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Walking on La Gomera

WALKING ON LA GOMERA - DAY BY DAY

**** Hotel Parador, San Sebastián

The Parador de la Gomera enjoys a stunning position perched on a cliff known as the Lomo de la Horca (Gallows Ridge) above the port of San Sebastián. The hotel is set in subtropical gardens from where you enjoy spectacular views across to Mount Teide on Tenerife looming up out of the sea. Each of the 20 rooms is furnished with 16C style furniture, with wooden floors, en-suite marble bathrooms, mini-bar, telephones, satellite television and hairdryers. All have either a balcony, or overlook well-tended patio gardens.

Day 1  Arrive on La Gomera

We meet you at Tenerife airport and take you to La Gomera (35 mins by ferry) in time for dinner .

Day 2  The 1000m villages Walk  13km/8mi/4hr

A sandy path descends gently through pines, cedars and terracing to tiny Manantiales where, if we’re lucky, friendly villagers will offer us a taste of goats’ cheese and figs.  A stroll along the shallow valley brings us to the pastel houses and 16C whitewashed chapel of Chipude perched at 1000m above a ravine. We lunch at a bustling bar in neighbouring Cercado, famed for its pottery, before making the gentle climb back past vines and tall pines to rejoin our minibus.

Day 3  The Santiago Ravine 11km/7mi/5hr

From the hamlet of Las Toscas we descend gently through Gomeran daisies, prickly pears and palms into the tranquil upper reaches of the Santiago ravine headed by the pretty white cottages of Benchijigua and the towering Roque Agando lavafill. A short climb rewards us with stunning coastal views before we descend seawards to the hamlet of El Cabezo.  On to Playa de Santiago where we end the day with a swim.

Day 4  The Alto de Garajonay 13km/8mi/5hr

A short and spectacular climb to the Garajonay peak, in the centre of the National Park, rewards us with breathtaking views of the islands of La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Then cool misty uplands are replaced by ancient laurel forest, shady juniper groves, and the luxuriant banana terraces of Hermigua. We finally emerge from the spectacular gorge to reach the vertical village of Las Hoyetas, from where we return to the hotel in time for a pre-dinner swim.

Day 5  Free Day

Perhaps take time to explore further the pretty harbour and old quarter of San Sebastián, which dates back 500 years to the times of the conquest of the Americas:  Columbus’ house, Church of the Incarnation and Columbus’ well, where water supplies were taken for his final voyage. It’s market day here today too. Or just relax in the hotel’s gardens by the pool.

Day 6  Vallehermoso Circular Walk  12km/7mi/5hr

This walk reveals the very best of the island – verdant gorges, dramatic coastline, and magnificent views. From bustling Vallehermoso in the fertile northwest, we ascend a lush ravine, fragrant with the scent of wild camomile and sage, planted with papaya and bamboo to the Santa Clara chapel for a picnic lunch. A stunning coastal walk and a beautiful descent with a  commanding view of lofty Roque Cano, returns us to Vallehermoso.

Day 7  Descent to Valle Gran Rey  12km/7mi/4hr

From Las Hayas in the west, we descend through heather and laurel to the freen and gold patchwork of Arure’s terraces.  We picnic at the Ermita del Santo, looking out over the scooped bowl of the Tagaluche ravine, with falcons circling below.  From here we begin our exhilarating ridge walk towards Valle Gran Rey.  The rocky trail takes us past the impressive lava piles of the Riscos de Hereda and on through palm groves famous for their delicious honey.

Day 8  Return home

We take you back to Tenerife for flights home. 

WALKING DETAILS 

This varied 2 boot holiday includes coastal and gorge walking. Walkers should be sure footed and hiking boots are essential. Extreme vertigo sufferers may have problems with days 3 and 7.