Bozan

As some of the smallest and quietest of the Canary islands, L. a. Gomera provides a wild and unspoiled surroundings that’s splendid for nature fanatics. We spent every week mountain climbing in L. a. Gomera, and proportion our 7 day itinerary with main points of the most productive walks, the place to stick and find out how to get round. On this rugged panorama you’ll be expecting steep climbs and descents, however you’ll be rewarded through stunning perspectives over the rocky sea coast and plush valleys.

What to anticipate when mountain climbing in L. a. Gomera

The centre of L. a. Gomera is roofed through the Garajonay Nationwide Park, the highlands at 1500m above sea stage being lined through secure laurel wooded area that’s continuously shrouded in mist. From this UNESCO International Heritage web page, steep gorges or barrancos, lower during the rock, as river valleys make their solution to the ocean. On account of the terrain, you’ll to find a mix of sheltered valleys clothed with palm timber, stone terraces and cactus, blended with steep paths to ridges that provide shocking perspectives.

L. a. Gomera is a playground for the reasonably are compatible to extra skilled walker, however having stated that you’ll to find routes which can be extra mild if you want. With the Canary Islands taking part in heat and sunshine all 12 months spherical, L. a. Gomera provides relaxed strolling temperatures in most cases starting from 18-25 decrees Celcius, making it an excellent spring, autumn and wintry weather mountain climbing vacation spot.

Lodging in L. a. Gomera

Whilst I like staying in boutique or luxurious motels, on my mountain climbing journeys I’m simply searching for a blank and relaxed position to spend the night time. In L. a. Gomera, a lot of the lodging is in “Casa Rural” or modest visitor properties, that amply cater for the desires of walkers. Motels corresponding to Val Gran Rey be offering lodging extra geared to vacation makers, however a lot of it’s moderately priced.

An exception to my normal rule of reserving modest lodging for mountain climbing, is at first or finish of the commute, the place it’s great to regard your self to one thing slightly extra particular. The Parador at San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera or Resort Jardin Tecina in Playa de Santiago are nice examples of motels the place you’ll deal with your self to slightly extra luxurious.

Arriving in L. a. Gomera

Most of the people will arrive for strolling in L. a. Gomera by way of the neighbouring island of Tenerife, the place there are a large number of global flights into Tenerife South airport. From right here it’s a 30 minute taxi or bus adventure to get to the port at Los Christianos, the place you’ll get the ferry to L. a. Gomera (it’s so shut you’ll see it). Two other ferry traces – Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas every run round 3 ferries an afternoon to and from L. a. Gomera. You’ll be able to to find extra details about the bus and ferry timings on the finish of the item.

The ferry to l. a. Gomera

We took an early flight from the United Kingdom to Tenerife, arriving round 11.30am. Arriving at Tenerife South airport within the morning is perfect, because it method you’ll simply get the ferry to L. a. Gomera at the similar day. We took some of the common buses from Tenerife South Airport and were given off in Los Christianos half-hour later. From the bus prevent it was once a 15-20 minutes stroll to the ferry port.

As we had a few hours to attend till our ferry, we comfortable within the sunshine on the cafe “El Teatro del Puerto” which sells moderately priced refreshments. For foot passengers there’s no wish to e-book prematurely because it’s simple to shop for tickets within the port’s departure centre, the place the price ticket counters open round 1 hr ahead of the ferry leaves.

As soon as on board, there was once various house to take a seat within or out of doors at the ferry. Because the ferry pulled away we loved the perspectives taking a look again at the south coast of Tenerife and the arriving on the island capital of San Sebastian de l. a. Gomera.

Uncover 12 a laugh and surprising issues to do in Tenerife

San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera – 1 night time – (day 1)

Our 2.30pm ferry from Los Christianos in Tenerife introduced us into L. a. Gomera at round 3.30pm and because the Parador the place we stayed was once at the most sensible of the cliff, we took a taxi from the port to the lodge. The gardens of the Parador are so stunning that it was once tempting to calm down there and profit from the swimming pool and the perspectives.

Alternatively, after settling in, we walked down into the small the town by way of the trail and had a go searching within the overdue afternoon. It’s an excessively walkable position and after exploring the outdated the town, we discovered a chiringuito at the beachfront for dinner.

The place to stick in San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera

Staying on the Parador in San Sebastian was once a splurge firstly of our strolling vacation in L. a. Gomera, however person who we totally loved! The historically furnished rooms are set round inexperienced courtyards or glance out at the beautiful gardens.

