Hiking in La Gomera

Countless travellers head for La Gomera attracted by its incredible biodiversity and the beauty of its almost untouched, wild and authentic nature.

Many choose to go hiking to get to know it, and there is an extensive network of trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty so that all hikers can enjoy the island. Here's what you need to know about hiking in La Gomera.

When to go hiking in La Gomera?

All year round is a good time for hiking in La Gomera. The average temperature on the island is 22ºC all year round, with a mild and pleasant tropical climate.

Do you know the microclimates of La Gomera?

Something that will surprise you when you go hiking in La Gomera is that the landscapes and temperatures on the island vary greatly depending on where you are.

This is because there are different microclimates on the island, and knowing which ones exist in the area where you are or where you are going will help you to pack your suitcase and plan the routes and activities you will do during your stay:

Are there many tourists for hiking in La Gomera?

Hiking is a very popular activity on La Gomera. The highest levels of tourism in the Canary Islands are in summer and winter.

However, unlike other parts of Spain, La Gomera is an island that is far removed from mass tourism, so you won't feel the crowds when hiking here. It's really a place to relax and connect with yourself and nature.

What is the hiking experience on La Gomera like?

The island has more than 600 kilometres of trails of all types (circular, linear, by bicycle...) and for all levels, which are in a very good state of conservation and are generally well signposted.

You can get a map of the island's footpaths at the tourist offices on La Gomera or on the Internet. Take it with you on your mobile phone, although I also recommend that you carry it on paper in case your battery runs out.

Along with whale watching, visiting charming villages and beautiful beaches, hiking is one of the best things to do in La Gomera.

As it is a low-difficulty route, it is ideal for beginners or families with children.

On route number 12 of the Garajonay National Park you will see laurel forests and mossy floors shrouded in mist, which gives the landscape a magical aspect, as if it were an enchanted place!

Then the path goes to Risquillos de Corgo, where you will find a viewpoint with spectacular panoramic views of the Vallehermoso Basin. If you prefer, you can book a route through the Garajonay National Park to go with an expert guide and visit more areas of the park.

Route 18 of the Garajonay National Park is one of the longest and most famous routes in La Gomera.

Due to its high difficulty, it is not recommended for families with children or beginner hikers, but if you are an expert hiker, don't hesitate! Even so, it is an easy and easy to follow trail.

In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful routes due to its variety of landscapes where you can see forests of Fayal Brezal, Laurisilva de Ladera, Monteverde and Brezales de Cumbres. On this route you can also see the Benchijigua and Guarimiar ravines.

Route 10 Cañada de Jorge, a circular route lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, will allow you to get to know the particularities of the southern area of the Garajonay Park. It is perfect if you don't have much time to go hiking but don't want to miss the opportunity to do so.

Most of the trail runs through a forest of fayal - heather, a type of vegetation related to the laurel forest but less humid.

It is a very relaxing walk.

If you want to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of La Gomera, you have to do route 7 that leads to the Alto de Garajonay, the highest point of the island. It is suitable for most hikers of all ages.

Along route 7 you will be able to see the beautiful views of the landscapes of the peaks of La Gomera and the surrounding islands (El Hierro, La Palma and Tenerife) until you reach the highest point of the Garajonay Park.

From here you will not only enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the park and the island, but you will also be able to see several archaeological sites related to ancient ceremonial centres of the Gomeran people who inhabited the island centuries ago.

As with any excursion in nature, it is important to be well equipped for anything that might happen along the way. For hiking in La Gomera my advice is to take the following things with you:

Absolutely! Hiking in La Gomera is a fantastic plan to do with children, especially if they like to go hiking. It will be a very special experience for them as they will see unique landscapes, they will be able to play outdoors and have a great time as a family.

When choosing where to go hiking on the island with the family, it is best for parents to opt for a simple route that can be done in half a day so that they don't get tired and can spend the rest of the day doing other activities that they also enjoy.

In addition to the two easy routes that I have left you in this post, another option for hiking in La Gomera with children is the path that links Las Hayas with El Cercado, in Valle Gran Rey.

Although some travellers choose to hike La Gomera on their own, if it's your first time visiting the island and you don't know where to start, my advice is to join an organised excursion, such as booking a route through the Garajonay National Park

This allows you to combine the adventure of hiking with learning about the different species that live here and make the island a unique and special place in the world.