As probably the most smallest and quietest of the Canary islands, L. a. Gomera gives a wild and unspoiled environment that’s ultimate for nature fans. We spent per week climbing in L. a. Gomera, and percentage our 7 day itinerary with main points of the most productive walks, the place to stick and the way to get round. On this rugged panorama you’ll be expecting steep climbs and descents, however you’ll be rewarded via gorgeous perspectives over the rocky beach and luxurious valleys.
What to anticipate when climbing in L. a. Gomera
The centre of L. a. Gomera is roofed via the Garajonay Nationwide Park, the highlands at 1500m above sea stage being coated via safe laurel woodland that’s incessantly shrouded in mist. From this UNESCO International Heritage web site, steep gorges or barrancos, lower throughout the rock, as river valleys make their technique to the ocean. On account of the terrain, you’ll to find a mix of sheltered valleys clothed with palm bushes, stone terraces and cactus, blended with steep paths to ridges that provide shocking perspectives.
L. a. Gomera is a playground for the relatively have compatibility to extra skilled walker, however having stated that you’ll to find routes which are extra mild if you want. With the Canary Islands playing heat and sunshine all 12 months spherical, L. a. Gomera gives comfy strolling temperatures generally starting from 18-25 decrees Celcius, making it a perfect spring, autumn and wintry weather climbing vacation spot.
Lodging in L. a. Gomera
Whilst I like staying in boutique or luxurious resorts, on my climbing journeys I’m simply searching for a blank and comfy position to spend the evening. In L. a. Gomera, a lot of the lodging is in “Casa Rural” or modest visitor properties, that amply cater for the desires of walkers. Accommodations comparable to Val Gran Rey be offering lodging extra geared to vacation makers, however a lot of it’s rather priced.
An exception to my basic rule of reserving modest lodging for climbing, is in the beginning or finish of the commute, the place it’s great to regard your self to one thing just a little extra particular. The Parador at San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera or Lodge Jardin Tecina in Playa de Santiago are nice examples of resorts the place you’ll deal with your self to a bit of extra luxurious.
Arriving in L. a. Gomera
The general public will arrive for strolling in L. a. Gomera by way of the neighbouring island of Tenerife, the place there are a lot of global flights into Tenerife South airport. From right here it’s a 30 minute taxi or bus adventure to get to the port at Los Christianos, the place you’ll get the ferry to L. a. Gomera (it’s so shut you’ll see it). Two other ferry traces – Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas each and every run round 3 ferries an afternoon to and from L. a. Gomera. You’ll be able to to find extra details about the bus and ferry timings on the finish of the object.
The ferry to los angeles Gomera
We took an early flight from the United Kingdom to Tenerife, arriving round 11.30am. Arriving at Tenerife South airport within the morning is perfect, because it method you’ll simply get the ferry to L. a. Gomera at the identical day. We took probably the most common buses from Tenerife South Airport and were given off in Los Christianos half-hour later. From the bus forestall it was once a 15-20 minutes stroll to the ferry port.
As we had a few hours to attend till our ferry, we comfy within the sunshine on the cafe “El Teatro del Puerto” which sells rather priced refreshments. For foot passengers there’s no wish to ebook prematurely because it’s simple to shop for tickets within the port’s departure centre, the place the price ticket counters open round 1 hr sooner than the ferry leaves.
As soon as on board, there was once a variety of area to sit down inside of or outdoor at the ferry. Because the ferry pulled away we loved the perspectives taking a look again at the south coast of Tenerife and the arriving on the island capital of San Sebastian de los angeles Gomera.
San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera – 1 evening – (day 1)
Our 2.30pm ferry from Los Christianos in Tenerife introduced us into L. a. Gomera at round 3.30pm and because the Parador the place we stayed was once at the best of the cliff, we took a taxi from the port to the lodge. The gardens of the Parador are so beautiful that it was once tempting to calm down there and profit from the swimming pool and the perspectives.
On the other hand, after settling in, we walked down into the small the city by way of the trail and had a go searching within the overdue afternoon. It’s an excessively walkable position and after exploring the previous the city, we discovered a chiringuito at the beachfront for dinner.
