Led by our expert local walking guide this varied guided walking holiday allows you to discover the breathtaking natural beauty of La Gomera. Short transfers to various locations around the island ensure you will experience the bewitching variety of landscapes on offer in this sub-tropical paradise.
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage National Park of Garajonay, a rare example of the humid sub-tropical forest that covered most of Europe before the arrival of man. From the misty heights of its peak, we will walk through forests and fertile terraces dotted with palms and rugged ravines. We’ll follow goat herders’ tracks and ancient paths, linking remote villages and hermitages perched above dramatic gorges with spectacular coastal views. La Gomera is also a plant lover’s paradise due to its temperate climes; it offers a wide variety of plants and we spot many endemic and sometimes rare species. As we explore the pretty towns and villages en route, we’ll stop for refreshing drinks and also include lunch in two restaurants specialising in local cuisine.
Your base is the stunning and tranquil 4 star Parador in the charming capital of San Sebastian. Perched high on the cliff top and surrounded by exotic gardens planted with hibiscus, bougainvillea and palms, the hotel’s pool is spectacularly positioned overlooking the sea and the colourful harbour below. It is built in traditional Canarian style with elegantly furnished wooden-beamed rooms with air conditioning and pretty interior patios. Excellent evening meals are served in the hotel, and expect to sample some typical Gomeran specialities.
What's Included
All accomodation
All buffet breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 evening meals.
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Services of an experienced walking guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Visas & vaccinations
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Wine not included with dinner
5Days of Walking & Trekking
Terrain:
This varied level 2 holiday includes coastal and gorge walking. Walkers should be sure footed and hiking boots are essential. Those with a fear of heights may have problems with days 4 and 6. In order that you see as much of this varied region as possible, transfers (typically 45-70 minutes) are built into the beginning/end of most walking days.
Day 2
8 km / 5 miles
Day 3
10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 4
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 6
10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 7
11 km / 6.8 miles
People, Places & Planet
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Itinerary
San Sebastian
San Sebastian
London
London
Day
1
Arrive in San Sebastian
We meet you at the airport and take you to Los Cristianos. You have free time to eat or drink, walk by the seaside or go to the beach until the ferry departure. We will take care of your luggage. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board)
Meals included: Dinner
Day
2
El Roque Agando
Today’s walk starts in the impressive surroundings of Los Roques with gigantic lava plugs all around us. We descend through colourful vegetation and Canarian Pine and palm trees to the pretty white cottages of Benchijigua, one of the oldest settlements on the island. A short climb rewards us with stunning views of the Santiago ravine, towered over by the colossal Roque Agando, before we finish our walk in the hamlet of Imada. Ravines and rocks are evidence of the erosion here after two million years without volcanic eruptions, while terraced fields colonise the steep slopes and goat-bells ring in the distance. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board)
A UNESCO World Heritage National Park since 1986, the ancient laurel forest of the Garajonay National Park is a magical green oasis. Today’s walk descends gently through the high-humidity forest, alive with flora and fauna including wax myrtle, Canary laurel, blue tits and Bolle’s pigeons; our expert local guide will share their knowledge with us. We follow one of the few streams on the island which flows all year round, down towards the hamlet of El Cedro where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant, dining on watercress soup, gofio, almogrote and goats’ cheese, before continuing our walk through the forest. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board)
Starting in Arure with its patchwork of green and gold terraces, the ground opens dramatically on both sides. There are spectacular views from the ridge over the most emblematic valley on the island – Valle Gran Rey – to the left, and over Taguluche village far down to the right. We continue our walk, passing goat farms, until an abandoned canal leads us to a terraced plateau which is deserted apart from some ruined houses. We walk down to La Calera where locals grow bananas, mangos and avocados in abundance. It’s time for a refreshing swim in the ocean and a relaxing drink. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board)
Today you could explore the pretty harbour and old quarter of San Sebastian, which dates back 500 years to the Conquest of the Americas. Here you can see Columbus’ house, the Church of the Incarnation and Columbus’ well, where water supplies were taken for his final voyage. It’s also market day here today. Or maybe just relax in the hotel’s beautiful gardens by the pool. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Vallehermoso Walk
This walk reveals the very best of the island with verdant gorges, dramatic coastline, and magnificent views. From bustling Vallehermoso in the fertile north west, we ascend a lush ravine 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. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board)
Today, a short and spectacular climb to the Garajonay peak, in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage National Park, rewards us with breathtaking views of the islands of La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. We’ll pass fig, palm and Canary pine trees as we descend through some of the most iconic villages in La Gomera, the first being Igualero, from where we can see the UNESCO World Heritage monument to Silbo Gomero. We head on to the 16th century mountain village of Chipude, where we pass a huge rock fortress, The Fortress of Chipude (or Argodey) and where we stop for a typical Canarian lunch. We finish the day in El Cercado where traditional pottery methods are still used in some of the craft shops. Round off your week with a tasty local tipple such as guarapo, mistela or gomeron. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board)
Alternative Air Travel Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many ‘low cost’ airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: San Sebastian Location end: San Sebastian
Transfer Details
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers TUI Airways Gatwick to Tenerife South Reina Sofia 09:40/14:00, 08:10/12:35 Jan-Mar, 08:40/13:00 Apr, then ferry to La Gomera 19:00/19:50* (transfer to hotel, 10 mins, provided). Return: Ferry from La Gomera to Tenerife 07:30/08:20* then Tenerife South to Gatwick 15:15/19:30, 13:50/18:05 Jan-Mar, 14:00/18:15 Apr. *Ferry times are subject to change.
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Standard transfers Transfers included from Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport at 14:00 and back to Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport at 07:00.
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Visa
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Canarian dishes tend to be simple and elegant, owing much to sun-ripened tropical fruits such as paw-paw, prickly pear and bananas, local vegetables such as sweetcorn and potatoes, and fresh fish such as moray and snapper.
Specialities include conejo al salmorejo (slow cooked rabbit with garlic, paprika and chili); rancho canario (a chickpea meaty soup), ropa vieja (chicken, pork and or beef stew); chocos (cuttlefish); and potaje de berros (watercress soup). The most popular fish are members of the sea bass family – cherne, cabrilla or merluza are common, and you may find grilled swordfish (espada a la plancha), as well as calamares (squid), gambas (prawns) and pulpo (octopus).
All the islands produce their own wine. Worth a try are those from the DOC region Tacoronte Acentejo produced by Insulares Tenerife, Viña Norte, produced from Listan Negro and Negramol grape. Wine producer Bodega S. Vinícola from La Gomera is well known for its Garajonay, an aromatic yellowish white, produced from 100% Forastera grape.
Hotel
Your base is the stunning and tranquil 4 star Parador in the charming capital of San Sebastian. Perched high on the cliff top and surrounded by exotic gardens planted with hibiscus, bougainvillea and palms, the hotel’s pool is spectacularly positioned overlooking the sea and the colourful harbour below. It is built in traditional Canarian style with elegantly furnished wooden-beamed rooms with air conditioning and pretty interior patios. Excellent evening meals are served in the hotel, and expect to sample some typical Gomeran specialities.
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