We felt as though Christopher Columbus himself may simply have set foot right here for slightly little bit of paradise ahead of his exhausting adventure around the Atlantic. There’s a phenomenal swimming pool, courtyard bar, sublime eating place and breathtaking perspectives from the clifftops over the city and sea. Even if we took a taxi up from the port, strolling down from the Parador alongside a cobbled lane doesn’t take too lengthy, as soon as you know how.

If you’re searching for inexpensive motels in San Sebastian l. a. Gomera, then check out Resort Apartmentos Villa Gomera, which is centrally positioned within the the town itself, or test different motels and flats in San Sebastian de l. a. Gomera.

Automobile Rent Tip: You don’t desire a automotive to get across the the town of San Sebastian itself, and parking might be a subject matter within the centre of San Sebastian (even if there’s parking on the Parador). So in case you plan to rent a automotive for the remainder of the keep, it’s essential select it up as soon as you are prepared to depart San Sebastian.

Issues to do in San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera

L. a. Gomera’s capital has a in large part pedestrianised centre, making it simple to wander round. The oldest properties continue to exist from the 1440s when land was once granted to Spanish nobles, after the conquerers controlled to subdue the Guanche individuals who lived right here. San Sebastian could be very pleased with its connections with Christopher Columbus who stopped right here in 1492 to tackle provides for his voyage to the “New International’.

The primary issues to do come with:

• Sit down beneath the shady laurel timber in Plaza de l. a. Charter and watch the sector cross through from the cafe “Kiosco las Carabelas”
• Realize the statue within the plaza of Christopher Columbus and browse the tips forums in regards to the the town’s historical past.

• Wander up Calle Actual to the Inglesia de l. a. Asuncion, the city’s major church which had simply been began when Christopher Columbus handed thru. Alternatively, the successive harm through pirate assaults imply that the church you spot these days most commonly dates from the seventeenth century.
• At the nook reverse the church is L. a. Casa de l. a. Aguada, with a neatly within the courtyard the place Christopher Columbus historically drew water for his voyage. As of late it’s a vacationer data centre, with to at least one aspect an enchanting exhibition in regards to the island and the significance of stone in its building. It’s value choosing up a map of the L. a. Gomera mountain climbing trails on the vacationer data centre.

Discover Timanfaya Nationwide Park and the volcanoes in Lanzarote

• Subsequent door is the Archaeology museum with details about the island’s first population, the guanches. At the similar boulevard and the within reach Calle Virgen de Guadalupe are some lovely outdated Canarian properties with the standard carved wood doorways, shutters and balconies.
• A brief distance additional alongside Calle Actual is the small chapel Ermita de San Sebastian inbuilt 1450.

• Probably the most the town’s major landmarks is Torre del Conde, a fortified tower set in an open park. It was once inbuilt 1447 to protect in opposition to the Guanche and proved helpful to Beatriz de Bobadilla, who sheltered there following the homicide of her husband the governor, till assist arrived to place down the Guanche revolt.

Mountain climbing from San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera

Even if we didn’t use San Sebastian as a base for mountain climbing, if you wish to spend extra time right here, you’ll check out the next walks. Guidebook path numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.

• A very simple coastal stroll from San Sebastian’s prom takes you to a sheltered bay at Playa de l. a. Guancha. (Guidebook path 1)
• A downhill path begins at Mirador Degollada de Peraza above the city, which may also be reached through bus or taxi, from the place you stroll downhill again into San Sebastian, with perspectives of Teide volcano on Tenerife. (Guidebook path 6)

Agulo – 2 nights – (day 2 and three)

After our delightful night time on the Parador in San Sebastian, we moved directly to Agulo the place we had been to spend 2 nights. Buses don’t seem to be very common, however Line 2 from San Sebastian bus station left at 10.30am and dropped us 40 mins later at Agulo. From there it was once a brief stroll during the pedestrianised streets to our lodging, a Casa Rural that presented easy lodging for walkers.

The place to stick in Agulo

Agulo is a small and relatively compact village, so maximum places will paintings neatly for walkers. Alternatively, when you’ve got a rent automotive you will have to test first what parking is to be had, because the streets are slim and parking is most effective allowed in positive portions of the village.

We stayed at Casa Rural Los Helechos which is perfect for walkers, because the lodging is in small flats set round a standard courtyard. Even if breakfast is obtainable at an extra price, we appreciated having our personal small kitchen / dwelling space. The homeowners had been additionally very useful in giving recommendation for walkers.

If Casa Rural Los Helechos isn’t to be had, it’s essential check out Casa Lugo Resort Rural (even if this was once closed on the time of our seek advice from) or in a different way test one of the vital different Casa Rural or flats in Agulo.

