Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Free £150 National Trust gift card when you book by 17 September. Find out more.
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 two nights are at the Hotel Ibo Alfaro, Hermigua and then three at Hotel Jardin Concha in the town of Valle Gran Rey. The last night is back in San Sebstian at the Parador, all perfect bases from which you take in a variety of walks and treks, to see the best this island has to offer.
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 Hotel Torre Del Conde.
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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 stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
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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 stay at Hotel Ibo Alfaro.
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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 stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
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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
The route begins directly from Valle Gran Rey, heading up the ravine towards the bohemian village of El Guro, where residents from across Europe have made their home. The village's landscaped slopes and imposing basalt walls mark the entrance to the Barranco de Arure ravine. Following the stream, the trail ascends the narrow ravine, requiring you to jump from stone to stone until you reach a stunning 15m waterfall. Here, the waterfall's cascade may entice you to take a refreshing dip before heading back. The return journey follows the same riverbed to Casa de la Seda. From there, the path descends parallel to the road, leading back to Valle Gran Rey. All walking transfers included.
You stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafe
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
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 stay at Hotel Jardin Concha.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafe
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 center 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 stay at Parador de La Gomera.
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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.
Depart La Gomera harbour for your ferry back to Tenerife, and from there your onward journey home.
Show prices including flights?
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £132.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £132.
Tour only: The above tour only prices exclude flights.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights
Out: British Airways Heathrow to Tenerife South Reina Sofia, then ferry to La Gomera.
Return: . Ferry from La Gomera to Tenerife then Tenerife South to Heathrow
Extra legroom seats are available on request.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am tomorrow) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
