Wonderful La Gomera is considered the natural jewel of the Canary Islands with its lush green hills, deep ravines and beaches lined with palm trees. Besides the natural beauty, all of these features also combine to make hiking on La Gomera the best anywhere in the Canaries, not to mention one of the best hiking destinations in all of Spain. Of course, like all the Canary Islands, its terrific beaches are also popular with La Gomera holiday makers and budget hippies alike.
Located well out into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, this gorgeous little island reputedly was named after “Gomer”, the biblical son of Noah. Although there seems to be some dispute over this, even among locals. Nonetheless, in modern times La Gomera hiking has become synonymous with amazing mountainous trails. La Gomera is the second smallest of the Canary Islands at only 370 square kilometres and with a population of just 23,000.
Where to Stay on La Gomera
Our site includes affiliate links to products we recommend. If you use one to make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Choosing where to base yourself for your La Gomera hiking vacaction is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Casas rurales (country houses) are a very popular form of accommodation on La Gomera. They are typically rustic self-catered homes set in quiet, scenic locations. Here are a few of the best casa rurales on La Gomera:
Hotel Rural Casa Lugo is a highly recommended choice very close to Playa de Agulo with modern amenities and a gorgeous setting.
Hotel Escuela Rural Casa Herrera in Hermigua is only about 30 minutes by foot from Agulo Beach and provides comfort in a classic package, sporting terrific views from the terrace.
La Casita de Papel is found on the scenic slopes of Valle Gran Rey, not far from the beaches yet feeling very much like a traditional cottage.
Casa La Terraza in Vallehermoso is more of a hotel than cottage but it is a comfortable, budget option close to hiking trails and the beach.
Casa rural Los Organos de Arguamul, down at the mouth of Vallehermoso, has a private beach, awesome sea views and is filled with modern amenities.
There are also some excellent beach hotels if you prefer to be close to the waves:
Hotel Playa Calera is a stylish, luxurious beach hotel on Playa de Valle Gran Rey with an infinity pool and incredible views at mid-range prices.
Hotel Jardin Tecina on Playa de Santiago might be the best hotel on the island, although the prices are still comparable to an average hotel in downtown Madrid. Featuring immaculate gardens and pools with amazing views of Mount Teide on Tenerife, Hotel Jardin Tecina is the place to treat yourself on La Gomera.
Hiking on La Gomera: 8 Outstanding Trails
Now, on to the best of hiking on La Gomera! We have spent a considerable amount of time hiking in Spain on a pair of Caminos de Santiago, once doing the Camino Frances and later a combination of the Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo. But La Gomera hiking ranks right up there, with arguably better scenery.
There is also plenty of great hiking on Tenerife but La Gomera’s steeply sloped terrain makes for better views. Leading from the remains of an old volcano in the middle of the island down to the rocky and expansive coastline makes the La Gomera trails the best of all the Canarian islands.
With more hikes to choose from than Tenerife, and far less online information, we chose to purchase a highly recommended guidebook: La Gomera: The Finest Coastal and Mountain Walks (Rother) and found it very useful. It was excellent for helping us choose which routes to hike from among the surprisingly wide variety of trails.
The only thing every hike had in common – lots of hills. I challenge you to find a flat spot anywhere while hiking on La Gomera. The maps weren’t the most detailed, but we typically used Wikiloc GPS app to get a more specific look at turns and such.
1. Bailadero – Los Roques – La Laja
9 km loop, 3-4 hrs – strenuous
Rother 65
Stunning hike along the Roques ridge, then way down to La Laja (cute village), then all the way back up to Mirador Bailadero on some rough, rocky trail. Great views all the way but the stretch between La Laja and Bailadero is not for the faint of heart. Steep, with lots of scrambling and slippery in parts.
We definitely do NOT recommend doing it in the opposite direction. Much easier going up that part than down. And don’t try it in the rain. Besides all that, thought, this was probably the most scenic hike we did on Gomera. We started in Bailadero to do a little bit of the uphill at the beginning instead of all at the end, but there is more parking at La Zarcita if all three spots are taken at Bailadero. All in all, well worth it if you’re up for the challenge. Like hiking in the Rockies, but with cacti growing next to the pine trees.
2. Barranco de Guarimiar
11 km loop, 4 hrs – strenuous
Rother 13
Spectacular hike starting at the cute little village of Imada and heading down the Guarimiar gorge. Long, scenic downhill, tough, scenic uphill, then a bit of road walking through Targa and Alojera, then some more great views on your way back into Imada. Amazing hike, but I wouldn’t try it in the rain, if you are uncomfortable hiking down steep rocky trail or don’t like heights.