About Agulo in L. a. Gomera

Referred to as the prettiest village in L. a. Gomera, Agulo is made up of slim cobbled streets bordered through conventional properties. The surroundings is bounded through a sheer cliff in entrance of which the village sits surrounded through fertile terraces, and perspectives in opposition to the ocean with Mount Teide within the distance.

The nineteenth century purchased a duration of prosperity to Agulo and with thriving banana exports, fashionable advantages corresponding to electrical energy and phone traces, so the village was once referred to as the “bonbon of L. a. Gomera”, such was once its enchantment as a spot to are living. All the way through this time, sexy properties had been constructed through the increasing center categories, with two tales, elaborate carved doorways and window shutters and wrought iron balconies.

Issues to do in Agulo

Puts of hobby to seek advice from in Agulo come with

• The church of San Marcos in the principle sq., with its hanging rounded roof design. This church is if truth be told no longer that outdated having been designed in 1911 over the web page of an previous church that had fallen into disrepair. It’s from this sq. all through the pageant of San Marcos in April, that bonfires of juniper wooden are lit and younger males leap over the flames in honour of the saint.

• The primary factor to do within the village itself is to wander across the lovely streets to absorb the ambience, and calm down in some of the the town’s cafes or conventional eating places. We ate in L. a. Vieja Escuela and Bar Restaurante Alameda, either one of which serve tasty Canarian specialties.

• From Agulo you’ll stroll to the coast to look the stays of an outdated davit or crane that was once used to load boats with bananas, even if it was once destroyed through a hurricane within the Fifties.
• Additionally from the village you’ll stroll to the seashore at Playa de San Marco, the place there’s a lovely chapel. It’s a excellent picnic spot even if the waves are too tough to swim right here.
• If you wish to get probably the most impressive perspectives you’ll hike or pressure as much as the Mirador Abrante point of view the place there’s a pitcher viewing platform, for perspectives over Agulo and Mount Teide in Tenerife.

Mountain climbing from Agulo

There are a couple of other walks that may be undertaken from Agulo, justifying a keep of 2-3 nights. As a substitute, it’s essential use the nearest village of Hermigua as an lodging base for 2-3 nights, which gives you get admission to to other walks. Guidebook path numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.

Day 2 – Agulo to Pescante and Playa de San Marcos

Having travelled that morning from San Sebastian to Agulo through bus, we settled into our lodging after which opted for a shorter stroll for the afternoon. This stroll took us thru cultivated terraces in opposition to the coast, main downhill to Pescante, with a boulder strewn seashore and slipway for fishing boats.

By means of the aspect of the trail, outdated wood boats had been being saved, even if it gave the impression a long way too tough to place out to sea, let by myself take a swim. A bit additional we reached the ruins of the structures that had been used when this was once a loading space to export bananas. Within the nineteenth century, a davit or crane was once used to load plants into boats, even if most effective the stone pillars that supported the crane stay.

Examine 30 superb issues to do in Lanzarote

Retracing our steps as much as the village, we took a unique trail across the headland, and down a rocky path in opposition to the seashore of San Marcos.

There are lovely perspectives over the cove and the chapel, which is used all through the pageant of San Marcos in April. As a part of the festivities, the saint’s statue is paraded all the way down to the chapel from the city sq.. The ocean is just too tough to swim right here however there’s a picnic spot with benches and tables.

Timings – Agulo to Pescante and again 1 hr 30 minutes. Agulo to Playa de San Marcos and again 1 hr 45 minutes. (Guidebook Course 58)

Day 3 – Agulo to Centro de Visitantes Juego de Bolas

In this complete day’s strolling we took a harder path, without delay up the cliff in the back of Agulo to the Mirador de Abrante, which is referred to as some of the highest hikes in l. a. Gomera. Whilst the cliff stroll was once difficult, with steep drops in puts, it was once simple to practice with stone steps and rewarded us with superb perspectives over the city of Agulo and Mount Teide within the distance. On the most sensible, a stone pillar marked the Mirador de Agulo and from right here the incline was once extra mild, thru grass and outdated terraces, hiking as much as the very best level on the Mirador de Abrante.

Visiting the Mirador is referred to as some of the highest issues to do in L. a. Gomera, however annoyingly it was once closed (in spite of it being inside opening hours) so we had forgo the drink within the cafe we were taking a look ahead to. As an alternative we climbed up at the eroded ridge above the Mirador and adopted the trail and marker poles thru shrubs and wooded area. We arrived on the Juego de Bolas, some of the customer centres for the Garajonay Nationwide Park, even if it sits out of doors the park itself.

