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Hidden Gem of the CanariesThe green valleys of La Gomera
Nights: 7
Starting point: Hotel Tamahuche (inn), Vallehermoso. Converted from a 19th-century townhouse, this pleasant hotel promises warm hospitality from your charming and enthusiastic host. You dine at the hotel's restaurant in the town square, a short stroll away. Day 1: our suggested circular route is a great introduction to the landscapes of La Gomera. You ascend through a terraced, palm-clad barranco (ravine) to a hermitage, from where you can see the coast and even the island of Tenerife in the distance in clear weather, then follow the ridge to another hermitage. From here, you zigzag downhill towards the coast and return to Vallehermoso along a quiet country lane. (13km, 5.5hrs) Accommodation: Hotel Tamahuche, as above. Day 2: for a very varied walk, take a taxi for the 60-minute journey to the viewpoint at the hermitage at Igualero (approx €30, pay locally). The route takes in four of the villages that face the south-western coast, all connected by mule paths which cling dramatically to the slopes above deep barrancos. On clear days there are good views of La Fortaleza, a strangely-shaped outcrop not unlike a fortress (hence the name), and later of the island of El Hierro. The second part of the walk leads uphill through the enchanting laurel woods that coat the backbone of the National Park before descending steeply towards the northern coast along a series of stepped pathways. The day ends with a panoramic ridge walk back to Vallehermoso. If you would prefer a shorter walk, you could start from a different point along the route. (17km, 7hrs) Accommodation: Hotel Tamahuche, as above. Day 3: the day begins with a taxi ride (included) to the centre of the island. On a clear day, it is well worth ascending to the viewing platform at the top of the Alto de Garajonay (1,497 metres) for a marvellous 360-degree panorama, a detour which will add less than an hour to your day. Otherwise, your walk is almost all downhill, taking you first through lovely woods and over streams, then descending along an ancient cobbled path through a dramatic gorge with a narrow waterfall to Hermigua. (12km, 6hrs) Accommodation: Ibo Alfaro (inn), Hermigua. Converted from an attractive 150-year-old manor house, the Ibo Alfaro is run by the hospitable Ina and enjoys sweeping views from its hillside location. Your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis; we provide taxis into Hermigua where you can take your pick of the restaurants. Day 4: our circular walk climbs out of the valley to explore the starker landscapes above Hermigua, which contrast greatly with the green of the banana plantations and the blue of the sea below. You pass an abandoned hamlet with views across the water towards Tenerife, and then follow a cliff-hugging coastal path to the pretty cove of Caleta, where you can enjoy swim in good weather before completing the final leg back to Hermigua. (14km, 5.5hrs) Accommodation: Ibo Alfaro, as above. Day 5: after a taxi transfer (included), you set off along a ridge between two barrancos to reach a high abandoned plain dotted with ruined houses. You cross the plain and descend into a deep, barren ravine dotted with cacti to reach the coast. Here, you follow the coastal path, descending and ascending as you cross the mouths of several broad gullies. In good weather, you can shorten the walk by half by catching the boat to San Sebastián (pay locally), thus gaining a different perspective of La Gomera's dramatic coast. (18km, 7hrs) Accommodation: Parador (4*), San Sebastián. Built in local style, the parador exudes elegance. The excellent facilities include an outdoor pool set in pleasant gardens. Day 6: choose between a relaxing day exploring San Sebastián, the island's capital, or a final walk towards the distinctive triangular peak of Jaragán (624 metres) that rewards you in clear weather with sweeping views over the island. You return along the same route. (12km, 4hrs) Accommodation: Parador, as above. Recommendations for extra nights: to extend your holiday, we recommend that you stay in the parador on Tenerife to get a feel for another of the islands in the archipelago and make the most of your time in the Canary Islands. The parador (not available 15 Dec-15 Feb) makes an make excellent base for walking on the slopes of Spain's highest peak. Alternatively, spend a week in one of our charming self-catering cottages on La Palma. Other information: If you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.
Similar holidays: Tenerife & El Teide (grade 2-3) Prices & travel 2007/08:
Room upgrade: San Sebastian, room with sea-view £19pppn > Any queries? Let us call you back |
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From the peak of Garajonay, the highest point of the central plateau, mountains alternate with lush green valleys to the coast, where steep cliffs drop away to the glittering blue waters below. Deep ravines, ancient tropical forests and groves of palm trees lend a special enchantment to this pretty island, a secret paradise for walkers.
Hotel Tamahuche 
