Description
Niveau
GR131 Trek on La Gomera – An Adventurous Circular Hike Through the Magical Island
After Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, La Gomera is the fifth island in the GR131 series. The GR131 on La Gomera is a hiking journey for lovers of tranquility, nature, and elevation changes. This 75-kilometer route takes you through the heart of the island over five hiking days. The first three days follow the official GR131 trail, crossing from east to west along La Gomera’s central mountain ridge. Then, two additional stages complete the journey: a beautiful loop back to the starting point – a full circular hike over this rugged hiking island.
La Gomera is perhaps the most authentic island in the Canary Archipelago. No mass tourism here, just a green heart full of misty laurel forests, volcanic rock formations, deep ravines, and peaceful villages. During this trek, you’ll walk an average of 12 to 15 kilometers per day, with some challenging ascents and descents. With luggage transfers, you’ll walk with a light backpack and a head full of wonder.
✨ Why the GR131 on La Gomera is so special:
🌳 Garajonay National Park – UNESCO World Heritage site with mysterious cloud forests and ancient vegetation.
🔈 Silbo Gomero – The whistling language of La Gomera, unique in the world, still “spoken” in the mountains.
🪨 Roque Agando – An iconic volcanic rock towering like a beacon above the island.
🌴 Landscape contrasts – From cool mountain forests to palm-filled tropical valleys.
🏘️ Small-scale accommodations – From rural casas to charming village hotels.
🔄 Full circular hike – With two extra stages, you’ll not only traverse La Gomera but also circle the entire island.
This trek is fully organized, including all transfers, accommodations, and route information. All you need to do is walk – step by step, from mountain ridge to coast, through the rugged and wondrous landscape of La Gomera.
- Roque Agando
- Alto de Garajonay
- Unique Valleys
- Special Accommodations
- Valley of Vallehermoso
- Silbo Gomero
- Including Luggage Transport
- Variety in Landscapes
1 | Arrival in San Sebastián
Welcome to La Gomera! After arriving at Tenerife airport, you’ll be picked up for a comfortable transfer to the port of Los Cristianos. From here, you’ll board the ferry that will take you to the enchanting La Gomera. Once you arrive in San Sebastián, the island’s capital, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the car-free town center. Enjoy a well-deserved drink on a terrace or taste the local specialties. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the adventure ahead!
2 | Uphill: The Start of Your Adventure
The first stage of the GR131 begins with a steep climb! This challenging start is a great way to get into the right walking mindset. The path winds its way upwards, and although you won’t cover many kilometers, you’ll gain a lot of elevation. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view and can treat yourself to a refreshing drink at the cozy restaurant. After this climb and the beautiful vistas, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to San Sebastián to rest for the next stage.
Distance: 9 km
Elevation: +1047m uphill / –96m downhill
3 | The Mid-Mountains: Between Mountains and Clouds
You begin the day with a transfer to where you ended the previous stage. Here, you start the next phase of the GR131, which takes you through one of the most beautiful sections of La Gomera. As you slowly ascend, you’ll get closer to Alto Garajonay, the island’s highest point. This is a magical place, in the heart of Garajonay National Park, famous for its ancient laurel forests and the mysterious mist that envelops the area. From the top, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the green heart of La Gomera. After this stage, you’ll arrive in Chipude in the afternoon.
Distance: 16.6 km
Elevation: +848m uphill / –686m downhill
4 | The Valley of Vallehermoso: The End of the GR131
Today, you’ll walk through the beautiful Valley of Vallehermoso, the impressive endpoint of the GR131 on La Gomera. The route leads you through a landscape that becomes greener as you get closer to Vallehermoso. This valley, surrounded by mountains, is one of the most beautiful spots on the island, offering a stunning panorama of nature.
Just before you reach Vallehermoso, you’ll pass the reservoir, Presa de la Cabezita. The peaceful surroundings of the lake make for the perfect pause. After this break, you’ll continue through the valley, known for its fertile land and traditional terraced farming. Eventually, you’ll reach Vallehermoso, the endpoint of the GR131.
Distance: 18 km
Elevation: +407m uphill / –1298m downhill
5 | The Red Earth: From Vallehermoso to Hermigua via Agulo
Today, you’ll walk a challenging stage of the GR132, taking you from Vallehermoso toward the coast. The journey begins with a steep climb, and as you ascend, you’ll get spectacular views of Tenerife and the impressive El Teide volcano towering above the clouds.
The route passes through Agulo, a village famous for its picturesque streets, before continuing to Hermigua, the next destination of your journey. The paths lead you through rugged landscapes, where you’ll discover the typical red soil of this part of the island. This volcanic landscape provides a beautiful contrast to the greenery of the surrounding valleys.