Juego de Bolas Customer Centre

It’s simple to spend a pleasing hour on the customer centre, which could also be a well-liked prevent in case you are travelling through automotive. Surrounding the centre is a botanical lawn, with spaces appearing local shrubs and timber in addition to beds planted with the medicinal crops used on L. a. Gomera.

On the Casa de l. a. Memoria or “Area of Recollections” we discovered an ethnographic museum, the place we watched an enchanting movie, providing insights at the cultural heritage of los angeles Gomera. We discovered in regards to the Silbo whistling language, that was once used to be in contact throughout deep ravines, how pottery was once historically made and the way the sap of palm timber is tapped to make palm honey.

Adjacent the “Area of Recollections” is a sequence of small stores and exhibitions across the courtyard. On the data centre, we picked up a map of the Garajonay Nationwide Park in addition to a L. a. Gomera mountain climbing map, with all of the strolling trails and were given precious data from the park wardens. In the similar space is a restaurant promoting espresso and snacks in addition to native meals specialties, a memento store and an exhibition in regards to the horrible wooded area fires of 2012 that destroyed huge spaces of the Garajonay wooded area reserve.

Juego de Bolas again to Agulo

A round path would have taken us again on a unique trail, following the Barranco de las Rosas. Alternatively a landslide had closed this trail, so we retraced our steps to the Mirador de Abrante after which made a brief detour to look the reservoir Embalase de Agulo. From right here, it was once backpedal the cliff trail, taking part in the overdue afternoon perspectives over Agulo.

Timings: The entire stroll took us round 7 hours, together with an extended prevent for lunch at Juego de Bolas and a leisure at Mirador de Abrante. Within the information e-book the round path without a leisure stops is given at 3 hrs 30 minutes. (Guidebook Course 59)

Vallehermoso – 2 nights – (day 4 and 5)

After a 2d night time in Agulo we moved directly to Vallehermoso, taking a taxi within the morning to avoid wasting time and make allowance us to do an extended stroll that day. The price of the taxi was once round €25. Shall we even have taken the Line 2 bus that runs from San Sebastian to Vallehermosos by way of Agulo, leaving San Sebastian at 10.30am arriving Vallehermoso round 12.00.

If I used to be to make a choice only one location to base myself for mountain climbing on L. a. Gomera, it could be Vallehermoso. Actually that means “Gorgeous Valley” there are a large number of walks that may be simply accessed from the city. Watered through the industry winds, the plants right here is luxurious with palm groves and terraces for bananas and different plants. The rocky landmark of Roques de Cano towers over the city, which has a pleasing central sq. and helpful facilities corresponding to eating places, banks and stores.

The place to stick in Vallehermoso

Vallehermoso isn’t a large the town, so maximum puts to stick which can be relatively central shall be positive in relation to location for walkers. Like different puts we stayed, parking is proscribed inside the the town and streets may also be slim, so test along with your lodging in case you plan to be travelling through automotive. We liked our keep in Resort Rural Triana and it was once the nicest position we stayed in this commute with the exception of the Parador.

The rooms are organized round an inner courtyard, and the decor of rooms and public spaces is fashionable and recent. A different point out has to visit the superb breakfast with a really perfect unfold of top of the range pieces and barista taste espresso.

The group of workers had been very type and useful, going above and past to verify we had a really perfect keep. One level to notice is that like many smaller rural motels, there isn’t a 24 hour reception and group of workers go away within the afternoon, however are on name through telephone if required.

When you to find no availability in Resort Rural Triana, test for different motels in Vallehermoso. Alternatively, remember that there don’t seem to be such a lot of choices within the the town, making an allowance for its reputation as a centre for walkers, so it’s highest to e-book early, as Resort Rural Triana is the most suitable option we discovered.

If you’re searching for a great spot to consume, we will counsel Tasca Restaurante el Carraca, which is definitely the most productive eating place on the town – they serve all of the native specialties and their recent tuna fillet was once superb!