The place to stick in San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera
Staying on the Parador in San Sebastian was once a splurge firstly of our strolling vacation in L. a. Gomera, however person who we totally loved! The historically furnished rooms are set round inexperienced courtyards or glance out at the pretty gardens.
We felt as though Christopher Columbus himself may simply have set foot right here for a bit of little bit of paradise sooner than his exhausting adventure around the Atlantic. There’s a beautiful swimming pool, courtyard bar, chic eating place and breathtaking perspectives from the clifftops over the city and sea. Even if we took a taxi up from the port, strolling down from the Parador alongside a cobbled lane doesn’t take too lengthy, as soon as you understand how.
If you’re searching for inexpensive resorts in San Sebastian los angeles Gomera, then take a look at Lodge Apartmentos Villa Gomera, which is centrally positioned within the the city itself, or test different resorts and residences in San Sebastian de los angeles Gomera.
Automobile Rent Tip: You don’t desire a automotive to get across the the city of San Sebastian itself, and parking might be a topic within the centre of San Sebastian (even if there’s parking on the Parador). So in case you plan to rent a automotive for the remainder of the keep, you should select it up as soon as you are prepared to depart San Sebastian.
Issues to do in San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera
L. a. Gomera’s capital has a in large part pedestrianised centre, making it simple to wander round. The oldest properties continue to exist from the 1440s when land was once granted to Spanish nobles, after the conquerers controlled to subdue the Guanche individuals who lived right here. San Sebastian may be very pleased with its connections with Christopher Columbus who stopped right here in 1492 to tackle provides for his voyage to the “New International’.
The primary issues to do come with:
- Take a seat below the shady laurel bushes in Plaza de los angeles Charter and watch the arena cross via from the cafe “Kiosco las Carabelas”
- Understand the statue within the plaza of Christopher Columbus and browse the ideas forums in regards to the the city’s historical past.
- Wander up Calle Actual to the Inglesia de los angeles Asuncion, the city’s major church which had simply been began when Christopher Columbus handed thru. On the other hand, the successive harm via pirate assaults imply that the church you notice lately most commonly dates from the seventeenth century.
- At the nook reverse the church is L. a. Casa de los angeles Aguada, with a smartly within the courtyard the place Christopher Columbus historically drew water for his voyage. As of late it’s a vacationer data centre, with to 1 aspect a fascinating exhibition in regards to the island and the significance of stone in its building. It’s value choosing up a map of the L. a. Gomera climbing trails on the vacationer data centre.
Discover Timanfaya Nationwide Park and the volcanoes in Lanzarote
- Subsequent door is the Archaeology museum with details about the island’s first population, the guanches. At the identical side road and the close by Calle Virgen de Guadalupe are some beautiful previous Canarian properties with the standard carved wood doorways, shutters and balconies.
- A brief distance additional alongside Calle Actual is the small chapel Ermita de San Sebastian inbuilt 1450.
- Probably the most the city’s major landmarks is Torre del Conde, a fortified tower set in an open park. It was once inbuilt 1447 to shield in opposition to the Guanche and proved helpful to Beatriz de Bobadilla, who sheltered there following the homicide of her husband the governor, till lend a hand arrived to place down the Guanche riot.
Mountain climbing from San Sebastián de los angeles Gomera
Even if we didn’t use San Sebastian as a base for climbing, if you wish to spend extra time right here, you’ll take a look at the next walks. Guidebook direction numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.
- A very easy coastal stroll from San Sebastian’s prom takes you to a sheltered bay at Playa de los angeles Guancha. (Guidebook direction 1)
- A downhill direction begins at Mirador Degollada de Peraza above the city, which may also be reached via bus or taxi, from the place you stroll downhill again into San Sebastian, with perspectives of Teide volcano on Tenerife. (Guidebook direction 6)
Agulo – 2 nights – (day 2 and three)
After our delightful evening on the Parador in San Sebastian, we moved directly to Agulo the place we had been to spend 2 nights. Buses aren’t very common, however Line 2 from San Sebastian bus station left at 10.30am and dropped us 40 mins later at Agulo. From there it was once a brief stroll throughout the pedestrianised streets to our lodging, a Casa Rural that introduced easy lodging for walkers.