Distance: 17 km
Elevation: +1147m uphill / –1125m downhill
6 | Last but Not Least – The Final Stage to San Sebastián
This final stage of your adventure on La Gomera is yet another great challenge and a perfect way to finish your journey. You start the day with a tough climb from Hermigua to the higher areas. After this impressive ascent, a long, gradual descent follows toward the capital. As you descend, you’ll pass a beautiful reservoir nestled in a peaceful green environment. The journey ends in San Sebastián, where you’ll arrive with a sense of accomplishment. You’ve completed the island loop, an adventure full of highlights, breathtaking views, and untouched nature. It’s a journey you’ll remember with a smile – the ultimate discovery of La Gomera!
Distance: 16 km
Elevation: +1098m uphill / –763m downhill
Free Day in San Sebastián
After this impressive trek, you have the choice: a relaxing free day in San Sebastián or, if you have an early flight, the ferry back to Tenerife.
For those who need to leave earlier, there is the option to take the ferry to Tenerife.
8 | Return Journey
After an unforgettable experience on La Gomera, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful island. Enjoy your last moments on the island and reflect on the remarkable trek you’ve completed. The ferry will take you back to Tenerife, and a transfer will be waiting to take you to the airport.
Until next time! ✈️🌴
Inclusive
- The price is based on 2 persons
- Travel time: 8 days
- Comfortable accommodations with breakfast
- Return transfer airport Tenerife South – Port
- Return ferry
- Transfers during the walking tour
- Luggage transport!
- Selfguided hike with GPX and script
- Whatsapp support
- Travel guarantee STO Garant
Exclusive
- Outward and return journey
- All meals except breakfast
- Booking costs
- Single supplement
- Return transfer airport Tenerife North
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Mountain sports insurance recommended
Our special accommodations
Because we use small-scale accommodations, it is possible that we use a different accommodation than shown. All accommodations are equal to each other!
De Wandelpin van de GR131
Onze unieke wandelpin. Elk eiland heeft zijn eigen kleur. Je krijgt deze wandelpin bij het voltooien van de GR131 Camino Naturales op één van de zeven eilanden. Met een groepsreis krijg je deze op het einde van de reis. Met een individuele reis neem je een stempelkaartje mee die je laat aftekenen bij verschillende locaties. Met deze kaart krijg je je verdiende wandelpin opgestuurd. Je komt hiervoor in aanmerking als de reis bij Canary Hiking geboekt is!
Kleuren
Elk eiland heeft zijn eigen kleur. Heb jij de 630 km gelopen en alle kleuren bij elkaar gespaard? Dan krijg jij van ons een unieke pin!
Distance
77 km
Difficulty
Difficult
Up.
4624 m.
Down.
3968 m.
Frequently asked questions about GR131 La Gomera
How difficult is the hike on La Gomera?
The GR131 trek on La Gomera is considered a challenging route, ideal for hikers with a good physical condition. The trek is not suitable for absolute beginners, as the route has many differences in altitude and sometimes steep ascents and descents.
Average distance per day: Approximately 15-20 km per day.
Elevation: The trek has a total of approximately 4000 meters of elevation (ascents and descents).
Type of terrain: You walk on unpaved paths, through mountainous areas, rocky gorges, and laurel forests.
How long does the journey take on La Gomera?
The trek takes 8 days, including a number of extra stages to make a complete loop around the island. The route covers approximately 75 kilometres over several stages, from the east to the west of the island, with extra highlights along the way.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
The GR131 is a challenging hike, ideal for experienced hikers. The route has considerable elevation changes and some stages are quite tough. A good level of fitness is essential, but with the right preparation the hike can be completed by most experienced hikers.
Can I also book this trip alone?
Yes, you can do the trek solo. The route is well marked and with the detailed route information you receive, you can follow the stages independently. It is important to prepare yourself well for the physical challenges of the route.
Is luggage transport included?
Yes, your luggage will be transported for you daily. You will only walk with a light daypack and can enjoy the route without any worries.
What kind of terrain can I expect?
The GR131 takes you over unpaved paths, through rocky gorges, mountainous areas and laurel forests. You will also experience varied landscapes, from the green inland to the rugged coasts, with a few tough climbs and descents.
Where do I stay during the tour?
You will stay in comfortable and well-located accommodations, ranging from small hotels and mountain hotels to traditional island houses. All accommodations have been carefully selected for comfort and authenticity.
What is the best time to travel?
The GR131 can be walked all year round. On La Gomera it is between March and June or September and November, when the weather is mild. In summer it can be quite hot, especially in the lower areas, and in winter it can be colder at higher altitudes.
Are there any special details I should take into account?
La Gomera is known for its misty and green mountains, especially during the winter months. Make sure you are well prepared for changeable weather, and remember to bring adequate walking shoes, rain protection and sunglasses for the different weather conditions you may encounter along the way.
How many meters of elevation do I have to overcome?
The route has significant elevation changes, with some stages taking you above 1400 meters. During the trek you will conquer more than 4000 meters of elevation, both up and down, so good physical preparation is important.
🥾 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!
