Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

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11 Days From

$1590

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Tour Overview

Embark on an 11-day adventure through the stunning landscapes of La Gomera, Spain. This self-guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore lush plantations, whitewashed villages, and the island's unique cloud forest. Begin and end your journey in the capital, San Sebastian, and enjoy panoramic views from the highest peak, Alto de Garajonay. Traverse the beautiful Hermigua valley, relax on the black-sand beaches of Valle Gran Rey, and discover hidden beaches near Santiago village. With accommodations in charming hotels and guesthouses, daily luggage transfers, and an information pack with route notes and maps, this tour is perfect for those seeking an active and immersive experience in nature. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Fully immerse in La Gomera’s breathtaking scenery

  • Lush plantations, whitewashed villages, a unique cloud forest & black-sand beaches

  • Circular island walk, conveniently starting and finishing in capital San Sebastian

  • Reach the highest peak Alto de Garajonay (1487m), see the other Canary Islands

  • Longer itinerary that includes the beautiful valley of Hermigua

  • Panoramic views of the north coast and the cruel sea

  • Relax on the west coast and explore the biggest and most beautiful valley in Gomera, Valle Gran Rey

  • Explore the hidden beaches to the east of Santiago village

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive San Sebastian (From Los Cristianos, Tenerife)

Location: San Sebastian

Accommodation Name: Hotel Torre del Conde

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive by ferry at the port of San Sebastian from Los Cristianos, Tenerife (roundtrip included). Your hotel is located approx 15 minutes by foot or a short taxi journey (± €10).
Accommodation: Hotel Torre del Conde is our 3* hotel and is situated in the centre of San Sebastian on a bed & breakfast basis. Dinner can be taken in one of the many restaurants in town. There are two beaches within easy reach on foot. Or upgrade and stay in the Parador hotel. ...more ...less

Day 2 : San Sebastian To Hermigua 12 Km/7.5 Miles, 5 H

Location: San Sebastian

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibo Al Faro or Hotel Villa Hermigua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you experience a first glimpse of the National Park. You will be collected at 9.00 - 9.30 am and taken to the start point of today’s walk. This is an exceptionally beautiful but strenuous walk through lush sub-tropical vegetation with spectacular views over the Hermigua valley. On the way up the ascents are steep in places but the path is well defined but the beauty of the area rewards the hard work. In roughly 3 hours you reach El Cedro (1000m) and the Bar La Vista for a well-deserved break. In unsettled weather we do not recommend the return route, as there is a very steep and slippery downhill stretch. Instead either return by the route you came up or spend some time exploring the forest and order a taxi from Bar La Vista to take you down to Hermigua. Ascent/Descent 800m.
Accommodation: Your accommodation tonight is one of 2 guesthouses in this small village. Hotel Ibo Al Faro or Hotel Villa Hermigua.

Day 3 : Hermigua To Vallehermoso Approx 13 Km/8.1 Miles, 5 H

Location: Garajonay National Park

Accommodation Name: Hotel Rural Triana

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to the exquisitely situated village of Agulo (250m), which looks out to sea cut off from the rest of the island by the shear basalt cliffs rising behind. The walk begins with a steep ascent to bring you after 2 hours to the Visitor’s Centre of Garajonay National Park, (800m) where you can learn about the park and the island in general. Then down to the lunchtime stop at Bar Amalahuigue in Las Rosas or at Roque Blanco. You then continue on to Vallehermoso, for the last two hours downhill with expansive and stunning views over the north west of the island. Ascent 814m / Descent 846m.
Accommodation: Vallehermoso - Hotel Rural Triana is an old restored Canarian Villa and is surrounded by tradition and nature.

Day 4 : Circular Walk Vallehermoso Approx 13 Km/8.1 Miles, 4.5 - 5.5 H

Location: La Gomera

Accommodation Name: Hotel Rural Triana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Panoramic views of the north coast and the cruel sea. A 4.5 hour strenuous circular walk, with a fairly steep, gravelly descent for which you need to be surefooted and have a head for heights. The alternative is to turn round at roughly the half-way point at the Ermita de Santa Clara viewpoint and retrace your steps back. This is one of the wildest parts of La Gomera where the sea is usually quite rough and there are some dramatic views of waves, rocks and windblown terrain as well as picturesque villages nestled in sheltered valleys below. A different and interesting corner of La Gomera. Ascent/Descent 850m.9

Day 5 : Vallehermoso To Chipude 10 Km/6 Miles, 4.5 - 5 H

Location: Vallehermoso

Accommodation Name: Bar/Pension Sonia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Into the cloud forest. With plenty of water to drink and in winter long trousers and waterproof jackets, you head south from Vallehermoso (300m) up hill towards the centre of the island through lush, terraced farming country, past reservoirs, ever upwards until you enter the forest and the National Park. After lunch, an easy walk with occasional glimpses down to the magnificent Valle Gran Rey. From here you can take the path to El Cercado, home to Gomera’s tiny potteries and onto Chipude and Hotel Sonia at 1100m. Ascent: 871m / Descent 334m.
Accommodation: You will be staying two nights at family run Bar/Pension Sonia.

