On this walking trip to the Canary Islands we explore the little-visited islands of La Gomera and La Palma, as well as the perfect volcanic cone of El Teide on Tenerife. We hike through varied and dramatic scenery with steep-sided valleys, quiet villages and the cloudforest of Parque Garajonay National Park.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour on Tenerife
Arrive Tenerife and check-in at hotel, a short drive from Tenerife South airport. Tenerife is the Canary Islands largest island and probably best known for its sunny beaches. The centre of the island is home to Teide National Park, an area rich in flora and fauna and dramatic in its geological diversity. Spain's highest peak, Mt Teide, sits proudly at 3718 m, in the centre of the park.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Ferry to La Palma
Depending on ferry schedule there might be time for a short but nice walk to the nearby volcano Montaña Roja affording some good views across the south of the island and across the ocean to Gomera. We then transfer to Los Christianos port and take the ferry to Santa Cruz de La Palma(2 1/2 - 3h crossing) and upon arrival we transfer to the hotel in Los Llanos. Afternoon is free for some orientation in the village.
Overnight Standard Hotel
3
Walk to Teneguia Volcano
The most recent volcanic eruption on the Canary Islands was only 40 years ago when the Teneguia in the south of La Palma spewed fire and lava for 24 days. After a 45 min transfer we begin our first hike in the small village Los Canarios and soon reach the San Antonio volcano, from where we have beautiful views of the Teneguia, the lighthouses, the salt pans and a small fishing cove on the southernmost tip of the island. We can visit the volcano Information Centre before continuing our walk. Later we will pass some rock drawings of the native Guanches. In the end, we reach a small bay on the sea with time to swim and relax before the afternoon transfer back to the hotel. (4 hours walking, +100 /-700m)
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4
Walk near Roque de los Muchachos
A transfer brings us up to the Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m), the highest peak of La Palma in the north of the island, from where we can afford wonderful views of the Pico Bejenado and in the Caldera de Taburiente. We walk on the crater rim of the caldera, and will soon pass one of the most important observatories in Europe before arriving later on the summit of Pico de la Cruz (2.351m). We continue from here heading south east with more incredible views across the deep crater and the entire island. On clear days Tenerife and Gomera are easily spotted. After passing Pico de las Nieves we begin our descent and will reach our bus again for taking us back to the hotel. Please note that this walk is heavily depending on weather conditions, in case of cold winds or snowfall in winter tour leader will organize an alternative walk near Los Sauces (3 ½ hours walking time, +150 /-300m)
Overnight Standard Hotel
5
Optional walks in Caldera de Taburiente NP
Today is left free for relaxing or for taking a walk into the Caldera de Taburiente, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Canaries and walkers heaven. With aprox. 10km diameter and up to 2km high, vertical wall this is one of the deppest volcanic craters in the world, largely overgrown with very diverse vegetation on its bottom. There are different options for exploring this spectacular place – the tour leader will advise (3-7h walking)
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6
Ferry to San Sebastian on La Gomera, pm walk to Alto de Garajonay
This morning we travel by Ferry to the other green and rugged island of La Gomera. Pulling into the small, pretty port of San Sebastian we immediately get an idea of the terrain, as impressive mountains loom up from the ocean behind the colourful town. On arrival we take a bus ride to Contadero (1350m) from where we begin our first walk, we ascend to the island’s highest peak –-Alto de Garajonay (1484m) on a clear day we will have a splendid 360° view of the island. Afterwards we return to the trail to cross the road before delving into the Barranco del Cedro, a deep ravine characterised by luxuriant vegetation and a bubbling stream. The trail passes through the Laurisilva forest before reaching the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes and finally the hamlet of El Cedro from where we return to San Sebastian by bus (approx 4-5 hours walk). San Sebastian was Christopher Columbus’ last stopping place before discovering the Americas, so there are several Columbus sites to be visited including the well where he drew water, his house and the church where he prayed. In addition, San Sebastian has two beaches, a host of restaurants and bars, and narrow streets bursting with life.
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7
Walk to La Laja
We start the day with a short bus ride up to the interior to start our first walk from the area of Roque de Agando (1029m) where the giant monolithic rocks of basalt defy belief. We walk for around three and a half hours from the Collada Peraza to La Laja before moving on to San Sebastian, the lively capital of the island and our nightstop for the next two nights
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8
Free day for optional walks
The day is left free. You may wish to walk from Ayamosna to Cabrito and on to Guancha Beach taking you back into San Sebastian (5 hrs walking, +/-500m), Alternatively drive to Valle Gran Rey for a swim on the sunny side of the island
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9
Walk from Vallehermoso to Agulo
This morning we drive to Hermigua, where we will drop our luggage at the next hotel before continuing on to Vallehermoso from where we walk to Agulo, arguably La Gomera’s more beautiful town with colonial buildings lining the winding streets. The cliff edge location provides panoramic views of the ocean and Mt Teide on Tenerife. A short transfer brings us to Hermigua in the afternoon. 6 hours walking time, +/-800m
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10
Walk to Playa La Caleta
Playa de la Caleta is a 1.8km stretch of volcanic black sand, with quite a strong current. Popular with visitors it is well known for delicious fresh fish. Our walk starts at the hotel and through rugged terrain and a spectacular, deep gorge we will finally arrive to La Caleta for enjoying our well earned rest with the chance to have snacks and a coffee. Later we get picked up and transferred back to the hotel (4 hours walking time, +600/-800m)
Overnight Standard Hotel
11
Ferry to Tenerife, optional visit to Teide NP
This morning we drive to San Sebastian port and board a ferry to take us back to Tenerife From the port we are transferred to El Medano where you can either spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or you can take an optional visit to the Teide National Park and do a guided walks around the famous Roques de Garcia (approx. 2-4 hours optional walk).
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12
Tour ends Tenerife
Tour ends after breakfast. If you are staying on perhaps you might re-visit Teide National Park or simply relax on one of the many beaches.