La Gomera is a lovely unspoilt island and it was great to walk in the variety of landscapes from the Cloud Forest in the mountainous centre, through Woods and the drier landscapes at the coast. The Hotel was good - San Sebastian is a friendly chilled place to stay. Good food and wine at the local restaurants. Donal was a great guide - very informative -all round it was a lovely relaxing week.
This trip was very well organized. I was very satisfied well planned and communication great through out. Thanks to Andy was on hand to sort a problem. I recommend them and will be using them again soon.
The walking route was nicely maintained, with the mix of hikes across the island. I literally have seen all the gems of La Gomera! The extra days on the beach after almost a week of hikes was amazing as well. It was my first self-guided walking tour, I was a bit concerned if I’ll be able to complete (not being really super fit), but it went so good - instructions are well written, it was easy to follow and on the route my hiking shoes and walking sticks helps a million. I was able to both work out and to unwind. Thank you for all organizational support, good choice of hotels and walking guidance.
Adrift from mainland Spain, the Canary Islands form a dramatic archipelago, each offering a unique landscape to explore on foot. On this adventure, we hike two of the most scenic, led by a guide who knows all the best trails. Starting in Tenerife, you’ll marvel at volcanic-sand beaches, mighty peaks and otherworldly rock formations. Then, catch the ferry – keeping your eyes peeled for playful dolphins – to tranquil La Gomera. Nicknamed the Walker’s Island, it’s laced with extensive trails through subtropical rainforest and scenes of raw, untamed beauty.
Discover cloud forests, volcanoes and plantations on this exotic Spanish island. Your first view of the great volcano Mount Teide (3718m, 12188ft) will probably be from the aeroplane window. A day or two later you will be there, walking across the Cañadas del Teide, a massive crater of 16km diameter to arrive at the unrivalled Parador Las Cañadas del Teide, your overnight stop (2200m).
Mount Teide is Spain's highest mountain and the third tallest volcano in the world. Tenerife is the highest island in the Atlantic and is the largest of the Canary Islands at 1275 square miles, 2053 km2. Walking on North Tenerife is hugely varied and our aim is to show you as much as possible. After the Cañadas del Teide adventure, you explore the north west of the island with its own mountain range, the Teno and views across the sea to the island of La Gomera and down the cliffs to the impossibly located village of Masca. Finally, there is a walk in the rugged Anaga Peninsula - its top is covered in dripping ancient 'laurisilva' woodland. Descending past fertile cultivated fields, tiny villages, then dry cactus strewn valleys, you'll reach the rocky coast of this stunning Canary Island.
This is an island walking adventure like no other.
This hike could be combined with the 8-day La Gomera walk (code JG8) to make a fabulous two-week Canarian walking holiday.
El Hierro is the least known, and most westerly, of the Canary Islands. In fact, it was the most westerly point of the 'old world'. El Hierro has escaped mass tourism and with a population of just over 6,500 it has a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. The Herrenos are fiercely proud of their island and are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers.
Like its neighbours, El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity along an offshoot of the mid-Atlantic ridge. There has not been an eruption on the island since the 18th century, but the cones of ash and old lava flows are a prominent feature of the island. The small central plateau, at 1000m or more, offers a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures (cattle, sheep and goats provide fine cheeses), and the beautiful Canarian pine woodlands. To the north the lowland of El Golfo resembles a huge bite taken out of the island, and the impressive bordering escarpment, reaching 1500m in altitude, features in our walks. On the lower land of El Golfo vines, bananas and pineapples are grown. The islanders have preserved a number of local traditions and some of their sites are included in our routes. Overall, there is a surprisingly rich variety for such a small area!
The walking is designed to pass through the variety of landscapes on the island and to seek out the most spectacular views and a number of locations of cultural and historical significance to the islanders. No two days are the same. Your El Hierro experience begins in the small town of Valverde up on the plateau- the official capital of El Hierro. For early arrivals there are short walks locally to help you to get the feel of the island. From Valverde the route winds across the plateau, down to El Golfo and up again, then across to the far west of the island before heading back again across the plateau to descend and finish by the east coast.
You accommodation is a mix of simple and charming apartments and hostels, to 3 star hotels. All have restaurants either on site or very close by and so we have included half board for you on this holiday.