Issues to do in Vallehermoso

Whilst there are older conventional properties to be present in Vallehermoso, the ambience is of a operating Canarian the town, the place the locals emerge within the overdue afternoon for a walk and chat with their neighbours. Like the remainder of L. a. Gomera, there’s no longer a lot in the way in which of ‘points of interest’ to seek advice from, however in case you are searching for issues to do we advise;

• At the fringe of the town within the path of Playa de Vallehermoso is the Descumbrimiento de Vallehermoso Botanic Lawn, filled with arms and local species, with a contemporary customer centre. The lawn was once closed after we handed, the indicators proclaiming {that a} main executive funded renovation is underway. Alternatively, I’ve heard studies that there’s not anything to forestall you wandering in thru a facet front to have a look, so could also be value trying out.
• Even if the ocean at Playa de Vallehermoso is typically too tough for swimming, there’s a seawater swimming pool in entrance of the seashore, with converting rooms and lifeguard, which is unfastened to seek advice from. We stopped there for a drink on the trailer cafe beside the swimming pool and my buddy loved her swim there.
• At the GM-1 street out of the town within the path of Agulo, there’s the Mirador El Almendrillo set underneath Roques de Cano, which supplies some superb perspectives over the city.

Mountain climbing from Vallehermoso

The primary enchantment of Vallehermoso is the city’s location on the confluence of a number of valleys, providing a large number of mountain climbing probabilities. We attempted one of the vital fashionable L. a. Gomera strolling routes to Cumbre de Chijere at the first day and on the second one we took the bus into Garajonay Nationwide Park, to stroll a number of the island’s well-known misty laurel forests. Alternatively, there are lots of different mountain climbing routes that may justify staying for a number of days in Vallehermoso when you’ve got sufficient time. Guidebook path numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.

Day 4 – Vallehermoso to Cumbre de Chijere

The round day hike that we made to Cumbre de Chijere was once certainly one of my favourites of the entire commute. Our stroll took us without delay from the city sq. up the Barranco de l. a. Generation Nueva. As we climbed often up alongside the valley aspect, we handed deserted terraces and noticed the plants trade from palm and scrubby timber to cactus and succulents.

In the end close to the highest of the ridge, a balcony trail gave us some implausible perspectives backpedal the valley in opposition to Vallehermoso. A bit additional and we arrived at Ermita de Santa Clara, a big chapel set on a work of flat floor with perspectives in opposition to the ocean and the remoted hamlet of Arguamel. We spent some time mesmerised through the white flecks at the sea, looking to wager in the event that they had been dolphins or the local pilot whales that swim in those waters.

From right here the monitor persisted at the aspect of the Cumbre de Chijere ridge with extra perspectives over the ocean and crashing waves.

A layer of cloud was once settling down as we arrived at the second one chapel, Ermita de Coromoto the place we sheltered from the wind in conjunction with the development for our picnic lunch. Now not a lot additional was once the breezy Buenavista point of view and from right here we grew to become down a stony path that may convey us down from the ridge to sea stage at Playa de Vallehermoso.

The monitor was once so steep that it required all our focus, however we had been rewarded through stunning perspectives over the valley and coast under, arriving in spite of everything on the street.

From right here a brief stroll took us all the way down to the seashore and the saltwater swimming swimming pools the place we had a drink on the cafe and my buddy took a swim. By the point we left right here, the rain was once surroundings in so we opted to stroll again into Vallehermoso alongside the street, somewhat than the trail that runs parallel to it.

Timings: The entire stroll took us 5 hours from Vallehermoso to Playa de Valleyhermoso, no longer together with the overtime we took on the swimming pool and strolling again into the town. The guidebook timing for this stroll is 5 hours. (Guidebook Course 54)

Day 5 – Laguna Grande to Alto de Garajonay

For our 2d day in Vallehermoso, we determined to take the bus to discover the Garajonay Nationwide Park on the centre of the island. The park is understood for its laurel forests which can be continuously shrouded in mist and was once declared a UNESCO International Heritage Web page in 1986. Attending to our place to begin on the Laguna Grande Customer centre from Vallehermoso proved slightly of a logistical problem!

We took the Line 8 bus at 9.30am to Valle Gran Rey which dropped us on the junction with the GM-2 street working during the park. Since there have been no buses at the moment working within the path of Laguna Grande, we walked alongside the street for an extra 1.5 hours ahead of achieving the customer centre. Whilst we had been strolling along the wooded area, with occasional perspectives, on reflection I want we had taken a taxi to our place to begin to avoid wasting time and steer clear of the stroll on a hectic street.

Arriving at Laguna Grande Customer Centre, we checked on the data level on the most productive walks to take to succeed in the very best top within the park at Alto de Garajonay. When you don’t have already got one, that is where to select up a map of the park, appearing all of the mountain climbing trails. You’ll be able to additionally obtain a map and different details about trails from the Garajonay website online.

There’s additionally a restaurant eating place right here and an open box with kids’s playground. A lot of quick, round strolling trails are to be had inside the park, with small parking spaces, which can be neatly signposted and typically on the subject of the GM-2 major street that runs during the park. We determined to stroll the path 6 and path 14 walks, that sign up for in combination to take you to the height at Alto de Garajonay.

