Canary Islands Walking - La Gomera and Tenerife

Day 1 - Join Trip in Los Cristianos, Tenerife; Ferry to La Gomera Island
We'll meet this afternoon at 5.30pm, in the reception of Andrea's Hotel Tenerife in Los Cristianos. From here, we'll take the 6.45pm ferry to La Gomera. The quickest and most efficient way to get to the hotel is by taking a taxi from the airport so there are no transfers offered on this tour To allow ample time to clear customs, pick up bags and take a taxi The latest time your flight can arrive is 3pm. You're free to arrive in Los Cristianos at any time before 5.45pm. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, luggage storage and bathroom facilities are available at Andrea's Hotel. You might like to stroll to the beach, which is nearby - there are plenty of restaurants in Los Cristianos to choose from, too. Our tour leader will meet you at the hotel reception at 6pm to walk to the ferry port together (it's a 15-minute walk and our luggage can be taken by a taxi). We'll then take the 6.45pm ferry to the verdant island of La Gomera. Docking in the small port of San Sebastian, we'll immediately get an idea of the terrain as mountains loom up from the ocean behind the colourful town. Our hotel is located just a five-minute walk from the port - please note, you'll have to carry your own luggage.

Day 2 - Descend to Chejelipes Via La Laja Village
This morning, we'll drive up to Collada de Peraza, the start of our first walk. From here, we'll follow the trail along a winding stone-paved path, through aloe and asphodel, and later pines and then palms. Our first view of La Laja village is backed by the domes of Los Roques - these striking rock formations are a major landmark of the island. We'll descend into the valley, ascending on the other side and arrive at the village. We'll then continue along a quiet rural road following the valley to Chejelipes where we'll meet our bus and return to San Sebastian. This afternoon is free to explore the harbour and backstreets of the town. San Sebastian was Christopher Columbus' last stopping place before discovering the Americas, so several 'Columbus' sites can 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. Today's 10.5-kilometre/6.5-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 200 metres/656 feet of ascent and 1,000 metres/2,952 feet of descent. We'll descend on stone-paved paths, unmade hillside paths and a rural road.

Day 3 - Explore The Cloud Forest and Ascend to Alto de Garajonay
Today, we'll drive to Pajarito from where we'll begin our walk through Garajonay National Park. We'll start by ascending the island's highest peak, Alto de Garajonay (1,484 metres/4,869 feet), from where on a clear day we'll have a 360-degree view of the island. We'll continue on the trail through the dense vegetation of the Laurisilva cloud forest, an ancient Canaries' jungle only found in the Outer Canary Islands: La Gomera, Tenerife and La Palma. Later, we'll reach the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, and Barranco del Cedro a deep ravine surrounded by lush vegetation with a bubbling stream at the bottom. The trail then passes through the hamlets of El Cedro, from where we'll walk over the final hill to meet our bus and return to San Sebastian for the evening. Today's 10.5-kilometre/6.5-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and 900 metres/2,953 feet of descent. The terrain is along unmade paths which can be rocky underfoot.

Day 4 - Walk to The Black Sand Beach of Playa Caleta
This morning, we'll drive to the northeast of the island to Hermigua for a circular walk to Playa Caleta with great views across the Atlantic. Starting from the village, we'll ascend through rugged terrain, before returning via the banana plantations where we should have time for a cofee in a local bar. With its volcanic black sand Playa de la Caleta is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Today's 11-kilometre/6.2-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 400 metres/1,312 feet of ascent and 600 metres/1,969 feet of descent, walking on rough, hillside paths.

Day 5 - Free Day to Relax or Enjoy An Optional Walk
Today is free to relax in San Sebastian or explore more of the local area. For those who\ d like to take part, the tour leader can organize an optional walk through the centre of the island from Arure village to Valle Gran Rey, aprox. 9km long with a strong downhill bias. This walk follows the scenic trail over the Risco de la Merica plateau, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and mountains before descending into Valle Gran Rey, with the chance to unwind on Playa de Caleta beach.

Day 6 - Walk From Vallehermoso to Coastal Town of Agulo
Today we'll start with a drive to Vallehermoso in the north of the island. This small, peaceful town is surrounded by steep hills, palm trees and dry zone vegetation and is the starting point for some of La Gomera's most beautiful hiking trails. We'll follow a trail passing Roque Cano (a distinctive rock feature of the area), terraced fields and banana plantations to the coastal town of Agulo. Agulo was one of the island's first towns and its colonial buildings, winding streets and position directly above the sea have led to it being known as one of La Gomera's most picturesque places. On a clear day, the volcanic cone of El Teide on Tenerife dominates the horizon. We'll spend some time exploring the town or relaxing in one of the cafes before returning to San Sebastian for the evening. Today's 14-kilometre/8.7-mile walk is expected to take around five and a half hours with 770 metres/2,526 feet of ascent and descent. We'll walk on unmade hillside trails, unmade roads and a short distance on pavements.

Day 7 - Ferry Back to Tenerife; Circular Walk on El Teide
This morning, we'll take the ferry back to Tenerife and then drive up onto the slopes of the magnificent Mount Teide, whose crater we'll have been admiring all week from La Gomera. Passing through the fertile zone, we'll reach the desert landscapes of the Teide National Park above the 2,000-metre mark. A picturesque, circular walk across the El Teide Plateau takes us around the Roques de Garcia among many interesting lava formations. For those not wishing to walk today, there is the option to go up to the summit of Teide by cable car (please note, this requires an advance reservation and is not included). Later this afternoon, we'll drive back down the mountain to the resort of San Miquel de Abona on the coast for our final night in Tenerife. Today's 4-kilometre/2.5-mile walk is expected to take around two hours with an ascent and descent of around 150 metres/492 feet.

Day 8 - Trip Ends in San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in San Miquel de Abona. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from San Miquel de Abona at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.