it also may become quite hot. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Tenerife South Airport (TFS). An alternative option is Tenerife North (TFN).
By train or bus
- Take a bus or taxi from Tenerife South airport to Port Los Cristianos (30min). Take a ferry to San Sebastián de La Gomera (approx 1 hour). The last ferry leaves at 20.00. For up-to-date timetables, see www.fredolsen.es. Go to English version -> Fred Olsen Express from Tenerife-Los Cristianos to La Gomera-San Sebastián. Latest arrival time: Tenerife South: 17.30. Earliest departure time: Tenerife South: 11.30. We can book you extra nights in Tenerife near the airport if required.
- Alternatively, you can use an internal flight from Tenerife North with Bintercanarias to La Gomera (approx. 30min). For further details, click here or use the Omio planner above. You can also book private transfers and ferry tickets through us.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in nice hotels in private en-suite rooms (mostly 3-star)
- 7 breakfasts
- Detailed digital holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the info pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided on site
- Transfers on Day 2 and Day 7
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel on all walking days (1 piece up to 20kg per person)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
- Airport transfers are bookable upon request
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