It was once simple strolling alongside large, open paths during the wooded area, and with stops to select ripe blackberries, I felt every now and then that I may have been walking during the English geographical region. For a lot of the way in which the stroll was once cloudy and every now and then the mist swirled above and round us, endlessly transferring to expose glimpses of blue sky.

As we were given nearer to Alto de Garajonay, we loved some open perspectives in opposition to the unique Fortaleza rock formation within the distance on the subject of Chipude, taking a look over the low wooded area of Heather and Laurel timber.

In the end we made the climb as much as the rounded top of Alto de Garajonay, however unfortunately discovered any perspectives obscured through the mist. This crest was once a meeting position for the Guanche and considered of spiritual importance, so a flat stony space has been built to recreate how it will have seemed for the Guanche.

Whilst we may have returned the similar method, we opted for a go back path that ran parallel to the street, which whilst no longer as lovely, was once a lot shorter. From Laguna Grande we rang for a taxi to take us again to Vallehermoso (value €30). As buses don’t run regularly, in case you don’t have a rent automotive, make sure to have the numbers of a couple of native taxi firms while you cross strolling within the Garajonay Nationwide Park.

Extra details about Garajonay Nationwide Park, map to obtain and main points of trails may also be discovered at the Garajonay website online.

Timings: The round stroll from Laguna Grande to Alto Garajonay and again took us 4 hours, no longer together with the time we took to stroll to Laguna Grande. (Guidebook Course 70)

Valle Gran Rey – 1 night time – (day 6)

After a 2d night time in Vallehermoso, it was once time to transport directly to our ultimate prevent at Valle Gran Rey. We took the Line 8 bus at 9.30am to Valle Gran Rey and through mid morning had checked into our lodging. Situated at the south coast of L. a. Gomera, Valle Gran Rey is among the sunniest spots at the island, and the preferred vacation lodge, particularly with German guests. The lodge was fashionable as a hippie vacation spot for German travellers within the Nineteen Sixties and also you’ll really feel the boho vibe, with many German expats nonetheless dwelling in the community.

The place to stick in Valle Gran Rey

Valle Gran Rey is predominantly a vacation lodge, however there are some excellent choices for round walks, or a method walks that result in Valle Gran Rey. Even if we most effective spent 1 night time right here, it’s essential spend longer if you wish to have a extra stress-free time on the finish of your commute. One factor we discovered about Valle Gran Rey was once that many puts have a three night time and even 5 night time minimal keep, so that is something to imagine for your selection of lodging.

Lodging is clustered round Playa de l. a. Calera which is furthest from the port and every other cluster is across the Vueltas neighbourhood across the port and the roads main into it. The economic centre, with bus station and taxi rank is positioned slightly up the hill, clear of the seashore.

We had been proud of our selection of Apartmentos Charco del Conde, which we had been in a position to e-book for simply 1 night time. It’s a big advanced of small flats that omit the central pool or beachfront, and was once only a 10 minute from the port. The group of workers in reception had been pleasant and useful and even if the decor was once slightly dated, it was once splendid for a brief keep.

There are many eating places to choose between alongside the ocean entrance or within the aspect streets and we ate at a chiringuito (fish eating place) close to Playa de l. a. Calera.

Issues to do in Valle Gran Rey

Whilst it’s principally a vacation lodge, Valle Gran Rey has various walks that get started on the subject of the city, however you want a rent automotive or taxi to get to the beginning issues. Bus routes do exist however they’re restricted and didn’t paintings for our timings. Within the lodge itself, the principle sights come with:

• There are a number of black sand seashores, with transparent water and rock swimming pools for bathing and sunbathing.
• Boat journeys run from Valle Gran Rey to identify dolphins and whales, in addition to to seek advice from the Los Organos rock formations, taking a look like organ pipes at the cliffs, that may most effective be seen from the ocean.
• There are lots of firms that hire motorcycles or organise trekking days out, which might be helpful in case you don’t have your individual delivery.
• At the street above the city is the Cesar Manrique designed glance out level, which was once closed after we handed through, however you’ll have a look from the out of doors.
• A craft marketplace takes position on Sundays, promoting in the community made presents and souvenirs, which is positioned subsequent to the bus station.

Mountain climbing from Valle Gran Rey

After settling into our lodging in Valle Gran Rey, we took a taxi mid morning from the taxi rank close to the bus station, to El Cercado (value round €30). We had been dropped on the Centro de Interpretation Las Loceras, an enchanting unfastened museum in regards to the native pottery this is nonetheless made on this space.