The place to stick in Agulo
Agulo is a small and rather compact village, so maximum places will paintings smartly for walkers. On the other hand, you probably have a rent automotive you must test first what parking is to be had, for the reason that streets are slim and parking is simplest allowed in positive portions of the village.
We stayed at Casa Rural Los Helechos which is perfect for walkers, for the reason that lodging is in small residences set round a conventional courtyard. Even if breakfast is obtainable at an extra rate, we favored having our personal small kitchen / residing space. The homeowners had been additionally very useful in giving recommendation for walkers.
If Casa Rural Los Helechos isn’t to be had, you should take a look at Casa Lugo Lodge Rural (even if this was once closed on the time of our talk over with) or differently test one of the vital different Casa Rural or residences in Agulo.
About Agulo in L. a. Gomera
Referred to as the prettiest village in L. a. Gomera, Agulo is made up of slim cobbled streets bordered via conventional properties. The environment is bounded via a sheer cliff in entrance of which the village sits surrounded via fertile terraces, and perspectives against the ocean with Mount Teide within the distance.
The nineteenth century purchased a duration of prosperity to Agulo and with thriving banana exports, trendy advantages comparable to electrical energy and phone traces, so the village was once referred to as the “bonbon of L. a. Gomera”, such was once its appeal as a spot to are living. Throughout this time, sexy properties had been constructed via the increasing center categories, with two tales, elaborate carved doorways and window shutters and wrought iron balconies.
Issues to do in Agulo
Puts of hobby to talk over with in Agulo come with
- The church of San Marcos in the principle sq., with its placing rounded roof design. This church is in reality no longer that previous having been designed in 1911 over the web site of an previous church that had fallen into disrepair. It’s from this sq. right through the competition of San Marcos in April, that bonfires of juniper wooden are lit and younger males bounce over the flames in honour of the saint.
- The primary factor to do within the village itself is to wander across the beautiful streets to take in the ambience, and calm down in probably the most the city’s cafes or conventional eating places. We ate in L. a. Vieja Escuela and Bar Restaurante Alameda, either one of which serve tasty Canarian specialties.
- From Agulo you’ll stroll to the coast to peer the stays of an previous davit or crane that was once used to load boats with bananas, even if it was once destroyed via a typhoon within the Nineteen Fifties.
- Additionally from the village you’ll stroll to the seaside at Playa de San Marco, the place there’s a beautiful chapel. It’s a just right picnic spot even if the waves are too tough to swim right here.
- If you wish to get probably the most impressive perspectives you’ll hike or power as much as the Mirador Abrante standpoint the place there’s a tumbler viewing platform, for perspectives over Agulo and Mount Teide in Tenerife.
Mountain climbing from Agulo
There are a couple of other walks that may be undertaken from Agulo, justifying a keep of 2-3 nights. Instead, you should use the nearest village of Hermigua as an lodging base for 2-3 nights, which will provide you with get entry to to other walks. Guidebook direction numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.
Day 2 – Agulo to Pescante and Playa de San Marcos
Having travelled that morning from San Sebastian to Agulo via bus, we settled into our lodging after which opted for a shorter stroll for the afternoon. This stroll took us thru cultivated terraces against the coast, main downhill to Pescante, with a boulder strewn seaside and slipway for fishing boats.
By way of the aspect of the trail, previous wood boats had been being saved, even if it gave the impression a long way too tough to place out to sea, let on my own take a swim. Slightly additional we reached the ruins of the structures that had been used when this was once a loading space to export bananas. Within the nineteenth century, a davit or crane was once used to load vegetation into boats, even if simplest the stone pillars that supported the crane stay.
Retracing our steps as much as the village, we took a special trail across the headland, and down a rocky path against the seaside of San Marcos.
There are beautiful perspectives over the cove and the chapel, which is used right through the competition of San Marcos in April. As a part of the festivities, the saint’s statue is paraded all the way down to the chapel from the city sq.. The ocean is just too tough to swim right here however there’s a picnic spot with benches and tables.
