Walkwise Walking La Gomera
Overview
A walker’s paradise, this small island is blessed with natural beauty, the kind of which ranges from lush valleys to awe inspiring cliffs and impressive rock formations formed by ancient volcanic activity: From the central mountain plateau where the mists swirl around the ancient laurel forests to the deep chasms of the many dramatic gorges that carve through from the mountains to the sea. Add to this the charming, whitewashed villages and the terrific network of walking trails and one can’t go wrong. Our excellent accommodation is ideally situated in the island’s main town of San Sebastián and is a superb base from which to explore the island. Even the journey there will be an enjoyable adventure as we take the ferry over from the honey pots of southern Tenerife to the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful and untamed island.
Your holiday includes
- International flights
- Airport transfers
- Hold Luggage as outlined on the flights
- Return ferry crossing from Tenerife to San Sebastián de La Gomera
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- 2 evening meals
- 5 picnic lunches
- 5 guided walks led by professional guides with two walks each day a shorter and longer option to suit your needs
Your holiday extras
- Single supplement if required
- Personal travel insurance (max walking height 1487m)
- Drinks
- Some meals
- Optional excursions
- Personal extras
- Transport to and from walks approx 30 Euro per person per walking day payable locally
Although its population is only 9,500 San Sebastián de la Gomera is very much the capital of the island, so there is no shortage of bars, cafes and good quality restaurants to try out. It has an appealing historic centre with shaded plazas and pedestrian friendly streets and its colourful back streets are a pleasure to explore. Its claim to fame is that Christopher Columbus stayed here on his way to the New World, indeed many of the town’s main sights have some connection to the man, but if you really want to find out more there is a small museum in the Casa de Colón with exhibitions showing his voyages. If it’s history you are looking for, the small archaeological museum showcases both the island’s Guanche past and present- day culture. Also in the town is the Torre del Conde itself; built in 1447 it was the first building of any note to be erected on the island and is well worth a visit. You may however be looking to just relax on your day off and for this there is the sandy beach of the Playa de San Sebastián.
Location & Itinerary
In natural beauty, La Gomera rivals all seven islands of the Canary archipelago. This unspoilt utopia is criss-crossed by ancient trails that lead the way for walkers and nature lovers to explore. At the heart of the island there lies a natural spectacle that simply cannot be missed; the Garajonay National park encompasses one of last vestiges of ancient laurel forest that was once common throughout the Mediterranean. This wonderful landscape of lush vegetation contains some of the island’s best walking trails and we will undoubtedly be taking a trip there on one of the days. Both the hard and moderate walk will also include the ascent of the island’s highest peak – Garajoney itself which at nearly 5,000ft affords us a splendid view across the central plateau. The moderate walkers need not worry though as the coach takes us most of the way up! Closer to the hotel there are also superb possibilities for our walks; one option is to climb straight out of the town onto the rugged mountain path across the face of Jaragán peak and into the lovely valley beyond before descending back to the coast, but another is to head west along the coast path to Playa de la Guancha. From here a delightful ridge walk runs up to the impressive Roque Sombrero!
The island’s main town on the north western side of the island is Vallerhermoso and despite the lengthy coach ride to get there this area simply can’t be missed. We are spoilt for choice with the number of quality routes from here but one preference would be to follow the ancient camino to the Tesilinde plateau. From here there is a sensational path with stunning views opening up over the north western tip of the island and towards the spectacular Roque de los Organos. After a breath-taking descent to the coast at Playa de Vallerhermoso the hard walkers can make their way back to the start via the Tamargada Valley.
Again the moderate walkers won’t miss out as there are easier routes to the same vistas involving less ascent. Another walk which is high on any hikers list is the scenically impressive circuit around the district of Hermigua. This walk takes us past the highest waterfall on the island, through laurel forest & finally along a panoramic path above the Hermigua valley passing the hermitage of San Juan. To the west of the island lies the magnificent Val Gran Rey (valley of the king) where the hard walkers might wish to take on the circuit involving the ascent of the peak La Mercia from where the views are second to none while the moderate walkers take it a little easier walking idyllic countryside, fairy tale forests and tiny hamlets on the beautiful caminos between Arure Las Hayas.
There are as you can see so many walking possibilities on the island that our biggest problem is deciding what to leave out.
With such a wealth of habitats and scenery our walking program is varied to say the least. Each day you can choose from two walks, either take the shorter option, walking 7-9 miles with between 300 & 1,500 ft of ascent, or push yourself a little, doing slightly longer 9-13 miles with up to 3,000 ft ascent (some hard walks may require a good head for heights). Some walks may have long descents.
