Island Hopping La Gomera & La Palma | 15-day Hiking Tour

1| Arrival
Transfer from the airport to your first accommodation in Santiago del Teide on Tenerife. You will be met at the airport by our taxi transfer.

2| San Sebastián to Degollada de Peraza
The hike starts in San Sebastián de La Gomera, the historic capital of the island. From the town centre, the trail quickly climbs into a dry, rocky landscape with views over the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. As you gain elevation, both vegetation and surroundings change. The barren hills gradually give way to greener areas, revealing the wilder interior of La Gomera.

The route continues steadily uphill along old goat paths and through increasingly dense forest. Along the way you pass small barrancos (ravines) and enjoy ever-expanding views of the east coast. The final climb to Degollada de Peraza (950 m) is demanding but rewarded with spectacular views over the deep valleys and forested hills of Garajonay National Park.

Distance: 9.5 km
Elevation gain: +940 up / –20 down

3| Degollada de Peraza – Chipude
The trail leads through the spectacular landscapes of Garajonay National Park, with its mysterious laurel forests, deep ravines and green hills. Walking along well-marked paths, it often feels like stepping into a fairytale forest – mist hangs between the trees and moss grows along the trails. This ancient cloud forest is one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you continue, the landscape opens up and the first viewpoints over valleys and villages of La Gomera appear. The route steadily climbs towards Alto de Garajonay (1,487 m), the highest point of the island. On clear days, you can see the neighbouring islands Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and even Gran Canaria. A perfect place to take a break and enjoy the surroundings.

Distance: 17.3 km
Elevation gain: +720 up / –560 down

4| Chipude – Vallehermoso
The route follows well-marked mountain paths through small valleys, past traditional agricultural terraces and ancient trails once used by shepherds and farmers. The scenery changes constantly: green hills, deep ravines and, in the distance, the Atlantic Ocean.

Halfway along the route you reach Bosque del Cedro, a beautiful laurel forest where the humid air creates a mysterious atmosphere. The ancient trees and dense canopy make this section of the walk particularly impressive. A good place to rest and enjoy the calm and coolness of the forest.

After this green oasis, the descent towards Vallehermoso begins. As you go down, the landscape becomes drier, forests give way to palm trees, cacti and cultivated fields. The final kilometres lead you along small farms and winding paths into the charming village.

Distance: 13.5 km
Elevation gain: +280 up / –1170 down

5| Vallehermoso to Hermigua
Surrounded by green hills and steep rock walls, the walk begins with a gradual climb out of the valley. The first part of the route passes palm groves, banana plantations and old fincas. Morning light casts long shadows across the trail as you steadily ascend into the heart of the island.

You pass the impressive Roque Cano, a dominant rock formation in the Vallehermoso basin. It is a massive phonolitic volcanic plug over 200 metres high, with almost vertical walls.

Distance: 16 km
Elevation gain: +920 up / –980 down

6| Hermigua – San Sebastián
The route begins with a steady climb along old irrigation channels and fragrant vegetation. As you ascend, the landscape opens up with beautiful views over the valley and the ocean.

Higher up, the vegetation changes: laurel forest gives way to more rugged, dry terrain. The sun becomes stronger, and a break in a sheltered spot is welcome. Halfway along the route you reach Bar Restaurante Las Cumbres, a simple but welcoming restaurant located along the GM-1 road. A perfect place to rest and enjoy a hearty lunch or a refreshing drink. The potaje de berros (watercress soup) and grilled goat cheese are local favourites. Please check opening hours in advance.

After the break, a long descent towards San Sebastián begins. The trail winds through a dry volcanic landscape with increasingly wide views of the coast. On clear days, Tenerife and Mount Teide are visible in the distance. The final kilometres follow old shepherd paths down towards the capital.

Distance: 17.5 km
Elevation gain: +770 up / –900 down

7| La Gomera to La Palma
Transfer day to La Palma. You take the ferry from San Sebastián to Santa Cruz de La Palma, with a stop in Tenerife.

8| Time to settle in – explore Santa Cruz or enjoy a quiet start
Before your hiking adventure begins, today is a day to acclimatise. Wander through the streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma, admire the colourful wooden balconies filled with flowers, visit the interesting Island Museum, browse the small shops or relax at the city beach.

If you prefer, you can also exchange this day for an extra rest day in El Paso, surrounded by La Palma’s rugged mountain landscape.

9| A walk through volcanic worlds and mystical pine forests
The trek starts with an impressive stage from Fuencaliente Los Canarios to the El Pilar recreation area, a route of around 18 km. You walk through vast lava fields and past volcanoes such as Volcán San Antonio and Volcán Teneguía. The trail is challenging and the climb can feel demanding, but every effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of this raw volcanic landscape.

From El Pilar, the scenery changes completely. The second part of the hike to El Paso, around 7 km, is much easier. The trail passes through cool Canary pine forests. The gentle descent and surrounding greenery offer a welcome contrast after the volcanic terrain. This route shows the diversity of La Palma – from volcanic power to peaceful nature.

Distance: 25 km
Elevation gain: +1350 up / –1400 down

10| El Paso to Pico de la Nieve
The walk starts in El Paso, a village at the foot of the mountain range. From here you gradually climb through pine forests, with the trail becoming steeper as you gain altitude. The transition from forest to barren volcanic highlands is spectacular.

The endpoint, Pico de la Nieve, sits at 2,236 metres and is one of the highest peaks of La Palma. Its name, “Snow Peak,” refers to the rare occasions when the summit is covered with a thin layer of snow in winter.

Distance: 18.8 km
Elevation gain: +1680 up / –460 down

11| Pico de la Nieve to Los Muchachos
The route from Pico de la Nieve to Roque de los Muchachos is one of the most spectacular hikes on La Palma. With breathtaking views over the Caldera de Taburiente and the volcanic landscape of Cumbre Vieja, this trail offers an unforgettable experience.

The walk starts at Pico de la Nieve at 2,236 metres. From here, you follow a well-marked path along the edge of the caldera. The views constantly change. Along the way you pass Pico de la Cruz, a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the silence and panorama.

The endpoint, Roque de los Muchachos, rises to 2,426 metres and is the highest point of La Palma. Here you can also visit the world-famous astronomical observatories.

Distance: 13.2 km
Elevation gain: +320 up / –700 down

12| Los Muchachos to Tazacorte
The hike from Roque de los Muchachos to Tazacorte is one of the most impressive routes on La Palma. This long descent takes you from the highest point of the island at 2,426 metres all the way down to the coast. Along the way you enjoy several viewpoints, including La Torre del Time, overlooking the Aridane Valley.

Distance: 17.7 km
Elevation gain: +60 up / –2460 down

13| Rest day
A well-deserved free day in Los Llanos.

14| Cumbre Vieja – Tajogaite guided excursion
The eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, Tajogaite, is the most recent volcanic event in La Palma’s history. The eruption lasted 80 days and has significantly shaped the island. This guided hike to the Tajogaite volcano leaves a lasting impression.

• Depending on logistics, this excursion may also take place on another day. We will confirm this in advance.

15| Hasta luego, La Palma!
Today your journey comes to an end… or does it? You will be transferred to the airport, or if you travel via Tenerife, to the ferry port.

But perhaps you are not ready to say goodbye yet. If you wish to extend your stay and enjoy a few extra days of sun, sea and volcano landscapes, just let us know – we are happy to arrange it for you.