Welcome to Hooked on Walking Holidays and our walking holidays in Spain. This particular walking holidays in Spain is on the Canary Island of Gomera. This walking tour is available as a level 2-3 self guided walking holidays.
La Gomera, the greenest of the Canary Islands. It lies just 30 kilometres from the coast of Tenerife, at the edge of a enormous shelf in the Atlantic Ocean. Steep cliffs along the rocky coastline give way to volcanic peaks inland. Deep gorges, or barrancos, limit access to many parts of the island and tourism here is still in its early stages. The most surprising of La Gomera's treasures are found in the National Park Garajonay, among the dense vegetation of its mysterious laurel woods, where centuries old trees clothed in moss give the impression of a tropical rain forest. But as beautiful are the sculptured landscapes in the valleys, where people have constructed terraces for the plantation of banana, papaya and mango trees; and the barren coastline with steep cliffs and small coves. A walker's paradise, this island offers endless hiking routes, many of which follow the coastline and offer spectacular views inland toward towering volcanic peaks.

Available daily March to November
Level 2-3 self guided tour.

Day 1 Arrival in the Canary Islands 
Arrival on the island of Tenerife and ferry to La Gomera, with a chance of spotting dolphins on the way.

Day 2 From Hermigua to Chipude & Garajonay National Park
After a short transfer, you walk up toward Garajonay National Park, green heart of La Gomera. Here you enter the rain forest-like atmosphere of the dense laurel wood which covers most of the northern part of the island. The path continues steeply up, among the twisted trunks of laurel trees, through ferns, moss and lichens. From the top, you'll enjoy splendid views of the entire island and further on - to La Palma, El Hierro and the stunning volcanic peak of El Teide on Tenerife. The day ends with a short descent to Chipude.

Day 3 From Chipude to Vallehermoso
The day begins by traversing two lovely valleys, or 'barrancos'. You then pass the pottery making village of El Cercado to reach the prettiest valley on the island, Barranco de Valle Gran Rey, with its terraced fields and palm groves. Along the way, stop for lunch in Las Hayas at a traditional restaurant which serves regional specialities, before making your descent among palms, junipers, heather and laurel trees, into the Valley of Los Loros and on to your hotel.

Day 4 Circular walk from Vallehermoso 
Today’s walk takes you into a somewhat drier landscape. A long gradual ascent leads up to the chapel of Santa Clara, built high on a ridge. From there, you’ll enjoy breath-taking views – 700m straight down and out over the mountaintops to the sea. Then, following a well-maintained (though very steep) path, you walk down to a tiny cove along the coast. Return on foot to the village of Vallehermoso.

Day 5 From Vallehermoso back to Hermigua 
Walking up and out of the valley, you first do a tough ascent to Roque El Cano then continue on to Las Rosas and the National Park Visitors’ Centre. Later, you walk down into the Barranco Sobre Argoto, then ascend to the vista point at El Chorillo – with views 800m down into Hermigua Valley. You continue walking high above the valley, then do a steep descent back down to Hermigua. An alternate route provides a gentle descent by way of Agulo, then transport by bus back to Hermigua.

Day 6 Circular walk from Hermigua via La Caleta
Today’s short circular walk takes you past terraced farms, then into a bizarre landscape of intriguing vegetation, crossing several barrancos on your way to La Caleta bay. The longer route  takes you high up above the coast, fabulous views to the island of Tenerife, El Teide Peak and the sea.

Day 7 Choice of walking routes
Today you choose between a shorter or longer descent back to San Sebastián. Both routes begin with a short transfer.
The shorter walk (9,5km, 260m ascent, 600m descent, 3 hrs) starts at Las Casetas. After a short ascent, you start downhill on steep terrain along the coast. Beautiful views to the sea, with Tenerife and Pico del Teide in the distance. This walk is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
The longer route (13km, 300m ascent, 1200m descent, 5.5 hrs) takes you to the vista point at Degollada de Peraza, then through a stunning landscape on the southeast coast of the islands. Some sections traverse high terrain, but paths are well-maintained and way-marked. The last section takes you past a beach, where you can stop for a swim. A lovely way to end your week on Gomera.

Day 8 Departure from the Canary Islands 
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Ferry back to Tenerife and flight home.

Accommodation: family run hotels.

Difficulty: Level 2-3 tour with some long days walking and some long ascents.

2012 Prices

How to get there
By Plane to Tenerife south airport, a short taxi ride to Los Cristanos and then the ferry to La Gomera.

Click below to view our
Cycling Holidays in Spain

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