Hiking: Top Routes★★★
La Gomera is — alongside La Palma — the best hiking island in the Canary Islands. The trail network covers around 650 km of marked paths, and the diversity of landscapes in such a small area is astonishing: laurel forest, pine grove, palm gorge, volcanic plateau, steep coast, and subtropical terraces within a few kilometers.
Top 5 Day Hikes
1. Vallehermoso — Chorros de Epina — Arure
The most beautiful ridge hike on La Gomera. From Vallehermoso (northwest) over the ridge to Arure with constant panoramic views of both coasts. Along the way, the sacred spring Chorros de Epina (5 pipes — according to legend, you drink from each for a specific fortune). 14 km, 6 hrs, moderate, return by bus (Línea 1).
Starting point: Vallehermoso bus station [28.1760, -17.2630]
2. Hermigua — El Cedro — Garajonay Summit
Ascent from the fertile Hermigua valley through banana plantations into the laurel forest El Cedro and further to the summit of Garajonay. Dramatic landscape change: subtropical → cloud forest → alpine heath. 12 km, 5 hrs, challenging (900 meters of ascent).
Starting point: Hermigua bus station [28.1660, -17.1920]
3. Roque de Agando Circuit
Short but impressive hike around La Gomera's most famous rock monolith — the Roque de Agando (1,250 m), a volcanic plug that juts out of the forest like a finger. Together with the neighboring Roques (Ojila, Carmona, Las Lajas), it forms La Gomera's most iconic landscape. 4 km, 1.5 hrs, easy.
Starting point: Parking lot on the TF-713 [28.1050, -17.2000]
4. Valle Gran Rey — La Mérica — Arure
Ascent from the Valley of the Great King via the old mule path (Camino de la Mérica) to the high plateau. Steep switchbacks with deep views into the valley, above Canarian pines and views of Teide. 8 km, 4 hrs, challenging (800 meters of ascent).
Starting point: La Calera, Valle Gran Rey [28.0970, -17.3290]
5. Fortaleza de Chipude — Circuit
The table mountain Fortaleza (1,243 m) was a sacred site of the Guanches. Short ascent to the flat summit plateau with archaeological remains and spectacular panoramic views. The rock itself is an imposing basalt block. 5 km, 2.5 hrs, moderate (one section slightly exposed).
Starting point: Chipude village square [28.1030, -17.2810]
💡 Tipp
Without a rental car, the hiking starting points are difficult to reach. The guaguas (buses) run infrequently (often only 2–3 times a day) and the connections do not always fit. Best tip: organize a "hiking taxi" — several providers (e.g., Taxi Gomera, approx. €15–30 per transfer) take groups to the starting points. The hiking map from Kompass (1:30,000, No. 231, approx. €12) is the best available.
