Garajonay National Park
Walk through the UNESCO Garajonay National Park
Unspoilt island
Spend time on one of the most unspoilt islands in the Canaries
Great views
Drink in breath-taking views
Welcome to La Gomera, the island that time forgot. Thanks to its size and steep landscape, La Gomera is one of the most untouched Canary Islands and a true paradise for hikers. Join us on this walking holiday as we marvel at steep cliffs, laurel rainforests, canyons, black sand beaches and endless views.
Grade: Medium
Extras
After landing in Tenerife, we will transfer to Los Cristianos before transferring by ferry to San Sebastián de la Gomera. We will be directly transferred to the quiet village of Chipude, where we stay for the first three nights.
The first walk on the week starts from our hotel. We head to the top of the island, the Alto de Garajonay. We pass near La Fortaleza, a massive volcanic mesa (flat-topped) formation used by the ancient Gomeros to pray to their gods. We flank the magnificent Erques Barranco and climb to Igualero, the highest village in La Gomera, where stands the monument to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Silbo Gomero, the whistled language of Gomera!!. From here to the top is a short distance.
Departing from our hotel in Chipude, today’s walk takes us to the neighbouring hamlet of El Cercado,
famous locally for its traditional pottery, still made by women generation after generation without the use of a potter’s wheel. We can take the opportunity to sample some local drinks: guarapo, mistela and gomerón, and discover the importance of palm trees for the local economy while starting our descent. A steep, paved path leads us to the bottom of the impressive Valle Gran Rey.
Today we can enjoy a well-earned day off! After breakfast, we transfer to San Sebastián, on the east coast, our base for our last 4 nights. Perhaps discover the capital town of the island, the charm of Torre del Conde park and La Asunción church, or relax at La Cueva beach.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Today we enjoy a superb walk through the Laurisilva forest. Garajonay National Park has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site title for being the best-preserved primary forest of its kind on the planet. Many species of trees, plants and animals have found its home in this green paradise. Our local guide will introduce you to its botanical richness outlining the importance of running water while crossing the park from south to north following the stream of El Cedro, until we reach the tiny hamlet of El Cedro, where we taste the local gastronomy.
Today take time out, enjoy a stroll in town or perhaps join an optional whale watching excursion from Valle Gran Rey including views of the spectacular southwest cliffs.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Our bus transfer takes us to the north of the island passing by Hermigua valley and lovely town of Agulo. Our hike starts from Vallehermoso and ascends until the ridge of Santa Clara and Chijeré. As wegain elevation over the valley, we come across several forms of vegetation: euphorbias, junipers, palmtrees and laurel forests at different altitudes and require the various natural conditions to grow. La Gomera is an outstanding place for biodiversity.
We say goodbye to La Gomera and take the ferry back to Tenerife for our return flight back to the UK.
Transfer Time 20 mins & 10 mins
The family-run Hotel Apartamentos Villa Gomera is located in the centre of San Sebastián de la Gomera. Just a 5 minutes’ walk from the beach and marina.
Breakfast room, as well as a reading and TV room.
All rooms feature a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Rooms have a safe, desk and wardrobe.
Hotel Sonia Chipude is located in El Cercado.
Continental breakfast is served daily
Free WiFi, a terrace and garden views, restaurant and bar.
All rooms have a balcony with a city view, wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
The transfer time from Tenerife South Airport to Chipude, La Gomera is approximately 4 hours, depending on weather and traffic and includes a ferry crossing.
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium and you can expect to walk 9.3 to 11.7km per day, with ascents/descents (some of which are steep), rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved. This is not suitable for those who are nervous of heights or suffer from vertigo.
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions
Alto de Garajonay (1.487m)
Length: 9,3 km / 5.8 miles
Walking Time: 4 hours
Ascent: +650m
Descent: -375m
Valle Gran Rey
Length: 11,7 km / 7.3 miles
Walking Time: 4 hours
Ascent: +275m
Descent: -1.325m
Garajonay National Park
Length: 9,8 km / 6.1 miles
Walking Time: 4 hours
Ascent: +550m
Descent: -800m
Vallehermoso
Length: 9,7 km / 6 miles
Walking Time: 4 hours
Ascent: +650m
Descent: -825m
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
The weather on La Gomera, is unpredictable – particularly in mountainous areas. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €20 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 21 °C | 15 °C |
| March | 22 °C | 16 °C |
| April | 23 °C | 16 °C |
| May | 24 °C | 17 °C |
| June | 26 °C | 19 °C |
| July | 27 °C | 21 °C |
| August - September | 28 °C | 21 °C |
| October | 26 °C | 20 °C |
| November | 24 °C | 22 °C |
| December | 22 °C | 16 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