Timings – Agulo to Pescante and again 1 hr 30 minutes. Agulo to Playa de San Marcos and again 1 hr 45 minutes. (Guidebook Course 58)
Day 3 – Agulo to Centro de Visitantes Juego de Bolas
In this complete day’s strolling we took a tougher direction, without delay up the cliff at the back of Agulo to the Mirador de Abrante, which is referred to as probably the most easiest hikes in los angeles Gomera. Whilst the cliff stroll was once difficult, with steep drops in puts, it was once simple to observe with stone steps and rewarded us with wonderful perspectives over the city of Agulo and Mount Teide within the distance. On the best, a stone pillar marked the Mirador de Agulo and from right here the incline was once extra mild, thru grass and previous terraces, mountaineering as much as the easiest level on the Mirador de Abrante.
Visiting the Mirador is referred to as probably the most easiest issues to do in L. a. Gomera, however annoyingly it was once closed (in spite of it being inside of opening hours) so we had forgo the drink within the cafe we were taking a look ahead to. As a substitute we climbed up at the eroded ridge above the Mirador and adopted the trail and marker poles thru shrubs and woodland. We arrived on the Juego de Bolas, probably the most customer centres for the Garajonay Nationwide Park, even if it sits outdoor the park itself.
Juego de Bolas Customer Centre
It’s simple to spend a nice hour on the customer centre, which may be a well-liked forestall in case you are travelling via automotive. Surrounding the centre is a botanical lawn, with spaces appearing local shrubs and bushes in addition to beds planted with the medicinal crops used on L. a. Gomera.
On the Casa de los angeles Memoria or “Area of Reminiscences” we discovered an ethnographic museum, the place we watched an enchanting movie, providing insights at the cultural heritage of l. a. Gomera. We discovered in regards to the Silbo whistling language, that was once used to be in contact throughout deep ravines, how pottery was once historically made and the way the sap of palm bushes is tapped to make palm honey.
Adjacent the “Area of Reminiscences” is a chain of small stores and exhibitions across the courtyard. On the data centre, we picked up a map of the Garajonay Nationwide Park in addition to a L. a. Gomera climbing map, with the entire strolling trails and were given precious data from the park wardens. In the similar space is a restaurant promoting espresso and snacks in addition to native meals specialties, a memento store and an exhibition in regards to the horrible woodland fires of 2012 that destroyed massive spaces of the Garajonay woodland reserve.
Juego de Bolas again to Agulo
A round direction would have taken us again on a special trail, following the Barranco de las Rosas. On the other hand a landslide had closed this trail, so we retraced our steps to the Mirador de Abrante after which made a brief detour to peer the reservoir Embalase de Agulo. From right here, it was once go into reverse the cliff trail, playing the overdue afternoon perspectives over Agulo.
Timings: The entire stroll took us round 7 hours, together with a protracted forestall for lunch at Juego de Bolas and a relaxation at Mirador de Abrante. Within the information ebook the round direction without a relaxation stops is given at 3 hrs 30 minutes. (Guidebook Course 59)
Vallehermoso – 2 nights – (day 4 and 5)
After a 2nd evening in Agulo we moved directly to Vallehermoso, taking a taxi within the morning to avoid wasting time and make allowance us to do an extended stroll that day. The price of the taxi was once round €25. Lets even have taken the Line 2 bus that runs from San Sebastian to Vallehermosos by way of Agulo, leaving San Sebastian at 10.30am arriving Vallehermoso round 12.00.
If I used to be to select only one location to base myself for climbing on L. a. Gomera, it could be Vallehermoso. Actually which means “Gorgeous Valley” there are a lot of walks that may be simply accessed from the city. Watered via the business winds, the crops right here is opulent with palm groves and terraces for bananas and different vegetation. The rocky landmark of Roques de Cano towers over the city, which has a nice central sq. and helpful facilities comparable to eating places, banks and stores.
The place to stick in Vallehermoso
Vallehermoso isn’t a large the city, so maximum puts to stick which are rather central can be tremendous in the case of location for walkers. Like different puts we stayed, parking is restricted inside the the city and streets may also be slim, so test together with your lodging in case you plan to be travelling via automotive. We liked our keep in Lodge Rural Triana and it was once the nicest position we stayed in this commute aside from the Parador.