Prior to now, pottery was once made in numerous places round L. a. Gomera and traded between cities, to be used as cooking pots and meals garage. There are a number of pottery stores in El Cercado, however being Sunday they had been all closed, so we stopped for a drink within the native cafe ahead of beginning our stroll.

From El Cercado, we took a very simple trail thru terraced fields filled with cactus and prickly pears, crossing the street at issues, to the within reach the town of Chipude. On the the town’s major sq. we had a glance within the lovely church of Nuestra Senora de L. a. Candalaria and had been tempted to forestall on the busy eating place of Resort Bar Sonia, serving hearty Sunday lunch dishes to appreciative locals.

From Chipude, the trail skirted the aspect of the valley, with open perspectives to start with after which descending right into a hidden valley space referred to as L. a. Mantanza, which was once used prior to now as pasturage. We noticed palm timber and vines as we adopted the beautiful, steep sided valley, with water swimming pools at its backside alongside an outdated cement irrigation channel.

On the finish of the valley, the trail took us upwards on a ten minute detour to the chapel of Ermita de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe perched at the spur of Roque de Gurara. After resting for a picnic right here, we persisted down an increasingly more steep trail, without delay into the valley backside above Valle Gran Rey.

The closing phase was once on a precarious rocky trail with steep drops requiring our complete focus, so we had been rather exhausted by the point we reached the Ermita de los Reyes on the backside of the valley after which adopted the street down into Valle Gran Rey.

Timings: The stroll from Chipude to the street above Valle Gran Rey took 4 hrs with an additional 50 minutes to stroll from El Cercade to Chipude and 30 minutes to stroll from the street in Valle Gran Rey again to our lodging. We additionally took 20 minutes for a prevent on the chapel. The information e-book time for the Chipude to Valle Gran Rey stroll is 3 hrs 10 minutes (Guidebook Course 25)

The Ferry from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian in L. a. Gomera (day 7)

Our ultimate day was once spent at the go back adventure again to Tenerife, from the place we might be flying house tomorrow. Since all of the ferries from L. a. Gomera to Tenerife get started at San Sebastian, we wanted first go back and forth there from Valle Gran Rey. There are buses (Line 1) from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian, however we determined on a fairly faster and extra scenic path of travelling through ferry.

There are two sailings in line with day with Fred Olson from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian, with a prevent at Playa de Santiago. We took the morning crusing at 8.00am and even if the elements was once very misty, we had been nonetheless in a position to look a large number of the rugged sea coast.

It takes 40 minutes to succeed in Playa de Santiago, with a ten min prevent, then an extra 20 minutes to reach in San Sebastian, making a complete adventure time of 70 minutes. The ferry could be very happy with a decrease enclosed deck and an higher outside deck.

The ferry from L. a. Gomera to Tenerife (day 7)

On arrival in San Sebastian, we nonetheless had a few hours to attend ahead of our ferry at 11.30 am and as we had been travelling mild, we walked the ten mins from the port to the sq. of San Sebastian, to calm down for some time within the cafe beneath the laurel timber. We had was hoping to take a look across the archaeology museum and the exhibition within the vacationer data centre, however unfortunately each had been closed because of it being a neighborhood vacation.

The go back ferry adventure to Tenerife handed easily and even if the elements was once rather cloudy, we had been in a position to take a seat at the out of doors deck and noticed some dolphins at the crossing. Arriving again to the port of Los Christianos in Tenerife, we walked a brief distance to the lodging that we had booked for our 1 night time keep ahead of flying house tomorrow. In principle, we may have stuck a day flight out of Tenerife, however the place ferries are involved it’s all the time highest to depart slightly of margin, as every now and then ferries may also be cancelled because of unhealthy climate.

Within the afternoon, we had been in a position to walk alongside the seashore prom that runs from Los Christianos, thru all of the different lodge spaces, having lunch in a beachfront cafe and typically stress-free within the sunshine.

Our ultimate night time in Tenerife

For our ultimate night time we simply sought after someplace to calm down that was once on the subject of the port of Los Christianos the place our ferry would arrive. Apartmentos Marola Portosin is an ordinary vacation rental advanced, with a central pool space that’s a fifteen minute stroll from the port. The rental was once spacious with a view over the pool, a small kitchenette and useful reception group of workers, so we had been proud of our selection.

Alternatively, coming from the unspoiled and quiet surroundings of L. a. Gomera, the prime focus of concrete vacation flats, busy site visitors and sheer quantity of other folks got here as rather a surprise! The south coast of Tenerife is closely evolved, with one lodge mixing into the following and targets at a bundle vacation marketplace.

