There is only a very basic system of public transport on La Gomera, so the best thing to do is to hire a car. You can then drive to the location of your choice, park your hire car and go hiking! There are also plenty of guided hiking tours that you can take on the island, which will enable you to explore without worrying about losing your way.
Here are details of some of the best places to go hiking during your stay on La Gomera:
Garajonay National Park
La Gomera is home to the Garajonay National Park, a wooded region often shrouded in mist and cloud, which enjoys UNESCO recognition and protection. The park is particularly well known for its sub-tropical laurel forest. The laurel is evergreen and requires both high rainfall and constant temperature to live.
Garajonay National Park is of great scientific interest, as it’s home to a number of animal and plant species that are unique to the Canary Islands.
If you hire a car during your stay, you can drive to the Visitor Centre at Juego de Bolas, in the north of the island. You can park your hire car here and learn more about the Garajonay National Park before you start hiking.
Valle Gran Rey
Valle Gran Rey, in the south-west of La Gomera, is a great place to use as a base for a hiking holiday. It’s a collection of small villages and lies about two hours’ drive away from the island’s capital, San Sebastian. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, particularly in the Upper Valley area and around La Calera.
Hermigua
As part of your Canary Islands travel guide Hermigua is a must. It is a valley in the north of La Gomera. Its warm climate and rivers have made it the banana growing region of the island. Its main landmarks are the Roques de San Pedro, two volcanic vents, and the former Dominican monastery, El Convento de SantoDomingo. The area is otherwise largely undeveloped, so you can enjoy beautiful natural surroundings when hiking there.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your hiking boots, try out car hire and check out what La Gomera has to offer!