Day 6 : Free Day Or Walk To Valle Gran Rey Approx 11.5 Km/7.14 Miles, 4 H

Location: Valle Gran Rey

Accommodation Name: Bar/Pension Sonia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Relax on the west coast. Optional walk via the small town of Gerian with some steep downhill parts to see the biggest and often considered the most beautiful valley in Gomera, Valle Gran Rey, for swimming and sunbathing on its black-sand beaches. Try lunch in a fish restaurant at the port of Vueltas. Bus or taxi back to Chipude. The super energetic can of course walk back! Ascent 72m / Descent 1114m

Day 7 : Chipude To Playa De Santiago 22 Km/13.6 Miles, 7 H

Location: Playa de Santiago

Accommodation Name: Apartamentos Bellavista

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

To the summit and down to the warm south. The steepish uphill walk to the summit of the island, El Alto de Garajonay (1486 m) is completed in 2 hours. Beautiful views on a clear day down into the cloud forest and across to see the islands of Tenerife, E1 Hierro and La Palma and occasionally Gran Canaria; then steeply down into the hidden valley of Imada (800m.) where there is a shop/bar normally open. It is then down into a garden of Eden of palms and canes until you reach Playa de Santiago and the south coast (3 hours from Imada). Ascent 570m / Descent 1500m
Accommodation: You will be staying three nights in Apartamentos Bellavista situated on a pedestrian lane in Laguna de Santiago. It is a short walk to the beach, restaurants and shops in the main part of the village. Here you will have your own apartment equipped with food and drink essentials to greet you on arrival. Breakfast is taken in your apartment, ingredients supplied. Choose one of the many local fish restaurants at the beach for dinner in the evening. Don't forget to check out the Restaurante La Cuevita towards the harbour. It is built into a cave. We have chosen to have three nights here as it is the sunniest, warmest part of the island.

Day 8 - 9 : Free Days To Explore And Relax In Santiago

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Apartamentos Bellavista

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lounge around Santiago and the beach or explore the hidden beaches to the east of the village. For the restless, take the bus past Alajero and walk to the only dragon tree on the island, El Drago. Then back down to Santiago via the villages of Alajero and Targa. There is plenty to do and see and our local representatives are on hand with suggestions to suit if you wish so.

Day 10 : Return To San Sebastian 16 Km/10 Miles, 5.5 - 6 H

Location: San Sebastian

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at your apartment, you will be taken to the start of this final days walk at Pastrana. Another wonderful day with a gentle start but becoming steep uphill until you reach the amazing Roque de Agando (1250m) - Gomera’s biggest basalt volcanic chimney. You arrive at the main road with wonderful panoramic views. Crossing over the road, the walk descends through pinewoods to La Laja and then on asphalt for the transfer to San Sebastian where you return for your last nights accommodation. Ascent 1205m / Descent 1005m.

Day 11 : Arrangements End After Breakfast

Location: Los Cristianos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip concludes after breakfast. Make your own way to the ferry port for Los Cristianos, Tenerife (included) and your onward journey.

What's Included

  • Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinners

    10 breakfasts, 1 lunch (day 7), and 2 dinners (nights 5 & 6) are included.

  • Accommodation

    10 nights accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, and an apartment on a twin share basis.

  • Luggage Transfer

    One piece of luggage per person transferred between your accommodation, not exceeding 20kg.

  • Information Pack

    Information pack including route notes and maps (1 pack per room booked).

  • Emergency Hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.

  • Ferry Transfers

    Return ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to San Sebastian (La Gomera) when traveling both ways with the same ferry operator. There may be a supplement if we have to purchase 2 one-way tickets.

  • GPX Files

    GPX files for navigation.

  • Taxi Transfers

    Taxi transfers from and back to airports or elsewhere within La Gomera are provided.

What's Not Included

  • Additional Meals and Beverages

    8 dinners, lunches (unless specified), and beverages are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.

  • Unscheduled Transfers

    Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • Excess Luggage

    Excess luggage beyond the allowed 20kg is not included.

  • Solo Traveler Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided holiday; a guide is not included.