3. Cumbre de Chijeré
Wikiloc 21363502 starting in Santa Clara
2338613 from Vallehermoso
13 km loop, 4-5 hours – strenuous on the climb to Santa Clara, the rest is easy
Rother 50
A long, tough hike with great views basically the whole way. It is also handy because you can start and end in Vallehermoso. From Vallehermoso to Ermita Santa Clara on foot you gain about 500 m altitude over 4 km hiking steadily uphill through some nice valleys and gorges, but we did it a little differently than most. Laynni wasn’t feeling great so we drove up to Ermita Santa Clara (the high point of the hike) – about half of which was on the highway, the last half on a tiny dirt path that runs precariously along the outside of a steep ridge. We did it in a tiny rental car, so it was manageable, but avoid this if you don’t like driving on the edge of a cliff.
From Santa Clara it is a pleasant gradual descent along a ridge with expansive views (including Mount Teide on Tenerife if it is clear enough) for about an hour when you reach a particularly good viewpoint, then you head straight down to the bottom of the valley with good views back up toward Vallehermoso.
It is not particularly difficult but you’d want to use caution if it happened to rain (sensing a theme here?). Then an easy uphill stroll from near the beach back up to the town. Of course, I still had the big climb back to Santa Clara to get the car, but you will probably get this part taken care of while your legs are still fresh. Great hike with views of the ocean, valley, ridges and distant Teide.
4. Chipude to La Fortaleza
5 km return, 2 hrs (including time at the top) – moderate
Rother 22
The views to exertion ratio on this one is terrific. The climb up La Fortaleza is steep and rocky but short. You’ll have to do some clambering and will find yourself pretty close to some long drops, so it is not a hike for those with limited agility or a fear of heights. For the rest, though, the ridge at the top is almost a rock bridge, and the views from each side of the summit are pretty amazing. Make sure you follow the trail all the way to the end to get the best panoramic.
The guidebook starts this hike in the little village of Chipude, and that is probably where it is easiest to park, but if you want to shorten it further you could easily knock off another kilometre each way by driving past Chipude to where the trail starts to climb. You can’t really miss it.
5. Agulo – Mirador Abrante – El Roquillo
7 km loop, 2-3 hrs – strenuous
Rother 55
You have to climb straight up the side of the cliff to get to the mirador, but the views are outstanding the whole way. Then there is the glass-bottom mirador and restaurant (and road and parking lot). After continuing on a little bit past the mirador you can choose to continue up to the visitor centre (which adds a kilometre each way), or can just cut across to El Roquillo. The way down isn’t too steep in this direction, but if you go the other way it definitely would be. Altogether, a nice hike to and from a nice village.
6. Alto de Garajonay from El Contadero
2.8 km return, 1 hr (from El Contadero) – easy
Rother 66
Maybe the most famous spot on the island, and definitely the highest. The hike is easy – either an hour loop from El Contadero or 3.6 km each way from Pajaritos – but this is all about the big views at the top so make sure you tackle it on a nice clear day. If the skies cooperate you’ll see El Hierro, La Palma and maybe even Gran Canaria, while Mount Teide sits there in plain sight right next door. 360 degree views like this aren’t usually so easy to get to.
7. Playa de la Caleta – Punta San Lorenzo
5 km return, 1 ½ – easy
Rother 58
Easy, scenic hike along the cliffs just next to Hermigua. Views of the beach, Teide and Tenerife, and the ruins of a former dock at the end. The trailhead is at the last hairpin just before the beach and there are a couple parking spots. The drive in is pretty sketchy but if you’ve done much driving on La Gomera then you’ll be used to that by now.
8. Raso de Bruma
4 km return, less than an hour – easy
Rother 28
Short hike through tropical forest. The first time we tried to do the Barranco de Guamiriar hike the trail was clouded in but we set out anyway, then after it started raining and we received a number of dire warnings from a (possibly crazy) old farmer digging seemingly random holes we turned around and went back to Imada, to be saved for another day.
Since the clouds didn’t seem to be letting up anywhere else, either, we chose an easy forest hike near the road instead. There were a couple miradores which provided expansive views of whiteness, but these would probably be more interesting in better weather. The mossy trees and thick undergrowth were suitably fascinating, though, and well worth a short stop on your way to or from Vallehermoso. It starts near the Las Cruces bus shelter about 1 km north of the Las Hayas turn-off on GM 2.
So there you have it, a nicely varied cross-section of hikes in all different areas around the island. Obviously, there are many more worthy choices and, honestly, with an island built like this you’d be hard-pressed to find a poor hike.
La Gomera Hiking Map
Click the star to save this map to your Google Maps – then find it under Saved/Maps (mobile) or Your Places/Maps (desktop)
La Gomera Weather
The Canary Islands are sometimes referred to as the “Land of Eternal Spring” because of the mild temperatures they enjoy all year-round. With average highs/lows only varying from 16/11C in January to 22/16C in August, La Gomera boasts extremely pleasant weather at any time of year. There is essentially no rain in the summer and just slightly more in the winter, which is one of the reasons it is such a great place to hike.
