In La Gomera, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands, marvellous walking and hiking is possible by following old donkey paths or steep hill routes, narrow tracks or pleasant forest paths – all part of the old ‘royal road’ (‘caminos reales’) system that covers what is now the Garajonay National Park. All sorts of trails take you past impressive rock formations, spectacular ravines and wildly romantic forest.
In La Gomera, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands, marvellous walking and hiking is possible by following old donkey paths or steep hill routes, narrow tracks or pleasant forest paths – all part of the old ‘royal road’ (‘caminos reales’) system that covers what is now the Garajonay National Park. All sorts of trails take you past impressive rock formations, spectacular ravines and wildly romantic forest. A volcanic island of hills and laurel rain forest, fringed by some fine beaches, it offers magnificent views, excellent local wines and cheeses, and an interesting cultural history: it is the home of the ancient ‘whistling language’ and it was Christopher Columbus’ last port of call before setting out for the Americas.
Price: £850.00 per person (based on 2 people sharing a room). Single room £210.00
Included:
Not included:
Day 1. Arrival at Tenerife and boat transfer to La Gomera
Arrival at Los Cristianos harbour. Ferry to La Gomera (included) and transfer to San Sebastián accommodation. Free time in this charming little capital.
Day 2. El Parque Nacional de Garajonay
Transfer to the Alto de Contadero. Climb to the highest point of the island “El Alto de Garajonay”, from where, on a clear day, you can see the other Canary islands. After the climb, walk down through the forest, El Cedro, to the hamlet of the same name. From there a taxi will pick you up and transfer you to the next accommodation where you spend the next two days, an apartment in the village of Hermigua. 3,5-4 h, +150 m, -600 m.
Day 3. Hermigua & El Cedro waterfall
A varied circular walk will take you along a high path by the El Cedro waterfall , 140 metres high. Walk down to the valley of Hermigua via Los Aceviños and the old path of San Juan. 5,5 h, +700 m, -700 m.
Day 4. The north of the island
Short transfer to the village of Agulo from where you climb on a spectacular path up to the National Park Visitors Centre “Centro de Visitantes del Parque Nacional”. From here, beautiful paths lead down to Vallehermoso via the majestic volcanic outcrop “Roque Cano”.Overnight in a charming rural hotel in the village with a “pantagruelian” breakfast for the next 2 nights. 5 h, +600 m, -600 m.
Day 5. Around Vallehermoso
Walk from the village to the high parts of the valley to discover the views over the Cumbre de Chijere (688m), with panoramic views over the “Organos” (basaltic rocks). Arrival at La Hermita Nuestra Senora de Coromoto and walk down to the beautiful beach of Vallehermoso. Walk back to the accommodation thought the banana plantations. 6 h, +720 m, -720 m.
Day 6. Valley Gran Rey
Transfer to the high parts of the island for a walk down to the ocean, first through the forest, then across open country from where you have spectacular views of the Valle de Gran Rey and the ocean. Walk down to the valley from where you have time to visit the beach before a transfer back to the mountains, to the hamlet of Las Hayas, for overnight in a quiet apartment with garden. Overnight with dinner included (traditional vegetarian dinner with ‘gofio’, local soup, vegetables, Almogrote cheese, Mojo and local desert). 4,5 h, +100 m, -1000 m.
Day 7. Along the “Barrancos del Sur”
From las Hayas, a transfer takes you to the village of Imada. For this last journey you walk down through the beautiful canyon “Barranco de Guarimiar”, to arrive at the village of Playa de Santiago. Overnight in a comfortable apartment in front of the beach (breakfast not included) 4 h, -1200 m.
Day 8. Island farewell
Transfer to San Sebastián by taxi. Fast ferry to Tenerife (included).
Hotel list:
San Sebastian de la Gomera : Hotel Villa Gomera B&B
Hermigua 2 nights : Hotel Los Telares B&B
Vallehermeoso 2 nights : Hotel Tamahuche B&B
Las Hayas : Casa Efigenia Natural HB
Playa Santiago : Aparts Tapahuga room only
