Southern Trails of La Gomera
Southern Trails of La Gomera
$1290
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Southern Trails of La Gomera" tour, exploring Spain's stunning Canary Islands. This self-guided adventure offers a perfect blend of coastal hikes, lush plantations, whitewashed villages, and unique cloud forests. Enjoy the mild climate year-round as you traverse scenic paths, discover hidden Drago trees, and relax on black-sand beaches. With free days for whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply unwinding, this tour caters to all interests. Stay in charming, hand-picked accommodations and savor local cuisine. Conveniently accessible by ferry from Tenerife, this tour promises a seamless and enriching experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
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 : Circuit coastal walk to Playa de la Guancha, 16 km/9.5 miles, 6 h
Location: San Sebastian
Accommodation Name: Hotel Torre del Conde
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is a straightforward walk climbing along the coastal cliffs above San Sebastian, before undulating along high above the seaside to drop down to the quiet bay at Playa de la Guanches. There may not be anyone here so you may have the place all to yourselves, there is a real sense of remoteness. There is a tiny cottage on the beach with a little walkway heading to the beach. Swimming is a possibility, but beware if the sea is high or if it is rough.
Day 3 : Walk Las Toscas to Benchijigua, Pastrana and Playa de Santiago 13 km/8 miles, 3.5 h
Location: Playa de Santiago
Accommodation Name: Apartamentos Bellavista
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Las Toscas Playa. This walk is in complete contrast to yesterday, taking you into the mountainous interior of the island from where you walk largely downhill to the sea. The walk warms up with a gentle rough road to the beautiful hamlet of Benchijigua, below the Matterhorn like pyramid of ‘Roque Agando’. The descent down to the more substantial village of Pastrana is very pretty although you have to watch your feet as the trail is a little rough in places. At Pastrana you rejoin the tarmac road, from where you can either walk the last 5 km to Santiago or ring for a taxi.
Accommodation: Stay two nights at Apartamentos Bellavista situated on a pedestrian lane in Laguna de Santiago. It is a short walk to the beach, restaurants and shops. Here you will have your own apartment equipped with food and drink essentials to greet you on arrival and a private balcony. Breakfast is taken in your apartment, ingredients supplied. Choose from one of the many local fish restaurants at the beach.
Day 4 : Free day, or Drago Tree or Barranco Guarimiar walk 6.5-11km/4-7 miles, 2-3.5 h
Location: Alajero
Accommodation Name: Apartamentos Bellavista
Meals Included: Breakfast
Catch the local bus or taxi to Alajero. This short walk option takes you to see the oldest dragon on the island, hidden away in its rocky valley den. This is the Dracaena Draco Tree. There is then a short trek down the 'barranco' below the tree to a little dam, from where you head up steeply to the small town of Alajero. Catch the afternoon bus or taxi to Playa de Santiago. Underfoot the barranco is quite rough with no effective path so you will be walking around boulders.
The longer walk is from Imada to Playa de Santiago. In this case you catch the bus to Imada from where after a quick coffee, there is an amazingly dramatic walk down to Playa de Santiago via the Barranco Guarimiar.
Day 5 : Walk from Pajaritos to Chipude 6 km/4 miles, 2 h
Location: La Gomera
Accommodation Name: Bar/Pension Sonia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is a nice easy walk to the hill village of Chipude, taking in the highest point on La Gomera, Garajonay summit 1487m. On the way down you will pass the pretty hamlet of Manantiale. The weather up here can be very different from that at sea level and waterproofs and warm clothing should be on hand just in case.
Accommodation: Overnight at family run Bar/Pension Sonia.
Day 6 : Walk to Valle Gran Rey approx 12 km/7.45 miles, 4 h
Location: Valle Gran Rey
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Valle Gran Rey
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk from Chipude all the way down to Valle Gran Rey, via La Viscaina. You can also add on the Arure Waterfall walk, 5.6 km from Chipude down to El Guro, then 3 km to Valle Gran Rey. If you prefer to just go to the Arure Waterfall you will be transported to El Guro to the start. There is no real trail, you just follow the barranco Arure up a series of short rocky steps with small cascades to the end of the valley to the Arure Waterfall which is spectacular after rain. Return to El Guro and walk down to Valle Gran Rey and its beaches.
Alternatively, walking all the way from Chipude to Valle Gran Rey is a beautiful route taking one of the original mule tracks which cross La Gomera. You will be following one of the spur type ridges that radiate from the centre of the island like the segments of a slightly opened tangerine. The mule path which you reach after the village of El Cercado, is steep and rocky, but not a bad trail. The views are spectacular. Valle Gran Rey has several sheltered beaches for swimming.
Accommodation: Overnight in either of our two beautiful hotels at Valle Gran Rey, one is in the area called Playa Calera, the other in the area called La Puntilla. Both are near beaches, have good restaurants and bars and roof top swimming pools.
Day 7 : Free day, return to San Sebastian
Location: San Sebastian
Accommodation Name: Hotel Torre del Conde
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning to enjoy the delights of the Valle Gran Rey resort and then catch the afternoon bus to San Sebastian. Afternoon at leisure or you could do the short historical walk, taking you around the Torre del Conde, learning about the evil governor of the island, Hernán Peraza and his beautiful wife, Beatriz de Bobadilla; the fate of the Guanches, the aboriginal inhabitants of the islands and perhaps a bit about Christopher Columbus.
Day 8 : 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
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Accommodation
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses -
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner (night 5), 1 Packed Lunch (Day 5)
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7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis
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One piece of luggage per person transferred between your accommodation, not exceeding 20kg
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Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
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Emergency hotline
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Return ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to San Sabastian (La Gomera) when travelling both ways with the same ferry operator. There maybe a supplement if we have to purchase 2 one-way tickets.
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Meals not specified
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Taxi/bus transfers from or to the airport or elsewhere within La Gomera
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
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. 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 us for advice.
Mode of Transport
Return ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to San Sabastian (La Gomera) when travelling both ways with the same ferry operator. Taxi/bus transfers from or to the airport or elsewhere within La Gomera are included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. 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. Some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. ...more ...less
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, will be transferred between your accommodations.
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Is the tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided holiday. An information pack including route notes and maps will be provided.
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What should I do if I encounter an emergency during the tour?
An emergency hotline is provided as part of the tour package for any emergencies that may arise during your trip.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes a 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 two one-way tickets need to be purchased.
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What activities are available on the free days?
On free days, you can enjoy activities such as whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking, more walking, or relaxing on the beach.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks on this tour?
The tour is graded as introductory to moderate. The walks 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 there are options for lifts part of the way for those feeling less energetic.
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What happens if the weather changes during the walks?
The weather can vary, especially at higher altitudes. It is recommended to have waterproofs and warm clothing on hand just in case.
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What are the options for the walk on Day 4?
On Day 4, you can either take a short walk to see the oldest Drago tree on the island or opt for a longer walk from Imada to Playa de Santiago via the Barranco Guarimiar.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Southern Trails of La Gomera
8 Days Starting in Los Cristianos, Spain and ending in San Sebastian, Spain
Visiting: San Sebastian, Playa de Santiago, Alajero, La Gomera, Valle Gran Rey, Los Cristianos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JGS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided