Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
15.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
La Gomera, remains beautifully unspoilt and is a walker's delight. Measuring the equivalent of just 20 square 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. The sparse population is still predominately engaged in agriculture. The sun drenched south at first appears parched and barren, but you soon find hidden valleys laden with produce, delightful palm groves, pockets of pine 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.
Taking you across the island from east to west, this 7-night itinerary gives you the opportunity to see the best landscapes that La Gomera has to offer, experiencing all aspects of this beautiful and tranquil island. Descend into deep ravines where palm trees intertwine with terraced gardens and follow mountain ridge paths to visit remote waterfalls. Enjoy fine views to the horizon as you experience the special world of the UNESCO laurel forests and pass through Gomeran villages that in many respects continue traditions going back to pre-Spanish conquest.
You spend your two nights in the capital town of San Sebastian, following your journey from Tenerife. The next three nights are hotel to hotel in a variety of 2 - 3 star family run hotels and apartments, all offering a friendly welcome and delicious home cooked traditional meals. Your final two evenings are at the Hotel Gran Rey in the town of Valle Gran Rey or choose to upgrade to the fabulous Parador la Gomera. All are perfect bases from which you take in a variety of walks and treks, to see the best this island has to offer.
Arriving at the ferry port on La Gomera from Tenerife, you will then be transferred to your hotel for the next two nights 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.
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
After a short transfer to the start of the walk you begin your trek in the mountains of La Gomera ascending through terraced landscapes and formerly cultivated fields passing herds of goats and flocks of sheep. You return to San Sebastian by bus (payable locally).
You stay at Apartmentos Los Telares.
Run by the same family since 1970, these apartments provide a friendly and welcoming base, with incredible views over the Garajonay National Park. The bright and airy apartments are simply furnished with everything you should need for your overnight stay. Breakfast can be delivered to your room, whilst your evening meal will be served on the terrace and picnics can also be ordered for your onward journey. The restaurant uses only certified organic produce and serves mostly traditional dishes. The swimming pool provides a fantastic place to relax after a long hot walk and the staff will be on hand to help with anything you should need.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Today starts with a 20-minute drive to La Laja, a small village at the edge of the national park. First you ascend, passing by impressive volcanic necks until you reach the Canarian laurel forest which is millions of years old. Then you descend passing the largest waterfall of the island before reaching Hermigua a fertile valley in the northern part of the island.
You stay at Hotel Rural Triana.
A beautifully restored villa, located at an altitude of 500m in the town of Vallehermoso, the Hotel Rural Triana has a welcoming family atmosphere, with a coffee shop and bar, lovely gardens and sun terrace for you to relax after a long days walk.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
The day starts with a short transfer. This is the toughest day with some steep ascents and descents mainly on well-maintained stone paths. You are rewarded however, with truly spectacular views. You pass an excellent Visitors’ Centre at Juego de Bolas before descending the stunning Vallehermoso valley.
You stay at Hotel Sonia.
The Hotel Sonia Chipude is located only a few miles from the Garajonay National Park. Each room has mountain views and there is a fabulous restaurant serving local traditional fare, a lively bar and a terrace from which to enjoy the stunning location. All the rooms are simply furnished and have a flat-screen TV, private bathrooms and a balcony with a garden view.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
This is a magical, lengthy but gentler day’s walk which includes wandering through fabled woods a breath-taking ridge walk and excellent views. You cross the top ridge of the island through the old laurel forests of the Garajonay National Park, before descending to Chipude where you stay overnight.
You stay at Hotel Gran Rey.
This lovely hotel has a fabulous position right on the edge of the sea and with its two restaurants, two swimming pools, tennis, sunbathing terrace and TV lounge, we are sure you will be reluctant to leave. There are three floors and 99 rooms in total, all with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a private balcony. Each room also has a safe, minibar and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. The hotel has a buffet restaurant and an à la carte restaurant, offering Canary and international food. There is also a poolside bar where you can enjoy a drink in the sun.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Descend to the valley of the great king to walk through the remains of formerly cultivated terraces down to Valle Gran Rey. Wonderful views of the valley and the bells of free-range goats accompany you on your way to the sea where a refreshing dip in the blue Atlantic Ocean or hotel pool awaits you. From here, you can stay for the next two nights in Gran Rey, or choose the Parador La Gomera in San Sebastian, transfers will be provided.
You stay at Parador de La Gomera.
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.
Relax for the day at the Parador, exploring San Sebastian at your leisure or if staying in Gran Rey, take our recommended walk along a scenic gorge walking and scrambling to reach one of the tallest waterfalls on the island. The perfect way to finish the week!
Depart La Gomera harbour for your ferry back to Tenerife, and from there your onward journey home.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$250.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
15.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions