Description
Difficulty Level
GR131 La Gomera & El Hierro: Trekking Across Two Canary Islands
The GR131 La Gomera & El Hierro is a 12-day guided group trekking holiday combining two of the Canary Islands’ long-distance hiking routes. On La Gomera, you follow the GR131 across the island’s central mountain ridge, from San Sebastián de La Gomera towards the western part of the island, before completing the route back to the starting point. You then continue to El Hierro, where you explore the island on foot, crossing its highlands and volcanic landscapes.
On La Gomera, the route climbs into the green interior, passing through pine forests, traditional villages and the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park. You also pass landmarks such as Roque Agando and walk along mountain paths with significant elevation changes. On El Hierro, the landscape becomes more open and volcanic, with highland trails, twisted juniper trees and remote coastal areas.
The hiking stages range from approximately 9 to 21 kilometres. The frequent ascents and descents on La Gomera, combined with some longer stages on El Hierro, make this a challenging trekking holiday. You travel with an experienced Dutch-speaking guide in a small group of up to eight participants. Accommodation, luggage transfers and the necessary transport and ferry crossings are arranged, allowing you to focus on the walking.
What makes the GR131 La Gomera & El Hierro special?
✅ Two islands, one trekking holiday: Discover the distinctive landscapes of La Gomera and El Hierro during one organised trip.
✅ Garajonay National Park: Walk through ancient laurel forests in the mountainous interior of La Gomera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✅ Roque Agando: Pass one of La Gomera’s best-known volcanic rock formations as you cross the island’s central highlands.
✅ The remote landscapes of El Hierro: Explore the quieter side of the Canary Islands, with volcanic terrain, open highlands and rural paths.
✅ El Sabinar: Discover the distinctive juniper trees shaped by the strong winds on El Hierro.
✅ Small guided group: Walk with an experienced Dutch& English speaking guide, with a maximum of eight participants.
Hiking level GR131 La Gomera & El Hierro
The GR131 La Gomera & El Hierro is a challenging trekking holiday, suitable for hikers with a good level of fitness and experience walking in mountainous terrain. Daily stages range from approximately 9 to 21 kilometres, with substantial ascents and descents on La Gomera and longer walking days on El Hierro.
You should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on uneven mountain paths, including steep climbs and descents. The consecutive walking days also require sufficient stamina. Walking poles are recommended, particularly on the descents.
What’s included in this hiking holiday?
✓ 12-day guided group trekking holiday
✓ Overnight stays in carefully selected, small-scale accommodations
✓ Breakfast during your stay
✓ Luggage transfers between accommodations
✓ Necessary passenger transfers as described in the itinerary
✓ Ferry crossings included in the programme
✓ Experienced Dutch & English-speaking guide
✓ Comprehensive Canary-Hiking travel itinerary with practical information
✓ Access to the Canary-Hiking Travel App with daily programmes, routes, GPX files and accommodation details
✓ 1 month of free use of the Canary-Hiking Komoot app from the start of your trip
✓ GR131 walking pins for La Gomera and El Hierro
✓ Financial protection through STO Garant
- Trekking through beautiful natural landscapes
- Maximum 8 people
- Alto de Jarajonay
- Garajonay National Park
- Rock de Agando
- Volcanic landscape
- Special overnight stays Casas Rurales
- Walking islands par excellence
- The flute on La Gomera
- Mirador de Jinamo
- 25 years back in time on El Hierro
- Little Tourism
Day 1 | Arrival in Tenerife and ferry to La Gomera
Your hiking adventure begins at Tenerife South Airport. From here, we travel together to the port of Los Cristianos and take the ferry to San Sebastián de La Gomera. After checking in, there is time to settle in and explore the historic town centre before meeting the guide and the rest of the group.
Day 2 | The first climb: San Sebastián and the GR131
We start with a challenging ascent from San Sebastián into the island’s mountainous interior. Although the distance is relatively short, the climb requires a good level of fitness. As we gain altitude, the views over the eastern coastline become increasingly impressive. After a well-earned break, a transfer takes us back to our accommodation.
Distance: 9 km
Elevation: +1,047 m / –96 m
Day 3 | Across the mountains to Chipude
A transfer takes us back to the trail, where we continue along the GR131 towards Alto de Garajonay, the highest point on La Gomera. The route passes through the island’s green interior and ancient laurel forest. From the higher sections, we enjoy views across the island before descending towards the mountain village of Chipude, where we spend the night.
Distance: 16.6 km
Elevation: +848 m / –686 m
Day 4 | Through the interior to Vallehermoso
Today we continue along the GR131 towards Vallehermoso. The trail crosses the central highlands before descending through changing vegetation and traditional agricultural landscapes. Along the way, we pass the Cabezita reservoir before reaching Vallehermoso, a village surrounded by green hills and terraced fields.
Distance: 14.5 km
Elevation: +407 m / –1,298 m
Day 5 | From Vallehermoso towards the northern coast
Today’s stage takes us from Vallehermoso towards Hermigua. The route climbs towards the higher parts of the island before descending towards the northern coast. Along the way, we enjoy views towards Tenerife and Mount Teide on clear days. It is a demanding walking day, with significant elevation changes and varied terrain.
Distance: 17 km
Elevation: +810 m / –910 m
Day 6 | The final stage on La Gomera
Our final walking stage on La Gomera takes us from Hermigua towards San Sebastián. Another climb awaits before the route descends towards the island’s capital. It is a rewarding end to the GR131 trek on La Gomera, with time to appreciate the landscape and reflect on the kilometres covered together.