Accommodation

7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. ...more ...less

Grading

We grade the tour as 'Moderate' (with some ‘challenging’ parts). However the walk should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. Short sections of some walks may be vertiginous but if you are worried, consult our local reps for advice. It may be possible to get a lift part of the way. Day Stages: approx10 - 22 km per day, with ascents and descents of up to 1200 metres. 5 - 8 hours walking per day. On most walks there is the option of a lift part of the way for those feeling less energetic as your luggage will be transferred for you when moving to a new hotel. ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

Return ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to San Sebastian (La Gomera) is included. Taxi transfers from and back to airports or elsewhere within La Gomera are also provided. One piece of luggage per person transferred between your accommodation, not exceeding 20kg.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 10 nights of accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, and an apartment on a twin share basis. The hotels described are the usual choice of accommodation, but alternatives may be used if these are not available. Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath due to limited space, although some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room with a bath available to guests. ...more ...less

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch on day 7, and 2 dinners on nights 5 and 6. However, 8 dinners, lunches (unless specified), and beverages are not included.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, is transferred between your accommodations.

  • What kind of support is available during the tour?

    You will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance. Additionally, an information pack including route notes and maps (1 pack per room booked) and GPX files for navigation are provided.

  • Are ferry transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, return ferry transfers from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to San Sebastian (La Gomera) are included when traveling both ways with the same ferry operator. There may be a supplement if two one-way tickets have to be purchased.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday; a guide is not included.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The tour is graded as 'Moderate' with some 'challenging' parts. It should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. Short sections of some walks may be vertiginous, but local representatives can provide advice.

  • What happens if I need a taxi transfer during the tour?

    Taxi transfers from and back to airports or elsewhere within La Gomera are not included in the tour package. Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are also not included.

  • What should I do if I have excess luggage?

    Excess luggage beyond the allowed 20kg is not included in the tour package. You will need to make separate arrangements for any additional luggage.

  • What are the options for solo travelers?

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

M. Hunter(Windsor)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

27 Mar 2022

Mostly well organised. GPS routes were very accurate and easy to follow. Some of the walking is very strenuous, steep ups and downs which are rocky underfoot. The routes covered a lot of the island and some really stunning scenery.

M Hunter(Windsor UK)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

27 Mar 2022

Mostly well organised. GPS routes were very accurate and easy to follow. Some of the walking is very strenuous, steep ups and downs which are rocky underfoot. The routes covered a lot of the island and some really stunning scenery.

A. Braun(Nürnberg)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

17 Nov 2021

The local organisation and accommodations were great (although the Amparo in Las Hayas is not the best for vegetarian meals). Everybody was friendly and helpful - big thanks to Liz and Elena. My only nitpick would be that a couple of the gpx tracks are inaccurate. 1 just has an additional steep 150-200m elevation gain towards the end which is not present in reality, but day 7 is pretty messed up with an additional 1000m elevation gain and waypoints going back and forth across a gorge. ...more ...less

K. White(Newcastle upon Tyne)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

20 Dec 2021

This was a fabulous holiday. The walking was spectacular and the organisation was faultless. We did the 4 main walks but not the two optional ones as we preferred to take advantage of the rest days. Walking on La Gomera is quite challenging - there is a lot of steep up and down - but we have walked here before so knew what we were letting ourselves in for! All the accommodation was good; we particularly liked the rural hotel in Vallehermosa, we were well looked after at Bar Sonia, and it was nice to have the space of an apartment in Playa Santiago. ...more ...less

P. Sloper(Godalming, UK)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

08 Feb 2016

Overall a very enjoyable and well balanced trip. Be good if you offered a similar trip to La Palma or El Hierro! Enjoyed the walks around Hermigua, Vallehermoso and best of all Chipude - Playa de Santiago.

A. Parsons(United Kingdom)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

12 May 2024

The 1st time we have taken a self guide walking tour and loved every minute of it. The taxi service was minute perfect, the accommodation just right and the walking was great. I couldn't recommend it enough.

L. Skelton(York, UK)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

22 Feb 2022

It was very good to cover much of the island, experience routes in the cloud forest, pass through local villages and explore some of the coastline. The walks were excellent and GPS tracks helpful as a back-up for the walk notes. Be prepared for long, steep, rocky descents! Enjoyed the walking from Chipude to Playa de Santiago. It was good to stay in local hotels and eat in local restaurants. ...more ...less

J. Fawell(Bristol, UK)  

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

27 Sep 2019

Really enjoyable holiday. Surprised at how good the hiking on La Gomera was, with great scenery, plus the added bonus of being very quiet having the hiking paths almost to ourselves. We were surprised that Gomera is not better known for its hiking.

Read all 8 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Sunday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025
$1590 (USD)

Friday - Monday

Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025
$1590 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Exploring La Gomera - 11 Days

11 Days Starting in Los Cristianos, Spain and ending in San Sebastian, Spain

Visiting: San Sebastian, Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Vallehermoso, Valle Gran Rey, Playa de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Los Cristianos ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

JGM

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1590 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 23-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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