The rooms are organized round an interior courtyard, and the decor of rooms and public spaces is trendy and recent. A unique point out has to visit the superb breakfast with a perfect unfold of top quality pieces and barista taste espresso.
The team of workers had been very type and useful, going above and past to verify we had a perfect keep. One level to notice is that like many smaller rural resorts, there isn’t a 24 hour reception and team of workers depart within the afternoon, however are on name via telephone if required.
In the event you to find no availability in Lodge Rural Triana, test for different resorts in Vallehermoso. On the other hand, remember that there aren’t such a lot of choices within the the city, taking into account its recognition as a centre for walkers, so it’s easiest to ebook early, as Lodge Rural Triana is the most suitable choice we discovered.
If you’re searching for a great spot to devour, we will counsel Tasca Restaurante el Carraca, which is well the most productive eating place on the town – they serve the entire native specialties and their contemporary tuna fillet was once wonderful!
Issues to do in Vallehermoso
Whilst there are older conventional properties to be present in Vallehermoso, the ambience is of a running Canarian the city, the place the locals emerge within the overdue afternoon for a walk and chat with their neighbours. Like the remainder of L. a. Gomera, there’s no longer a lot in the best way of ‘attractions’ to talk over with, however in case you are searching for issues to do we advise;
- At the fringe of the city within the path of Playa de Vallehermoso is the Descumbrimiento de Vallehermoso Botanic Lawn, stuffed with hands and local species, with a contemporary customer centre. The lawn was once closed after we handed, the indicators proclaiming {that a} primary govt funded renovation is underway. On the other hand, I’ve heard stories that there’s not anything to forestall you wandering in thru a facet front to have a look, so could also be value testing.
- Even if the ocean at Playa de Vallehermoso is in most cases too tough for swimming, there’s a seawater swimming pool in entrance of the seaside, with converting rooms and lifeguard, which is unfastened to talk over with. We stopped there for a drink on the trailer cafe beside the swimming pool and my good friend loved her swim there.
- At the GM-1 highway out of the city within the path of Agulo, there’s the Mirador El Almendrillo set underneath Roques de Cano, which supplies some superb perspectives over the city.
Mountain climbing from Vallehermoso
The primary appeal of Vallehermoso is the city’s location on the confluence of a number of valleys, providing a lot of climbing chances. We attempted one of the crucial widespread L. a. Gomera strolling routes to Cumbre de Chijere at the first day and on the second one we took the bus into Garajonay Nationwide Park, to stroll a few of the island’s well-known misty laurel forests. On the other hand, there are lots of different climbing routes that will justify staying for a number of days in Vallehermoso you probably have sufficient time. Guidebook direction numbers are proven for the L. a. Gomera Rother strolling information.
Day 4 – Vallehermoso to Cumbre de Chijere
The round day hike that we made to Cumbre de Chijere was once considered one of my favourites of the entire commute. Our stroll took us without delay from the city sq. up the Barranco de los angeles Generation Nueva. As we climbed incessantly up alongside the valley aspect, we handed deserted terraces and noticed the crops alternate from palm and scrubby trees to cactus and succulents.
In any case close to the highest of the ridge, a balcony trail gave us some fantastic perspectives go into reverse the valley against Vallehermoso. Slightly additional and we arrived at Ermita de Santa Clara, a big chapel set on a work of flat floor with perspectives against the ocean and the remoted hamlet of Arguamel. We spent some time mesmerised via the white flecks at the sea, seeking to wager in the event that they had been dolphins or the local pilot whales that swim in those waters.
From right here the monitor persisted at the aspect of the Cumbre de Chijere ridge with extra perspectives over the ocean and crashing waves.
A layer of cloud was once settling down as we arrived at the second one chapel, Ermita de Coromoto the place we sheltered from the wind along side the construction for our picnic lunch. No longer a lot additional was once the breezy Buenavista standpoint and from right here we grew to become down a stony path that will convey us down from the ridge to sea stage at Playa de Vallehermoso.