Distance: 17.5 km
Elevation: +770 m / –900 m
Day 7 | Island-hopping to El Hierro
Today we leave La Gomera and travel to El Hierro via Tenerife. The ferry crossings provide time to relax after several demanding walking days. On arrival, we settle into our accommodation and prepare for the second part of the adventure on the smallest and westernmost island of the Canary archipelago.
Day 8 | From Valverde towards La Llanía
We begin exploring El Hierro from its capital, Valverde. The route gradually climbs through green meadows, traditional stone boundaries and forested areas. As we approach the protected area of La Llanía, the vegetation becomes denser and the atmosphere cooler. A transfer takes us back to our accommodation after the walk.
Distance: 15 km
Elevation: +871 m / –247 m
Day 9 | From La Llanía to the westernmost point
Today we explore a striking section of El Hierro’s GR131 route. From La Llanía, we descend towards the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, an important place in the island’s history and traditions. We continue through the volcanic landscape towards Faro de Orchilla, the lighthouse near the westernmost point of El Hierro. This remote location offers a fitting highlight for our trek.
Distance: 21 km
Elevation: +141 m / –874 m
Day 10 | The twisted juniper trees of El Sabinar
After the longer GR131 stages, we enjoy a different walking experience. From the western village of La Sabinosa, we follow a circular route towards El Sabinar, where ancient juniper trees have been shaped by the persistent winds into remarkable forms. This is one of El Hierro’s best-known natural features and a wonderful opportunity to experience the island’s quiet, open landscape.
Day 11 | Return to Tenerife
After breakfast, there is time to relax or take a short walk before we travel to the port for the ferry back to Tenerife. On arrival in Los Cristianos, we check into our final accommodation and enjoy the last evening of the trip.
Day 12 | Departure from Tenerife
After breakfast, a transfer takes you to Tenerife South Airport for your return journey. Your 12-day trekking adventure across La Gomera and El Hierro comes to an end, with two GR131 routes completed and plenty of memories from the trails.
Inclusive
- Travel time: 12 days
- Return transfer airport Tenerife south – port Los Cristianos
- Return ferry crossing La Gomera and El Hierro
- Welcome drink
- Organized hiking tour of about 80 km
- Includes official guide
- Accommodations with breakfast
- Luggage transport
- Acces to our travelapp
- 1 month free Komoot
- Travel guarantee STO
Exclusive
- Outward and return journey
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- All meals and drinks except breakfast
- Possible single room supplement
- Transfers outside the program
- Booking fee
- Any additional costs transfer from Tenerife North airport
Our special accommodations
The hiking pin of the GR131
Our unique hiking pin. Each island has its own color. You get this hiking pin when you complete the GR131 Camino Naturales on one of the seven islands. With a group tour you get this at the end of the trip. With an individual trip you take a stamp ticket with you that you have signed off at various locations. With this card you will receive your earned hiking pin. You are eligible for this if the trip is booked with Canary Hiking!
To colour
Each island has its own color. Did you walk the 630 km and save all the colors together? Then you will receive a unique pin from us!
Distance
120 km
Difficulty
Medium/Hard
Up
6277 m.
Down
5629 m.
🥾 Conquer the Canary Islands, Collect Unique Pins! 🏅
Trek the GR131 Camino Naturales and collect a special Canary Hiking pin for each completed island – each in a unique color to symbolize your achievement!
Group trip? Receive your colorful pin at the end of the tour.
Solo adventurer? Collect stamps on your card at each milestone and we will send your pin!
What kind of walking condition do I need for this trip?
You need a good basic level of fitness and should be able to comfortably walk 15–20 km per day with some elevation gain. The pace is easy and there are sufficient breaks.
How big is the group?
The trip is almost all-inclusive: overnight stays, breakfast, all transfers (including ferries), luggage transport, guidance by an experienced guide and hiking planning. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
What is included in the price?
De GR131 is een uitdagende trektocht, ideaal voor wandelaars met ervaring. De route bevat aanzienlijke hoogteverschillen en sommige etappes zijn behoorlijk pittig. Een goede conditie is essentieel, maar met de juiste voorbereiding kan de trektocht door de meeste ervaren wandelaars worden volbracht.
Is this trip suitable for people with a fear of heights?
Yes! The GR131 on La Gomera & El Hierro does not have narrow ridges or dangerous precipices. The paths are wide and easy to walk. There is a stage on La Gomera with a significant descent.
What kind of accommodations do you use?
We stay in small-scale, atmospheric accommodations — think of authentic casa rurales with character and comfort and small, atmospheric hotels.
What hiking gear should I bring?
A good daypack, hiking boots with tread, rain gear and sun protection are essential. Use layers!
Do I have to carry my own luggage during the trek?
No, you only walk with a daypack. Your main luggage is transported for you between accommodations.
What happens in bad weather?
The climate is generally mild, but in exceptionally bad weather we will flexibly adjust the program. Safety and comfort are paramount.
What makes this trip special?
You walk across two unique islands of the Canary archipelago, far from mass tourism. Professional guidance, the GR131 route, peace, nature and the end point at Faro de Orchilla make it an experience you won’t soon forget.
Where does the group meet?
The group meets at Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Here our guide will be waiting for the participants, usually at the arrivals hall, at an agreed time.
From there we will travel together by transfer to the ferry and cross over to La Gomera, where the trip officially starts.
Tip: Book a flight that we suggest, so that you are sure to be on time for the joint transfer and ferry.
