Discounted

Canary Islands Walking - La Gomera and Tenerife

Canary Islands, Spain - Trip code OC Walking and Trekking
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216Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Tick two Canary Islands off your list on our walking tour exploring lesser-explored La Gomera and volcanic Tenerife. Discover La Gomera's dramatic scenery, including verdant cloud forests, black sand beaches and quaint villages. Then, hop across to Tenerife to walk through the desert landscapes of the island's volcano, Mount Teide.

Why we love this trip
  • Garajonay National Park - Explore La Gomera's lush landscape of dense laurel forest sub-tropical plants.
  • Mount Teide - Get up close to the highest peak in Spain on a circular walk in the national park of Tenerife's volcano.
  • Agulo - Enjoy a walk into this charming town, perched on a jagged cliff with undisrupted views.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Ferry

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Los Cristianos, Tenerife; ferry to La Gomera Island

We'll meet this afternoon at 5.45pm, in the reception of Andrea's Hotel Tenerife in Los Cristianos. From here, we'll take the 6.45pm ferry to La Gomera.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Tenerife Airport South (TFS) which is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel. We recommend you get a flight no later than 3pm.

You're free to arrive in Los Cristianos at any time before 5.45pm. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, luggage storage and bathroom facilities are available at Andrea's Hotel. You might like to stroll to the beach, which is nearby - there are plenty of restaurants in Los Cristianos to choose from, too.

Our tour leader will meet you at the hotel reception at 6pm to walk to the ferry port together (it's a 15-minute walk and our luggage can be taken by a taxi). We'll then take the 6.45pm ferry to the verdant island of La Gomera. Docking in the small port of San Sebastian, we'll immediately get an idea of the terrain as mountains loom up from the ocean behind the colourful town. Our hotel is located just a five-minute walk from the port - please note, you'll have to carry your own luggage.

Accommodation:

Hotel Torre del Conde (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Descend to Chejelipes via La Laja village

This morning, we'll drive up to Collada de Peraza, the start of our first walk. From here, we'll follow the trail along a winding stone-paved path, through aloe and asphodel, and later pines and then palms. Our first view of La Laja village is backed by the domes of Los Roques - these striking rock formations are a major landmark of the island. We'll descend into the valley, ascending on the other side and arrive at the village. We'll then continue along a quiet rural road following the valley to Chejelipes where we'll meet our bus and return to San Sebastian.

This afternoon is free to explore the harbour and backstreets of the town. San Sebastian was Christopher Columbus' last stopping place before discovering the Americas, so several 'Columbus' sites can be visited including the well where he drew water, his house, and the church where he prayed. In addition, San Sebastian has two beaches, a host of restaurants and bars, and narrow streets bursting with life.

Today's 12-kilometre/7.5-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and 1,000 metres/3,281 feet of descent. We'll descend on stone-paved paths, unmade hillside paths and a rural road.

Accommodation:

Hotel Torre del Conde (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Explore the cloud forest and ascend to Alto de Garajonay

Today, we'll drive to Pajarito from where we'll begin our walk through Garajonay National Park. We'll start by ascending the island's highest peak, Alto de Garajonay (1,484 metres/4,869 feet), from where on a clear day we'll have a 360-degree view of the island. We'll continue on the trail through the dense vegetation of the Laurisilva cloud forest, an ancient Canaries' jungle only found in the Outer Canary Islands: La Gomera, Tenerife and La Palma.

Later, we'll reach the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, and Barranco del Cedro a deep ravine surrounded by lush vegetation with a bubbling stream at the bottom. The trail then passes through the hamlets of El Cedro, from where we'll walk over the final hill to meet our bus and return to San Sebastian for the evening.

Today's 10.5-kilometre/6.5-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and 900 metres/2,953 feet of descent. The terrain is along unmade paths which can be rocky underfoot.

Accommodation:

Hotel Torre del Conde (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Walk to the black sand beach of Playa Caleta

This morning, we'll drive to the northeast of the island to Hermigua for a circular walk to Playa Caleta with great views across the Atlantic. Starting from the village, we'll ascend through rugged terrain, before returning via the banana plantations where we should have time for a cofee in a local bar.

With its volcanic black sand Playa de la Caleta is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Today's 11-kilometre/6.2-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 400 metres/1,312 feet of ascent and 600 metres/1,969 feet of descent, walking on rough, hillside paths.

Accommodation:

Hotel Torre del Conde (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Free day to relax or enjoy an optional walk

Today is free to relax in San Sebastian or explore more of the local area.

