Five Unmissable Walking Routes on La Gomera

Tucked away in the western Canary Islands, La Gomera is a small island with a big reputation among hikers. With a network of historic footpaths crisscrossing high peaks and upland ridges, before dropping down through deep ravines and cloud-shrouded forests to palm-filled valleys and coastal cliffs, the terrain is as wild and beautiful as it is varied. 

The island’s mild subtropical climate makes it one of the best Canary Islands for winter walking. While much of mainland Europe cools down in the autumn, conditions here stay ideal for hiking - sunny, largely dry and rarely too hot. 

Whether you're after a half-day trek through the laurel forests or a full-day mountain hike with spectacular sea views, you should find something that fits the bill in our pick of five of the best La Gomera walking routes.

From Chipude to Valle Gran Rey

This long downhill route begins in the highland village of Chipude, with views of the famous ‘Fortaleza’ (a citadel-shaped volcanic rock formation) and across cultivated terraces. It runs along La Gomera’s ridged, mountainous spine, before descending gradually into the palm-filled valley of Valle Gran Rey (Lagomera.travel). 

The path follows parts of the long-distance GR-132 trail and passes through La Matanza and El Cercado before a steady descent into the Barranco de Argaga - offering a dizzying array of views and plenty of spots to stop and take a photo or two along the way. 

Once in Valle Gran Rey, you can cool off at the beach or enjoy a sundowner (or two) and a well-earned bite to eat in one of the restaurants by the tiny harbour.

Need to know: distance: 12.5 km; walking time: 4.5-5 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑ 250 m / ↓ 1,100 m; difficulty: moderate to challenging.

From Vallehermoso to Hermigua via Garajonay

This full-day walk connects two of La Gomera’s prettiest northern villages - Vallehermoso and Hermigua - via a dramatic trail through the heart of Garajonay National Park (Whc.unesco.org). The route offers a striking combination of agricultural valleys - where remnants of the area’s sugar cultivating history can still be seen - and UNESCO-listed laurel forests.

You kick things off with a steep climb through terraced farmland, heading toward Las Rosas, where the landscape becomes progressively greener and more humid. After a stop at the Juego de Bolas visitor centre (lagomera.travel), the trail continues along lush forest trails and over ridge paths to Hermigua - where you’re rewarded with sweeping views down the barranco and across to Tenerife.

Need to know: distance: 14 km; walking time: 5-6 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑ 850 m / ↓ 950 m; difficulty: challenging.

Vallehermoso Circular Walk 

This circular walk from Vallehermoso climbs steadily up to the Ermita de Santa Clara, perched dramatically on a ridgeline with sweeping views over La Gomera’s craggy northwest coast. It’s a favourite among local walkers for its solitude, panoramic reward, and rich natural transitions.

The path begins in the cultivated valley before zigzagging up through terraces, open heathland, and scented juniper trees. At the chapel, you’ll enjoy one of the most breathtaking vistas on the island - across deep ravines, pine ridges, and far out to sea - before looping back down on a different route for a varied and satisfying half-day hike.

Need to know: distance: 9 km; walking time: 3.5-4 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑↓ 600 m; difficulty: moderate.

El Cedro Laurel Forest Circuit

La Gomera is not the highest of the Canary Islands (that accolade goes to Tenerife); and it's not even the steepest (neighbouring La Palma is one of the highest islands in the world relative to its surface area). But, rising sharply from the sea to 1,487 metres at its highest point, Alto de Garajonay (Wikipedia.org), it's still pretty high and pretty steep for a small island.

Which means that attractive and easy walks on La Gomera can be a little hard to come by. This atmospheric circular walk begins and ends in El Cedro, a tiny hamlet tucked away inside the lush interior of Garajonay National Park. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking to lose yourself in the island’s ancient, fairytale-like laurel forests without having to tackle overly steep or exposed terrain.

The trail winds through trees draped in moss (caused by the fog-bearing Atlantic trade winds), crossing streams and following old footpaths once used by shepherds and farmers. Along the way, you’ll pass the El Chorro del Cedro waterfall (lagomera.travel) and have the chance to stop at the small chapel of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, bathed in mottled green light beneath the thick forest canopy.

Need to know: distance: 7.5 km; walking time: 2.5-3 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑↓ 350 m; difficulty: easy to moderate.

Planning a walking trip to La Gomera? See our self-guided walking holiday. 

Or for more Canary Islands hiking inspiration, check out our pick of the best La Palma walking routes.