Best Hiking Trails on La Gomera: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide
Discover the best hiking trails on La Gomera! As one of the smaller Canary Islands, La Gomera is truly a hiker’s dream.
Over six weeks, we thoroughly explored this lush, mountainous paradise, uncovering trails suitable for all skill levels. So we can confirm that if you are planning to hike here, you should expect breathtaking views, diverse routes, and a fair share of challenging climbs. Furthermore, this guide provides everything you need to know about the best trails we experienced, including handy tips to make the most of your adventure.
Why La Gomera is a Hiker’s Paradise
La Gomera may be small, but its hiking opportunities are monumental. From dramatic coastal paths to the ancient, lush green forests of the interior, the island offers an incredible variety of landscapes. In addition, the trails are exceptionally well-marked. You will find helpful signposts everywhere indicating distances, difficulty levels, and elevation changes. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a strenuous multi-day trek, there is a perfect route for everyone here.
Essential Tips Before You Start
- Plan Ahead: Always use the official hiking website and app for detailed maps and route options.
- Wear Proper Gear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential; in fact, many trails are uneven, narrow, and steep.
- Be Weather-Ready: High altitudes can bring sudden rain or fog, therefore you should always dress in layers.
- Hydrate and Pack Snacks: Since some trails are very remote, services can be limited.
Our Top 5 Favorite Hiking Trails on La Gomera
After exploring the island for weeks, we have selected five routes that showcase the best of the island’s diversity.
1. Circular Route 16 (Easy and Scenic)
- Start/End: Pajarito Parking Lot
- Distance: 3 km | Elevation Gain: 135 m
- Highlights: This trail offers stunning views of the barrancos (valleys) towards Alajero. Because it stays above 1200m, the terrain is relatively easy, making it perfect for beginners.
2. La Dama to Playa Iguala (Coastal Combo)
- Start: La Dama
- Distance: 16 km round trip | Elevation Gain: 400 m
- Highlights: This route is a blend of Route 16 and the famous GR-132. In addition to sweeping coastal views, you will reach the secluded Playa Iguala. However, be prepared for some challenging, narrow sections along the coast.
3. Epina to Playa Vallehermoso (The Ultimate Challenge)
- Start: Epina
- Distance: ~20 km | Elevation Gain: 700 m
- Highlights: This custom route allows you to descend from 1000m to sea level and back again. Although it is a true test of endurance, it rewards you with unparalleled vistas of Arguamul and the rugged coastline.
4. Alto de Garajonay (The Iconic Summit)
- Start: Pajarito or Laguna Grande
- Distance: ~5 km | Elevation Gain: ~250 m
- Highlights: This hike leads to the highest point of La Gomera at 1,487m. On a clear day, you can see Tenerife’s Mount Teide. Moreover, the path takes you through the mystical Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Hermigua to La Caleta (Picturesque Loop)
- Start/End: Hermigua
- Distance: ~14 km | Elevation Gain: ~600 m
- Highlights: This diverse loop passes through traditional Canarian villages and terraced landscapes. Finally, you reach Playa de la Caleta, which is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Clear hiking signage
On all trails there are clear sign posts available
to keep you on track when hiking on La Gomera
Understanding Red and Green Trails
When searching for the best hiking trails on La Gomera, you will notice a color-coded system on the signposts:
- Red Trails (GR Routes): These are long-distance paths. For example, the GR-132 encircles the entire island (122 km), while the GR-131 crosses through the center.
- Green Trails: These are shorter, local routes with varying difficulty levels.
For multi-day adventurers, the red trails are a must, while day hikers will find plenty of variety in the green trails. And if you want to explore more trails on La Gomera, check this great site!
Plan Your Hiking Adventure: Stay and Explore
As experienced slow travelers, our philosophy is simple: embrace freedom and minimize stress on the road. La Gomera is a destination where securing a few essentials beforehand can make all the difference between a smooth hiking holiday and logistical headaches. Especially since the trailheads of the most beautiful routes are often remote. Based on our own 6-week ‘Booming Journey’, these are the partners we recommend to keep your journey seamless and safe:
Book accomodation
The widest inventory and the flexibility of free cancellation. Perfect for any accomodation on La Gomera. Book stress-free!
Get connected
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Tours & Tickets
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Essential La Gomera tickets & tours, and transport passes all in one place. Skip the queues and dive straight into the fun!
Fly to La Gomera
The secret tool that compares hundreds of airlines for the best price/quality ratio. For affordable air travel, this is your starting point!
Boat to La Gomera
Yes, you can fly to La Gomera. But you can also take the ferry from Tenerife like we did.
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Conclusion: Start Your Adventure Today
La Gomera’s hiking trails offer a perfect mix of serenity and challenge. Whether you are meandering through lush forests or scaling rugged coastal paths, the island will leave you spellbound. As a final note: Geert managed these hikes with an artificial hip, so there are no excuses!
Ready to explore? Check out our other La Gomera blogs for even more inspiration. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, please drop us an email or follow us on Instagram!
The Booming Journey | 21 January 2026 | ©all rights reserved