Walking on La Gomera

We meet you at the airport and take you to Los Cristianos. You have free time to eat or drink, walk by the seaside or go to the beach until the ferry departure. We will take care of your luggage. Stay: Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) (D).

Today's walk starts in the impressive surroundings of Los Roques with gigantic lava plugs all around us. We descend through colourful vegetation and Canarian Pine and palm trees to the pretty white cottages of Benchijigua, one of the oldest settlements on the island. A short climb rewards us with stunning views of the Santiago ravine, towered over by the colossal Roque Agando, before we finish our walk in the hamlet of Imada. Ravines and rocks are evidence of the erosion here after two million years without volcanic eruptions, while terraced fields colonise the steep slopes and goat-bells ring in the distance. Stay: Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) (B/L/D).

A UNESCO World Heritage National Park since 1986, the ancient laurel forest of the Garajonay National Park is a magical green oasis. Today's walk descends gently through the high-humidity forest, alive with flora and fauna including wax myrtle, Canary laurel, blue tits and Bolle's pigeons; our expert local guide will share their knowledge with us. We follow one of the few streams on the island which flows all year round, down towards the hamlet of El Cedro where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant, dining on watercress soup, gofio, almogrote and goats' cheese, before continuing our walk through the forest. Stay: Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) (B/L/D).

Starting in Arure with its patchwork of green and gold terraces, the ground opens dramatically on both sides. There are spectacular views from the ridge over the most emblematic valley on the island - Valle Gran Rey - to the left, and over Taguluche village far down to the right. We continue our walk, passing goat farms, until an abandoned canal leads us to a terraced plateau which is deserted apart from some ruined houses. We walk down to La Calera where locals grow bananas, mangos and avocados in abundance. It's time for a refreshing swim in the ocean and a relaxing drink. Stay: Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) (B/L/D).

Today you could explore the pretty harbour and old quarter of San Sebastian, which dates back 500 years to the Conquest of the Americas. Here you can see Columbus' house, the Church of the Incarnation and Columbus' well, where water supplies were taken for his final voyage. It's also market day here today. Or maybe just relax in the hotel's beautiful gardens by the pool. Stay: Parador de La Gomera) (B).

This walk reveals the very best of the island with verdant gorges, dramatic coastline, and magnificent views. From bustling Vallehermoso in the fertile north west, we ascend a lush ravine to the Santa Clara chapel for a picnic lunch. A stunning coastal walk and a beautiful descent with a commanding view of lofty Roque Cano, returns us to Vallehermoso. Stay: Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) (B/L/D).

Today, a short and spectacular climb to the Garajonay peak, in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage National Park, rewards us with breathtaking views of the islands of La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. We'll pass fig, palm and Canary pine trees as we descend through some of the most iconic villages in La Gomera, the first being Igualero, from where we can see the UNESCO World Heritage monument to Silbo Gomero.

We head on to the 16th century mountain village of Chipude, where we pass a huge rock fortress, The Fortress of Chipude (or Argodey) and where we stop for a typical Canarian lunch. We finish the day in El Cercado where traditional pottery methods are still used in some of the craft shops. Round off your week with a tasty local tipple such as guarapo, mistela or gomeron. Stay: Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) (B/L/D).

The tour ends after breakfast in San Sebastian.