7 Top Things to See on La Gomera
Of course, this diverse and historic island has much more to offer than simply a wealth of amazing La Gomera hikes. Now that you have familiarized yourself with all the best La Gomera hiking trails, here are some of the many other must-see destinations and recommended activities on La Gomera.
1. San Sebastian de la Gomera
The main population centre of La Gomera (despite having less than 7,000 inhabitants), this pleasant town has a scenic promenade, classic walkable old town and some great views of the surrounding hills and bays.
2. Valle Gran Rey
The most popular base for beach lovers and those coming to La Gomera to enjoy the sun and nightlife (although it certainly doesn’t compare with Tenerife in that regard).
3. Vallehermoso
A beautiful, remote valley with stupendous views from almost every angle, Vallehermoso is a very good alternative to the functionality of San Sebastian or beach hedonism of Valle Gran Rey. It is not located on the coast (or close to a beach) but the scenery is unbeatable. If you only have time for one location on La Gomera, this is the one we would recommend.
4. Hermigua
Smaller and lesser known than the others on this list, quaint little Hermigua is once again tucked into a picturesque valley (not quite on the beach, but close) and it retains its traditional charm maybe more than any other La Gomera town.
5. La Gomera Beaches
It wouldn’t be a Canary Island if it didn’t have some amazing beaches. The most popular – and probably best – beach on La Gomera is Playa de Valle Gran Rey. With a gorgeous location at the base of the stunning valley of the same name, this pretty black sand beach is where most visitors end up when it is time to relax and soak up the sun.
Another beautiful and popular beach is Playa de Santiago, on the south side of the island. Home to the famous 4-star Hotel Jardin Tecina, Playa de Santiago has an excellent selection of bars, restaurants and shops.
In the main town of San Sebastian, nice Playa de San Sebastian overlooks the harbour, while just on the other side of the port, tiny little Playa de la Cueva features phenomenal views across the sea to Tenerife and iconic Mount Teide.
On the northeast corner of the island close to the pleasant, cultural favourite of Hermigua there are three nice beaches – scenic Playa de Agulo, quiet Playa de Santa Catalina and comfortable Playa Hermigua. We spent a week in the area exploring all the awesome hiking trails along the rocky shores and enjoying the quiet solitude. There are even the partially standing remains of an old port from its time as an important harbour. A fourth beach, Playa de la Caleta, is a nice, sheltered spot perfect for picnic or calmer waters for swimming.
6. Garajonay National Park
Encompassing the vast majority of La Gomera’s mountainous interior, fabulous Garajonay National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Filled with photogenic mountains, green valleys and fabulous hiking trails, this is the heart of La Gomera’s hiking culture.
7. Silbo Gomero
More tradition than destination, the renowned La Gomera Silbo whistling language has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a way of transforming Spanish into whistle form (“el silbo” means “the whistle”) in order to communicate over long distances, traditionally between and across valleys.
When done correctly by skilled Silbo Gomero speakers it has a range of up to 5 kilometres. And don’t worry, while it is certainly possible to experience Silbo whistling performances while on La Gomera, most people stick with regular spoken Spanish in casual conversation…
Where to Eat on La Gomera
In San Sebastian, Agape Bistro has wonderful Mediterranean food and a well-deserved reputation for outstanding fondue.
Colorado, in Vallehermoso, is often fully booked but if you can get a table this impressive place may just be the highlight of your La Gomera holiday.
Located right on Playa de Valle Gran Rey, La Casa de la Playa has a simple name and offers simple, affordable food. It is a comfortable, friendly place to spend a few hours sipping on a local Dorada beer (or 3) while enjoying the view of the ocean and watching the world pass by on the malecon (he said, remembering fondly).
For something a little different, check out the Asian specialties at FuFu close to Playa de Santa Catalina near Hermigua.
Flights to La Gomera Airport
The international La Gomera Airport (GMZ) is located close to Playa de Santiago on the south side of the island (roughly a 20-minute drive from San Sebastian). Many different airlines fly to Tenerife, where you will change to Binter Canarias airline for the short jaunt over to La Gomera. For checking out flights we usually find that SkyScanner is the fastest and most accurate site.
Ferries from Tenerife to La Gomera
Two companies service the short ferry run (1 hr) between Tenerife and La Gomera.
Fred Olsen ferries run 3-4 times per day between Los Cristianos in Tenerife and San Sebastian de la Gomera (€43/person + €20/car).
Naviera Armas also makes the same trip 3-4 times per day on a slightly different schedule and for about €1 more.