The monitor was once so steep that it required all our focus, however we had been rewarded via beautiful perspectives over the valley and coast underneath, arriving in spite of everything on the highway.
From right here a brief stroll took us all the way down to the seaside and the saltwater swimming swimming pools the place we had a drink on the cafe and my good friend took a swim. By the point we left right here, the rain was once environment in so we opted to stroll again into Vallehermoso alongside the street, slightly than the trail that runs parallel to it.
Timings: The entire stroll took us 5 hours from Vallehermoso to Playa de Valleyhermoso, no longer together with the overtime we took on the swimming pool and strolling again into the city. The guidebook timing for this stroll is 5 hours. (Guidebook Course 54)
Day 5 – Laguna Grande to Alto de Garajonay
For our 2nd day in Vallehermoso, we made up our minds to take the bus to discover the Garajonay Nationwide Park on the centre of the island. The park is understood for its laurel forests which might be incessantly shrouded in mist and was once declared a UNESCO International Heritage Website in 1986. Attending to our place to begin on the Laguna Grande Customer centre from Vallehermoso proved just a little of a logistical problem!
We took the Line 8 bus at 9.30am to Valle Gran Rey which dropped us on the junction with the GM-2 highway operating throughout the park. Since there have been no buses at the moment operating within the path of Laguna Grande, we walked alongside the street for an extra 1.5 hours sooner than attaining the customer centre. Whilst we had been strolling along the woodland, with occasional perspectives, on reflection I want we had taken a taxi to our place to begin to avoid wasting time and keep away from the stroll on a hectic highway.
Arriving at Laguna Grande Customer Centre, we checked on the data level on the most productive walks to take to succeed in the easiest height within the park at Alto de Garajonay. In the event you don’t have already got one, that is where to select up a map of the park, appearing the entire climbing trails. You’ll be able to additionally obtain a map and different details about trails from the Garajonay website online.
There’s additionally a restaurant eating place right here and an open box with youngsters’s playground. A lot of brief, round strolling trails are to be had inside the park, with small parking spaces, which might be smartly signposted and in most cases as regards to the GM-2 major highway that runs throughout the park. We made up our minds to stroll the direction 6 and direction 14 walks, that sign up for in combination to take you to the height at Alto de Garajonay.
It was once simple strolling alongside huge, open paths throughout the woodland, and with stops to select ripe blackberries, I felt from time to time that I may have been walking throughout the English nation-state. For a lot of the best way the stroll was once cloudy and from time to time the mist swirled above and round us, perpetually moving to show glimpses of blue sky.
As we were given nearer to Alto de Garajonay, we loved some open perspectives against the unique Fortaleza rock formation within the distance as regards to Chipude, taking a look over the low woodland of Heather and Laurel bushes.
In any case we made the climb as much as the rounded height of Alto de Garajonay, however unfortunately discovered any perspectives obscured via the mist. This crest was once a meeting position for the Guanche and regarded as of spiritual importance, so a flat stony space has been built to recreate how it would have appeared for the Guanche.
Whilst we may have returned the similar method, we opted for a go back direction that ran parallel to the street, which whilst no longer as beautiful, was once a lot shorter. From Laguna Grande we rang for a taxi to take us again to Vallehermoso (value €30). As buses don’t run incessantly, in case you don’t have a rent automotive, you should definitely have the numbers of a couple of native taxi corporations while you cross strolling within the Garajonay Nationwide Park.
Extra details about Garajonay Nationwide Park, map to obtain and main points of trails may also be discovered at the Garajonay website online.
Timings: The round stroll from Laguna Grande to Alto Garajonay and again took us 4 hours, no longer together with the time we took to stroll to Laguna Grande. (Guidebook Course 70)
Valle Gran Rey – 1 evening – (day 6)
After a 2nd evening in Vallehermoso, it was once time to transport directly to our ultimate forestall at Valle Gran Rey. We took the Line 8 bus at 9.30am to Valle Gran Rey and via mid morning had checked into our lodging. Situated at the south coast of L. a. Gomera, Valle Gran Rey is among the sunniest spots at the island, and the preferred vacation hotel, particularly with German guests. The hotel was widespread as a hippie vacation spot for German travellers within the Nineteen Sixties and also you’ll really feel the boho vibe, with many German expats nonetheless residing in the community.
