Description
Difficulty Level
La Gomera & El Hierro: Trekking Across Two Remarkable Islands
The 12-day La Gomera & El Hierro trek combines two of the most distinctive hiking islands in the Canary Islands. You start on La Gomera, where you hike through green mountain landscapes, ancient laurel forests and characteristic valleys. You then travel to El Hierro, the smallest and westernmost island of the archipelago. Here you discover a more rugged landscape of volcanic slopes, forests and quiet coastal areas.
On La Gomera, you hike through the heart of the island and explore Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route follows mountain ridges and passes through green valleys, with regular views of the Atlantic Ocean. You may also encounter Silbo Gomero, the traditional whistling language of La Gomera, which remains an important part of the island’s culture.
After crossing to El Hierro, the landscape changes noticeably. The island is quieter and less densely populated and is known for its volcanic character and distinctive vegetation. You hike through forests with ancient juniper trees, across volcanic slopes and along quiet trails where you are unlikely to encounter many other walkers.
The combination of the two islands makes this trek particularly interesting. La Gomera is known for its green mountains and valleys, while El Hierro has a more rugged and volcanic character. With luggage transfers included, you can hike both islands with only a light daypack.
What makes La Gomera & El Hierro special?
✅ Two very different islands: combine the green, mountainous landscape of La Gomera with the peaceful and volcanic character of El Hierro.
✅ Garajonay National Park: hike through the remarkable laurel forests of La Gomera, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✅ Silbo Gomero: discover the unique whistling language that forms part of La Gomera’s traditional culture.
✅ Volcanic El Hierro: explore a landscape of volcanoes, forests and rugged coastal areas.
✅ Peace and space: El Hierro is one of the quietest islands in the Canary Islands, offering plenty of space for walking in peaceful surroundings.
✅ Island hopping: travel between two remarkable islands and experience how different their landscapes and character are.
Hiking level
This trek is suitable for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness. Both islands have regular elevation changes, including some demanding climbs and descents. The combination of several consecutive hiking days also requires a good basic level of fitness.
Included in this hiking holiday
✓ 12-day individual trek on La Gomera and El Hierro
✓ Overnight stays in carefully selected accommodations
✓ Luggage transfers between accommodations
✓ Ferry crossings between the islands
✓ All necessary passenger transfers during the hiking holiday
✓ Detailed Canary-Hiking travel guide with practical information
✓ Access to the Canary-Hiking Travel App with daily itineraries, routes, GPX files and accommodation information
✓ 1 month of free use of the Canary-Hiking Komoot app from the start of your trip
- Garajonay National Parque
- Silbo Gomera
- Spectacular vieuw
- Authentic Villages
- Juniper Forests
- Perfect for Active Hikers
- Small-Scale Experience
- Luggage transfer
Day 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 service.
Day 2 | San Sebastián to Degollada de Peraza
The hike starts in San Sebastián de La Gomera, the island’s historic capital. From the town center, the trail quickly winds upward through a dry, rocky landscape with stunning views of the coast and the blue Atlantic Ocean. As you ascend, the vegetation changes from arid hills to lush areas, revealing the rugged interior of La Gomera.
The route climbs gradually along ancient goat paths and increasingly dense forests, passing small ravines and viewpoints over the eastern coast. The final climb to Degollada de Peraza (950 m) is challenging but rewards you with spectacular views over the deep valleys and forested hills of Garajonay National Park.
Distance: 9.5 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +940 m / –20 m
Day 3 | Degollada de Peraza – Chipude
You’ll trek through the stunning landscapes of Garajonay National Park, with its mysterious laurel forests, deep ravines, and rolling green hills. Mist drifts through the trees and moss lines the paths, giving a magical atmosphere. The trail climbs steadily to Alto de Garajonay (1,487 m), the island’s highest point. On clear days, you can see Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, and even Gran Canaria.
Distance: 17.3 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +720 m / –560 m
Day 4 | Chipude – Vallehermoso
The route continues along marked mountain paths, passing valleys, traditional terraces, and centuries-old shepherd trails. You’ll reach the Bosque del Cedro, a lush cloud forest offering cool shade and a tranquil atmosphere. The descent to Vallehermoso (“Beautiful Valley”) takes you past palm trees, cacti, and small farms, ending in this charming village.
Distance: 13.5 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +200 m / –1,090 m
Day 5 | Vallehermoso – Hermigua
Start surrounded by green hills and steep cliffs. Walk past palm groves, banana terraces, and old fincas. The dominant Roque Cano, a 200-meter-high phonolitic rock formation, towers over the valley.
Distance: 16 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +920 m / –770 m
Day 6 | Hermigua – San Sebastián
A steep morning climb takes you past ancient irrigation channels and aromatic shrubs, with breathtaking views of the valley and ocean. The laurel forests transition into drier terrain. Stop for lunch at Bar Restaurante Las Cumbres, famous for watercress soup and grilled goat cheese. Descend through volcanic landscapes toward San Sebastián, with Tenerife and El Teide visible in the distance.
Distance: 17.5 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +770 m / –900 m
Day 7 | La Gomera to El Hierro
A long travel day: ferry from La Gomera to Tenerife, then onward to El Hierro. Upon arrival, a taxi will transfer you to your accommodation in Valverde.
Day 8 | Valverde – Los Llania
Start the Camino de la Virgen, a historic pilgrimage route, from the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in Valverde to La Llanía parking area. The trail ascends gradually through green meadows, terraces, and small villages.
Distance: 15 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +840 m / –90 m
Day 9 | Los Llania – Faro de Orchilla
This stage is one of the most spectacular on El Hierro. The trail climbs through mystical cloud forests to Malpaso (1,506 m), then descends across volcanic fields and rugged plains toward Faro de Orchilla, the historic westernmost point of the world.
Distance: 21 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +200 m / –1,530 m
Day 10 | El Sabinar
Begin at Nuestra Señora de los Reyes and hike through La Dehesa to El Sabinar, famous for its wind-shaped junipers. The iconic bent tree of El Hierro is on this route.
Distance: 16.2 km or 11.6 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,130 / –1,130 m or +420 / –420 m
Day 11 | Return to Tenerife
Taxi transfer to the ferry for the return trip to Tenerife (approx. 2 hours). Overnight in Los Cristianos.
Day 12 | Departure
Bus transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Inclusive
- Duration: 12 days
- Comfortable accommodations with breakfast
- Round-trip airport transfer
- Round-trip ferry crossing to/from La Gomera
- Round-trip ferry crossing to/from El Hierro
- Transfers during the trekking tour
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Self-guided hiking with GPX tracks and detailed itinerary
- WhatsApp support throughout your trip
- Travel guarantee via STO Garant
- Acces to our travel app
Exclusive
- Outbound and return travel
- All meals except breakfast
- Booking fee
- Single supplement
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Mountain sports insurance recommended
Distance
120 km
Difficulty
Medium / Heavy
Up
5010 m.
Down
5380 m.