So if you need someplace that has a extra unique Spanish really feel for a brief keep ahead of flying house, I’d counsel you are taking a taxi to El Medano, which is 20 mins through automotive from Los Christianos port. As it’s most effective 10 mins through taxi from the Tenerife Airport South, El Medano is perfect when you’ve got a flight to catch.

El Medano is Tenerife’s most well liked location for surfers and windsurfers, with various affordable surf hostels. If you need someplace slightly smarter on your closing night time I’d counsel Resort Medano, which is correct at the seafront, or test all of the motels and flats in El Medano for extra choices. There are many bars and eating places and a few black sand seashores, certainly one of which is rather sheltered for swimming, the opposite extra windy and utilized by the windsurfers.

Extra time in L. a. Gomera?

Do you could have extra time than only one week? Fortunate you! I’d have thankfully spent a couple of extra days strolling in L. a. Gomera. If strolling is your major center of attention I’d almost definitely spend an additional day in Vallehermoso and upload 2 nights in Hermigua. So a ten day itinerary in L. a. Gomera may seem like this;

• 1 night time San Sebastian, 2 nights Hermigua, 2 nights Agulo, 3 nights Vallehermoso, 1 night time Valle Gran Rey, 1 night time Tenerife ahead of your flight.

Or most likely you most effective have 5 days? We discovered the most productive places to base your self purely for mountain climbing had been Agulo, Hermigua and Vallehermoso. So in case you sought after to make a 5 day commute it’s essential do;

• 2 nights Agulo or Hermigua, 2 nights Vallehermoso, 1 night time San Sebastian or Tenerife ahead of flying house.

You probably have simply 3 nights, most likely combining some mountain climbing in L. a. Gomera with a commute to Tenerife, I’d spend all of them in Vallehermoso, taking a bus or taxi to get there from San Sebastian.

Getting round L. a. Gomera

Within the Canary Islands, buses are referred to as Guaguas. You’ll be able to to find data on bus routes in Tenerife at the Titsa.com website online and for L. a. Gomera at the website online Guaguagomera.com. Whilst buses are common on Tenerife, the buses in L. a. Gomera most effective run every path 3-4 occasions an afternoon, so we discovered that they had been of restricted use to get to strolling trails. Buses between cities typically value €2-4 a method.

We used a mixture of bus and taxi, and whilst the taxi prices had been rather prime (€20-30) because of the distances, it was once total inexpensive (and extra environmentally pleasant) than renting a automotive. If you wish to get probably the most out of a brief commute, it’s essential imagine renting a automotive, as maximum hikes are round, and this will likely assist you to to succeed in the path beginning issues with minimal extend. The in the community based totally Cicar automotive rent corporate have an place of business on the San Sebastian port, or test with Vacation Vehicles to check automotive condo offers.

There are two ferry traces that make common crossings from Tenerife to L. a. Gomera and you’ll to find main points of crossings at the Fred Olsen website online and the Naviera Armas website online. Fred Olsen additionally run the ferry alongside the coast of L. a. Gomera from San Sebastian to Playa de Santiago and Valle Gran Rey.

Mountain climbing information for L. a. Gomera

We used and will extremely counsel the strolling guidebook – L. a. Gomera, the best coastal and mountain walks, revealed through Rother, authors Klaus Wolfsperger and Annette Miehle-Wolfsperger. You’ll be able to additionally select up a map of the mountain climbing trails in L. a. Gomera at any vacationer data place of business, on the other hand those don’t give a lot element in regards to the strolling routes.

We advise this information, which we used for all of our walks as a result of:

• It provides 70 other walks in l. a. Gomera, and tells you which ones may also be joined in combination to make longer walks.
• The walks are neatly listed through place to begin and issue, and there’s a listing of the 14 highest walks in l. a. Gomera.
• There are transparent directions, maps and footage for every stroll.
• There’s an invaluable however no longer overwhelming quantity of different data on delivery, natural world, and the puts you’ll cross thru.
• If you’re a German speaker, the information could also be to be had in German.

If you’re not able to reserve the Rother L. a. Gomera strolling information, a excellent selection is the Cicerone information to Strolling in l. a. Gomera and Hierro.

Additional information to plot your commute

You’ll be able to to find additional data to plot your commute at the L. a. Gomera Tourism website online and at the Canary Islands Tourism website online.

Extra details about Garajonay Nationwide Park, a map to obtain and main points of trails may also be discovered at the Garajonay website online.

Pin it

This text is firstly revealed at Heatheronhertravels.com