Getting Around La Gomera
There is a network of La Gomera buses that make it possible to travel between towns without your own vehicle and the tickets are quite cheap (€1-5). However, the routes aren’t as frequent as most Europeans are used to and getting to trailheads and some of the more out of the way spots can be next to impossible.
The easiest way to get around La Gomera is by car, so if you aren’t bringing your own we highly recommend renting one since as most of the towns, beaches, trails and viewpoints are difficult to reach via public transportation.
Plus, if you are planning to do a lot of hiking on La Gomera you almost have to have a car to get to all the trailheads. It is also nice to be able to set your own schedule rather than relying on buses or shuttles. We have found Discover Cars usually have the best rental car offers in the area.
And even if you don’t have time to spend several days hiking on La Gomera or exploring the beaches, valleys and villages, there are some excellent tours from Tenerife that hit all the main La Gomera highlights.
Click here for prices and availability
Trip Planning Resources
Here is a list of the most important resources we use when planning our travels, all in one convenient spot. Full disclosure, when you use any of these links to reserve or sign up for something, we receive a small commission which is greatly appreciated. However, your price does not change and we have only included products and websites that we can honestly recommend.
- We book the majority of our hotels on Booking.com. With frequent stay discounts, thousands of reviews and free cancellation, it is very rare for us to have a bad hotel experience these days.
- Wise is by far the best international multicurrency bank account we’ve found. We can now send and receive money in half a dozen different currencies, convert to dozens more with no exchange premium and pay or withdraw local currencies. Highly recommended.
- When travelling we always get SIM cards with data for our phones. Local SIM cards are sometimes a bit cheaper but if you have a relatively new smartphone (iPhone XR or newer, Samsung S20 or newer) you can just buy an eSIM online, get a QR code by email and you’re good to go. After extensive research we have found that Airalo sim cards usually have the best coverage and prices.
- If you’re interested in local guided tours, including everything from city tours to cooking lessons to adventure activities, check out the huge range of options at Get Your Guide.
What to Take When Hiking on La Gomera
It is always important to be prepared when venturing out hiking, especially in the mountains. Obviously, long, challenging hikes require more advance planning and safety gear but even for short hikes you still need to be properly equipped.
Dressing properly will make the experience much more enjoyable and carrying useful safety supplies can ensure you are prepared in case mishaps take place (as they tend to). Here is a quick checklist of items we alway carry, wear or use while hiking:
A good day pack is essential. We have recently become big fans of Gregory packs and would recommend the Gregory Miwok 18 for short hikes or when your gear is split between two people. And the Gregory Optic 48 for longer hikes. I know 48L sounds big but it is a super-light and comfortable pack that cinches down smaller when it isn’t full.
Water is obviously important and we go back and forth between using a Camelbak bladder and just a couple of water bottles. We also keep a few Aquatabs with us at all times just in case we ever run low and want to treat some river or lake water. They are tiny and every now and then come in quite handy. It is always a good idea to carry some snacks as well. It never hurts and sometimes hikes end up taking longer than planned.
Good socks! Everyone understands good shoes or boots are essential (my current favourites are Salomon Cross Hikes) but wearing good wool socks can make just as much of a difference:
Laynni always hikes in compression leggings that she swears by for the extra knee, hip and muscle support.
Layers, baby! You never know what kind of weather nature will throw at you so it pays to be ready for anything. Obviously, the forecast might change what you carry but if there is any doubt (and there almost always is in the mountains), bring extra.
Northface Canyonlands full zip fleece
And just in case we are so impressed by the scenery that we decide it’s worth a photo with both of us in it we always carry the tiny, extremely handy octopus tripod.
Of course, a comprehensive first-aid kit is key to make sure those “mishaps” are simply inconvenient and don’t ruin your whole day.
Other useful items that we sometimes carry and sometimes don’t, depending on the hike:
Hiker Hunger Aluminum trekking poles
Auhike Stainless Steel Crampons
Well, that probably covers most of it, although somehow we have even more to say on the matter in our Day Hike Packing List post. Check it out if you’re looking for even more detailed info.
Hiking on La Gomera Summary
La Gomera may not be the biggest or most popular of the Canary Islands but it is definitely the best place to go if you love unspoiled nature. The hiking on La Gomera is obviously spectacular, and with several unique regions, endless beautiful valleys and just enough sunny beaches to fit the bill on your days off from hiking, La Gomera deserves to be at the top of the list for your next Spanish holiday.
Other Articles You May Find Useful:
Madeira: We’re Sort of Portuguese
Carros de Foc: The Best Hut-to-Hut Hike in Spain
Camino Portuguese Coastal Route: Everything You Need to Know
Camino Frances: The Final Chapter
Camino del Norte: Photos and Ramblings
The Camino Primitivo and Beyond
Mulagljufur Canyon: One of the Best Day Hikes in Iceland