DAY 1
Arrival in the Canary Islands
Fly to Tenerife, which has excellent flight links to UK and European destinations. Take the bus or a taxi to Los Cristianos Port and the ferry to La Gomera (from 40 minutes, not included). Keep your eyes peeled as dolphins are regularly sighted.
After checking into your hotel stroll around San Sebastian town and enjoy the laid back pace of island life.
Walk: Optional walk around town
Overnight: San Sebastián 3* Hotel
Centrally situated with views of the park the hotel was built in 1998 and has 38 comfortable rooms. Unobtrusive service and a peaceful atmosphere are hallmarks of this well located hotel.
DAY 2
Walk From Hermigua to Chipude & Garagonay National Park
After a short transfer you start the day with a glorious walk up toward Garagonay National Park the green heart of La Gomera. Here you enter the rain forest-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. .
Walk: 13km, 5-6 hrs, 600m ascent, 400 descent
Overnight: Chipude Guesthouse / Small Hotel
Located at just over 1000m in the small village of Chipude your base for the next two nights is the welcoming family run Hotel Sonia. Serving wholesome home cooked food and boasting a bar frequented by walkers and local farmers this is the authentic side of the Canaries that only the lucky few get to experience.
DAY 3
Walk from Chipude to Vallehermoso
Begin your day by traversing two lovely 'barrancos', the steep sided valleys which make so much or La Gomera impenetrable.
You then 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.
You really must stop on route for lunch in Las Hayas at a traditional restaurant which serves regional specialities. If you still have the energy you then descend through palms, junipers, heather and laurel trees, into the Valley of Los Loros and on to your hotel in Vallehermoso.
Walk: 14km, 5-6 hrs, 250m ascent, 1130 descent
Overnight: Vallehermoso Hotel Rural
Idyllically situated on the edge of Vallehermoso this lovingly restored manor house, built in 1896 has ten simply decorated rooms. The hotel enjoys a wonderful sense of peace and is a real escape.
DAY 4
Circular walk from Vallehermoso
Today you explore a drier landscape. A long gradual ascent leads up to the chapel of Santa Clara, built high on a ridge, which enjoys 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, where you will surely be tempted to while away an hour or so before returning to Vallehermoso.
Walk: 14km, 5-6 hrs, 650m ascent, 650 descent
Overnight: Vallehermoso Hotel Rural
DAY 5
Walk from Vallehermoso to Hermigua
A great day of walking. You start by walking up and out of the valley, you first do a tough ascent to Roque El Cano, then walk down to Amalhuigue Reservoir.
Another (shorter) ascent takes you to the Garagonay National Park visitors’ centre. You then walk down into the Barranco de la Vica and up to the dam, for one final descent down to Hermigua.
Walk: 12km, 5/6 hrs, 900m ascent/ descent
Overnight: Hermigua Hotel Rural
Restored in 1996 this beautiful hotel in a converted manor house has seventeen stylishly decorated rooms and outstanding views.
DAY 6
Circular walk from Hermigua
Today’s circular walk takes you past terraced farms, then into stark surroundings with sparse vegetation, crossing several barrancos on your way to La Caleta bay. You can also choose a longer route which takes you high up above the coast offering fabulous views to the island of Tenerife, El Teide Peak and the sea.
Walk: Up to 12km, 4 hrs, 430m Ascent/ 430 Descent
Overnight: Hermigua Hotel Rural
DAY 7
Walk to San Sebastián
Today you choose between two fantastic walks, a shorter or longer descent back to San Sebastián. Both routes begin with a short transfer.
The shorter walk starts at Las Casetas. After a short ascent, you start downhill on steep terrain along the coast enjoying the beautiful views to 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 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 on Gomera.
Walk: Walk: 9/13km, 3/4 hrs, 260m Ascent/ 600 Descent
Overnight: San Sebastián 3* Hotel
DAY 8
Departure from the Canary Islands
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Ferry back to Tenerife and flight home.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point during the trip or before or after the holiday. This trip combines particularly well with our Walking in Tenerife Holiday.
Tailor Made Holidays
We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange tailor made walking holiday.
Grade & Fitness
This walking tour is graded Moderate to Strenuous. Walks of 4 to 6 hrs a day with long (sometimes very steep) ascents and descents (up to 900m in a day). Not suitable for those who have a fear of heights. The walks follow rural tracks, both surfaced and unsurfaced, footpaths and animal trails. You may encounter some loose rock, or muddy / slippery sections in wet weather.
Navigation
The routes on this trip are not generally way marked so you will need to follow the route notes and maps supplied. Some sections are way-marked.
Accommodation
You will spend two nights in San Sebastian, where we use a centrally located three star hotel and five nights in comfortable rural hotels. All are good family run hotels, with authentic atmosphere and great home cooked food. The rooms are simply but comfortably decorated and have ensuite bathrooms.
The hotels in Vallehermoso and Hermigua are favourites as the buildings are beautifully converted manor houses.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
Unfortunately this walk is not available to solo walkers.
Meals
A breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Your hotel will be happy to provide a packed lunch, this should be requested on arrival, or you can pick up lunch from a local deli or along the trail. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Getting Around
Required transfers are included. If you wish to skip a walk you can use local taxis or buses.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Weather
La Gomera has the perfect climate for all year walking. Average maximums range from mid teens in the winter to mid twenties in the summer. For more details view climate guide.
Getting to/from La Gomera/Tenerife
La Gomera does not have an airport so fly to Tenerife. Tenerife South is the most convenient airport and served by low cost and charter from throughout the UK. These include Thomson Flights, Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2, Monarch and Fly Thomas Cook . Flying time is just over 4 hours.
From the airport, you take a bus or taxi to Port Los Cristianos (line 487, 30min).
At the port, take a ferry to San Sebastián de La Gomera (approx 1hr, €20-30pp) The last ferry leaves at 20.00. For 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 extra nights in Tenerife near the airport if required.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover illness, injury, cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.
How fit do I need to be?
The walking is graded moderate to strenuous and is challenging, so you should enjoy a good level of walking fitness. The paths are rough and exposed in places so a head for height is an advantage.
Which is the best airport to fly to?
Tenerife South, which is served by low cost, charter and scheduled airlines.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially in the Winter months. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
When is the best time of year?
The best months for walking are October to April as the summer can be very hot.