Travel & Stay
The Hotel Torre del Conde is superbly located just beside the emblematic Torre del Conde Park and right amidst the historical village of San Sebastián de La Gomera. Recently refurbished and enlarged, the building has become a perfect place to enjoy a trip to La Gomera. It is situated a mere 500 metres from the harbour making it an ideal location once you step off the ferry from Tenerife. All its rooms, very modern yet environmentally oriented, have flat-screen TV sets with satellite channels, free Wifi, air conditioning, private bathroom with hairdryer, minibar, radio, direct phone connection, and safe (hiring is needed). There is a roof top terrace that works as a sunbathing area or as a viewpoint view for those who take pleasure from landscapes.
Provisional Flight Information
15/03/2025 London Gatwick to Tenerife Dep: 0850 Arr: 1310
22/03/2025 Tenerife to London Gatwick Dep: 1420 Arr: 1845
15/03/2025 Manchester to Tenerife Dep: 0750 Arr:1225
22/03/2025 Tenerife to Manchester Dep: 1300 Arr:1725
15/03/2025 Birmingham to Tenerife Dep: 0725 Arr:1200
22/03/2025 Tenerife to Birmingham Dep: 1300 Arr:1735
15/03/2025 London Luton to Tenerife Dep: 0710 Arr: 1145
22/03/2025 Tenerife to London Luton Dep: 1240 Arr: 1705
15/03/2025 Bristol to Tenerife Dep: 0730 Arr: 1140
22/03/2025 Tenerife to Bristol Dep: 1230 Arr: 1650
15/03/2025 Edinburgh to Tenerife Dep: 0755 Arr: 1250
22/03/2025 Tenerife to Edinburgh Dep: 1345 Arr: 1840
Luggage allowance
London Gatwick - 23kg plus small cabin bag
Manchester - 20kg plus small cabin bag
Birmingham - 22kg plus small cabin bag
London Luton - 23kg plus small cabin bag
Bristol - 22kg plus small cabin bag
Edinburgh - 22kg plus small cabin bag
Transfers
It’s a fairly short transfer from the airport to the port of Los Cristianos from where we’ll take the ferry crossing to La Gomera. On arrival at San Sebastián de La Gomera we don’t even need a coach as it’s only a short walk from the port across to our hotel.
Availability & Pricing
| Flights | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Own flight without transfers | £1145.00 | Available |
| London Luton | £1375.00 | Available |
| London Gatwick | £1385.00 | Available |
| Bristol | £1425.00 | Available |
| Birmingham | £1435.00 | Available |
| Manchester (rtn 31 March) | £1435.00 | Sold Out |
| Manchester | £1455.00 | Available |
| Manchester (rtn 29 Mar) | £1455.00 | Sold Out |
| Edinburgh | £1555.00 | Available |
| Accommodation | Price | |
| Place in a double room (must be for 2) | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a twin share room | £0.00 | Sold Out |
| Place in a twin share room (female only) | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a single room | £289.00 | Sold Out |
| Option | Price | |
| Manchester flight - additional 10kg cabin bag | £50.00 | Sold Out |
| Luton flight - additional 10kg cabin bag | £59.00 | Available |
Not enough spaces left for you? Click here to join the waitlist
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.
ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to a number of European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport (and other documents if required) and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. Spice Escapes have arranged a scheme with Staysure who are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 663617) full details of which can be found on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk. For an instant online quotation please click here.
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).
UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.
Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.
NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!
The latest FCO travel guidance for Spain
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
Host & Everything Else
La Gomera is an all year round destination but the best times for walkers to visit are from March to April or September to October. The summers are too hot for walking on the open trails, however, in March the typical daytime temperature is a very pleasant 21oC. But as always there is a little more to it than this, the main rains fall in January and February, which turn the island so green thereafter. The winds have a dominant affect on the weather; a northerly brings cloud by lunch time, the easterlies heat and dry haze, and the tropical winds may even bring a threat of thunder! So as clear as Michael Fish! You should pack for sunny days and protect yourself from the direct sun as well as drinking plenty of water, but also be aware, that at high altitudes, it may well turn out to be quite cold so fleeces and waterproofs must be packed.
You need to have many of the same things with you, as you would have for a typical British spring day on the mountains. The following list is a suggestion of what you may wish to bring with you
You MUST have:
- Walking boots
- A Water bottle (minimum 1 litre, 2litre is much better)
- A Rucksack with a plastic liner
- Waterproofs: jacket and trousers
- A Warm hat
- Warm gloves (not leather)
- Thick walking socks
- Base layer: (thin thermal or warm T-shirt. Best not to be cotton as it gets cold when wet)
- Over layer: (warm sweater or fleece)
- Extra layer: warm top for when cold (e.g. when stopped for lunch)
- Comfortable walking trousers (not jeans as they are too cold & heavy when wet)
- Personal Medication
- A torch for use in the tunnels
- Smart casual clothes for the evening.
- T shirts
- Shorts
- Swim wear
- Sun tan lotion
- Sun glasses
You may wish to bring:
- Vacuum flask (if you like hot drinks on the hill)
- Medium size Tupperware container or plastic bag, to put picnic lunch in.
- Sit mat
- Lip salve
- Camera
- Personal first aid kit
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