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Hidden Gem of the Canaries

The green valleys of La Gomera

The stark beauty of La Gomera

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.

Discover the best of this magical island – ancient forests, peaks reaching into the clouds, lush ravines (barrancos) and beaches of black sand – on a marvellous holiday full of contrasts and highly rewarding walking. To access the best walks, taxis are required at the start of three days; we include these on itinerant walking days (days 3 and 5) but not for the linear walk from Vallehermoso, giving you the freedom to decide whether to walk or simply relax at your hotel. On most walks, you descend more than you ascend, but they are very much of a grade 2-3 standard, satisfying and enjoyable.

Palm groves are common on the island

Nights: 7
Grade: 2-3
Terrain: wild and rocky; laurisilva forest and deep ravines
Hotels: two rural hotels; one 4-star parador
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 5 nights, plus 2 picnics
Climate: 'winter' on the Canary Islands is pleasantly warm with high humidity in the north. The table below gives the average temperatures for La Gomera (in ºC). Temperatures will of course vary according to altitude.

Starting point: Hotel Tamahuche (rural hotel), Vallehermoso. Comfortable bedrooms and delicious breakfasts await you at this converted 19th-century townhouse.

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.

Bedroom, Hotel Tamahuche

Day 2: for a very varied walk, take a taxi for the 60-minute journey to the viewpoint at the hermitage at Igualero (approx €35, 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 (rural hotel), Hermigua. Converted from an attractive 150-year-old manor house, the stylish 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.

Hermigua, surrounded by high peaks

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 old cobbled paths, gradually descending down a broad valley dotted with cacti towards the peak of Tagamiche, around which the path skirts. You enjoy constant views ahead towards Tenerife as you continue down to the coast at San Sebastián. (18km, 7hrs)

Accommodation: Parador (4*), San Sebastián. Built in local style, the parador exudes elegance, and boasts a marvellous panorama from its position on the very edge of the cliff above the harbour. The excellent facilities include an outdoor pool set in pleasant gardens.

Dramatic peaks stand out against the clear blue sky

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. For a shorter walk, you could take a taxi (pay locally) to avoid some of the ascent. (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 14 Dec-13 Feb) makes an make excellent base for walking on the slopes of Spain's highest peak.

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), Madeira's 'Wild North' (grade 2-3)

Prices & travel

Room upgrade: San Sebastián, room with sea view £22pp/n

Recommended destination airport: Tenerife South
Latest flight arrival time: 1800
Earliest flight departure time: 1100
*Included travel: ferry between Los Cristianos and La Gomera, and taxi to the first hotel; if you are flying direct to La Gomera, deduct £50pp
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
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Extra night prices 2008/2009 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):

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