The 11 most beautiful hikes to do in La Gomera

In the Canary Islands, La Gomera is one of the favourite destinations of hikers: reliefs, unspoiled nature, pleasant climate and well-appointed trails are at the rendezvous!

Far from the image of some islands of the Canary Islands that are invaded by the seaside tourism, La Gomera retains an authentic cachet and addresses above all to nature lovers. Part of the island is covered by laurisilva , an ancient subtropical forest and characteristic of the Canary Islands, while Garajonay National Park, extended and open to walkers, is ranked by Unesco with world heritage. How to sharpen the curiosity of hikers...

Another advantage of La Gomera, its weather favorable to hiking throughout the year. The mild oceanic climate strongly influenced by the influence of the Atlantic makes it possible to hike in optimal conditions from October to June. In the summer, when temperatures climb, the altitude trails (top point: Alto de Garajonay, at 1483m) allow you to find a relative freshness.

All hikers find their happiness on this charming island of the Canary Islands, whether for a real week of hiking, or some beautiful day trips to explore the natural beauties of the island. Easy walks and harder trails due to the denial are on the program of the most beautiful hikes in La Gomera.

1. The summit of La Gomera from Laguna Grande

One of the most unmissable hikes in La Gomera is a strong start: to reach the top of the island, Alto de Garajonay. We start at the emblematic site of Laguna Grande, in the middle of the forest, to reach via an easy route to follow the highest point of La Gomera, at 1483m altitude. The beauty of the viewpoint is breathtaking, with the Atlantic Ocean and the other Canary Islands for decor.

Although a road leads to the top, taking the path is much more gray and rewarding! Especially since this route, moderate in difficulty, does not present any major difficulty, it would be wrong to deprive yourself of it.

2. The cascades of Barranco de Arrure

Just above the pretty village of El Guro, typical of the Canary Islands, an impressive ravine, Barranco de Arrure, is one of the hiking tours in La Gomera not to be missed. The natural setting is beautiful, with walls that tighten up as the walk, for more effect!

Before reaching the main waterfall, several small waterfalls punctuate this remarkable, green and well shaded route. The hike begins on the trail but continues in the river bed. Attention to slippery stones, and sticks and good shoes are advised... After this technical constraint, the ride, which can be reached in less than 2 hours on the way back, is in the easy access set.

3. A big loop around Vallehermoso

At the departure and arrival of Vallehermoso, this hike in La Gomera allows you to explore the north of the island. From the ground and the accumulated denial, plan to bring water and snacks, but also good shoes and sticks for a hike punctuated with multiple breaks. Enjoy it to admire the views and the beach of Vallehermoso.

As such, the itinerary is more simple in the direction of a watch’s needles. After the magnificent panorama from the Mirador Punta de Alcala, a steep descent awaits you to reach the sea, guaranteed sensations!

4. Walk in the forest in Cañada de Jorge

In the Garajonay National Park, this friendly walk starts at the Raso de la Bruma (parking and leisure area). An easy level hike in La Gomera awaits you, perfect to walk with the youngest, well-marked, short and full of denim.

But more seasoned walkers should also not pass by (possible interconnections with other routes). The path runs through a beautiful preserved forest setting typical of the Canary Islands and especially of La Gomera. Here, ease does not rhyme with lack of interest.

5. El Cedro and the hermitage Nuestra Señora de Lourdes

Of course, many hikes from La Gomera take the setting of Garajonay National Park, as it is again the case here, from El Cedro. This part of the island, often misty and widely wet, is covered with lush vegetation and lively foams, for a well shaded path and striking natural beauty. In fact, it is not uncommon to overlook the clouds, or even to find itself immersed in!

The trail passes through the Nuestra Señora de Lourdes hermitage, before joining El Cedro. Easy to follow, there is no particular difficulty.

6. Boucle south of Garajonay National Park

Discover Garajonay National Park in all its seams with the most beautiful hikes in La Gomera. In this southern part, some of the vegetation suffered from fire, but nature, assisted by programmes to re-plant the area, gradually regains its rights.

With this easy-to-follow walking route, accessible to the family and without real difficulty, you can enjoy many great views of the south of La Gomera. With the ancient volcanic formations (caldeiras), and the islands of the Canary Islands around, this hike is worth a visit.

7. From Vallehermoso to La Encantadora Dam

This second loop from Vallehermoso is just as promising as the first. This hike from La Gomera offers a bit of denial with two steeper climbs to reach the iconic La Encantadora dam and its artificial lake. The book impresses!

The trail follows the reliefs marked by La Gomera by small hamlets before descending to Vallehermoso. Not borrowed, this hike is rewarding for its landscapes, its tranquility, and its accumulated denial.

8. Las Creces Forest

Starting from Las Creces, this route gives you a great example of laurisilva , this subtropical forest that still covers the slopes of La Gomera. A pleasant and shaded walk, accessible to all, this hike of La Gomera is ideal for a family, or for an easy level hike.

For more motivated walkers, it is very easy to prolong the discovery of the forest with other marked routes, to compose a day out.

9. Boucle from the Mirador de la Orilla

From Santa Catalina, all north of the island, this hike in La Gomera offers many beautiful views of the ocean and the island of Tenerife neighbor. Do not underestimate the denial, with certain passages that climb dry, as to reach the Mirador de la Orilla.

In hot weather, the hook by the beach of the Caleta, which is overlooked from high, is tempting despite the detour, but the hike continues to El Palmar, before going back in loop by beautiful landscapes well hilly at its starting point. Good recommended shoes to face the trail.

10. From La Calera to Arrure, by Riscos de la Merica

In a more serious register, both in technical terms and in accumulated denial, this hike of La Gomera is primarily for solid hikers who have it under the sole. From La Calera, not far from the beach, a steep ascent allows you to reach Riscos de la Merica, a beautiful view with a view of the Atlantic.

By a ridge path, you thus reach Arrure, not without crossing several other beautiful views. It is possible to organize a transfer from Arrure, or to go downhill only in the other direction, if the return looks too demanding.

11. From San Sebastian to the beach of Guancha

From the black sandy beach of San Sebastian de la Gomera, this walking route from the heart of the "capital" of the island to reach the beautiful wild beach of La Guancha. Change of atmosphere assured!

This hike in the Gomera is above all coastal and its main difficulty is probably the lack of shade by great heat. Good news for the dizzy, the bathing suit remains optional to ensure a salvator dip in the water, before going back in the opposite direction by the same way for the return. Sturdy walking shoes, because the itinerary is scary.