For those who\ d like to take part, the tour leader can organize an optional walk through the centre of the island from Arure village to Valle Gran Rey, aprox. 9km long with a strong downhill bias. This walk follows the scenic trail over the Risco de la Merica plateau, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and mountains before descending into Valle Gran Rey, with the chance to unwind on Playa de Caleta beach.

Accommodation:

Hotel Torre del Conde (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Walk from Vallehermoso to coastal town of Agulo

Today we'll start with a drive to Vallehermoso in the north of the island. This small, peaceful town is surrounded by steep hills, palm trees and dry zone vegetation and is the starting point for some of La Gomera's most beautiful hiking trails.

We'll follow a trail passing Roque Cano (a distinctive rock feature of the area), terraced fields and banana plantations to the coastal town of Agulo. Agulo was one of the island's first towns and its colonial buildings, winding streets and position directly above the sea have led to it being known as one of La Gomera's most picturesque places. On a clear day, the volcanic cone of El Teide on Tenerife dominates the horizon. We'll spend some time exploring the town or relaxing in one of the cafes before returning to San Sebastian for the evening.

Today's 14-kilometre/8.7-mile walk is expected to take around five and a half hours with 770 metres/2,526 feet of ascent and descent. We'll walk on unmade hillside trails, unmade roads and a short distance on pavements.

Accommodation:

Hotel Torre del Conde (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Ferry back to Tenerife; circular walk on El Teide

This morning, we'll take the ferry back to Tenerife and then drive up onto the slopes of the magnificent Mount Teide, whose crater we'll have been admiring all week from La Gomera. Passing through the fertile zone, we'll reach the desert landscapes of the Teide National Park above the 2,000-metre mark.

A picturesque, circular walk across the El Teide Plateau takes us around the Roques de Garcia among many interesting lava formations. For those not wishing to walk today, there is the option to go up to the summit of Teide by cable car (please note, this requires an advance reservation and is not included).

Later this afternoon, we'll drive back down the mountain to the resort of San Miquel de Abona on the coast for our final night in Tenerife.

Today's 4-kilometre/2.5-mile walk is expected to take around two hours with an ascent and descent of around 150 metres/492 feet.

Accommodation:

Grand Muthu Golf Plaza Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in San Miquel de Abona.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from San Miquel de Abona at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Canary Islands

Climate

The Canary Islands enjoy a relatively stable climate making them a good year round destination. The warmer temperatures in the winter months also make the islands a great winter walking holiday choice. The best months for walking are October to April, avoiding the heat of the summer, the evenings can still be chilly and rain is possible in January and February. The Canary Gulf Stream and trade winds provides each island with its own micro-climate, bringing different climatic conditions to each side of the islands.

Time difference to GMT

The Canary Islands are -1hrs from mainland Spain

Spain

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. Spain's Islands, the Canaries and Balaerics, experience very mild winters and warm summers, making them ideal year round destinations.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Walks - As some of the walks are optional, the cost of any local buses or taxis associated with these is not included but shared between the participants - allow €20 if you intend to do all the optional walks.

Cable Car at Teide NP €13.50 pp one way, €27.00 pp return journey (requires reservation in advance, please talk to your tour leader to book)

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and warmer are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local c urrency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Canary Islands

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Foreign Exchange

Spain

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£20.00 - 35.00
Beer price
£1.50 - 3.50 (depending on the region/area in Spain)
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euros
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend you take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
In cities and most major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Ferry

Accommodation notes

During this trip, we stay in two comfortable-grade hotels.
In La Gomera, we stay at Hotel Torre del Conde, a three-star, family-run hotel, a ten-minute walk away from the beach. While it might not offer the same luxuries as larger, chain hotels, it does provide a warm welcome and a comfortable place to stay. Rooms are comfortable with amenities including air conditioning, WiFi, TVs and en-suite bathrooms. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
In Tenerife, we'll stay in a resort-style hotel, which might not have the charm of our accommodation in La Gomera but does have added amenities such as a swimming pool. Again, rooms are comfortable with air conditioning, WiFi and en suite bathrooms. The hotel is also close to the airport for our departure.

Food and drink

Both islands offer a delightful culinary experience with their unique Canarian cuisine. On La Gomera, indulge in grilled wreckfish, almond syrup desserts, and the famous cheese spread, almogrote. On Tenerife, try the hearty potaje de berros (watercress soup) and fresh seafood dishes.
Vegan and vegetarian options may be a little limited on La Gomera.

Canary Islands

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Spain

Food and drink

Spanish cuisine offers a huge variety of flavours, influenced by diverse regions and cultures. From the tapas of Andalusia to the hearty stews of Catalonia each dish tells a story. Vegetarians are typically well catered for however in the more rural areas choices may be more limited, broadly speaking this holds true for vegans.
Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Canary Islands

Spain

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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