The place to stick in Valle Gran Rey
Valle Gran Rey is predominantly a vacation hotel, however there are some just right choices for round walks, or a method walks that lead to Valle Gran Rey. Even if we simplest spent 1 evening right here, you should spend longer if you wish to have a extra stress-free time on the finish of your commute. One factor we discovered about Valle Gran Rey was once that many puts have a three evening and even 5 evening minimal keep, so that is something to imagine for your number of lodging.
Lodging is clustered round Playa de los angeles Calera which is furthest from the port and any other cluster is across the Vueltas neighbourhood across the port and the roads main into it. The industrial centre, with bus station and taxi rank is positioned a bit of up the hill, clear of the seaside.
We had been proud of our number of Apartmentos Charco del Conde, which we had been ready to ebook for simply 1 evening. It’s a big advanced of small residences that put out of your mind the central pool or beachfront, and was once only a 10 minute from the port. The team of workers in reception had been pleasant and useful and even if the decor was once a bit of dated, it was once ultimate for a brief keep.
There are many eating places to choose between alongside the ocean entrance or within the aspect streets and we ate at a chiringuito (fish eating place) close to Playa de los angeles Calera.
Issues to do in Valle Gran Rey
Whilst it’s basically a vacation hotel, Valle Gran Rey has a variety of walks that get started as regards to the city, however you want a rent automotive or taxi to get to the beginning issues. Bus routes do exist however they’re restricted and didn’t paintings for our timings. Within the hotel itself, the principle sights come with:
- There are a number of black sand seashores, with transparent water and rock swimming pools for bathing and sunbathing.
- Boat journeys run from Valle Gran Rey to identify dolphins and whales, in addition to to talk over with the Los Organos rock formations, taking a look like organ pipes at the cliffs, that may simplest be considered from the ocean.
- There are lots of corporations that hire motorcycles or organise trekking days out, which might be helpful in case you don’t have your individual shipping.
- At the highway above the city is the Cesar Manrique designed glance out level, which was once closed after we handed via, however you’ll have a look from the outdoor.
- A craft marketplace takes position on Sundays, promoting in the community made presents and souvenirs, which is positioned subsequent to the bus station.
Mountain climbing from Valle Gran Rey
After settling into our lodging in Valle Gran Rey, we took a taxi mid morning from the taxi rank close to the bus station, to El Cercado (value round €30). We had been dropped on the Centro de Interpretation Las Loceras, a fascinating unfastened museum in regards to the native pottery this is nonetheless made on this space.
Previously, pottery was once made in numerous places round L. a. Gomera and traded between cities, to be used as cooking pots and meals garage. There are a number of pottery stores in El Cercado, however being Sunday they had been all closed, so we stopped for a drink within the native cafe sooner than beginning our stroll.
From El Cercado, we took a very simple trail thru terraced fields stuffed with cactus and prickly pears, crossing the street at issues, to the close by the city of Chipude. On the the city’s major sq. we had a glance within the beautiful church of Nuestra Senora de L. a. Candalaria and had been tempted to forestall on the busy eating place of Lodge Bar Sonia, serving hearty Sunday lunch dishes to appreciative locals.
From Chipude, the trail skirted the aspect of the valley, with open perspectives to start with after which descending right into a hidden valley space referred to as L. a. Mantanza, which was once used up to now as pasturage. We noticed palm bushes and vines as we adopted the gorgeous, steep sided valley, with water swimming pools at its backside alongside an previous cement irrigation channel.
On the finish of the valley, the trail took us upwards on a ten minute detour to the chapel of Ermita de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe perched at the spur of Roque de Gurara. After resting for a picnic right here, we persisted down an increasingly more steep trail, without delay into the valley backside above Valle Gran Rey.
The remaining segment was once on a precarious rocky trail with steep drops requiring our complete focus, so we had been somewhat exhausted by the point we reached the Ermita de los Reyes on the backside of the valley after which adopted the street down into Valle Gran Rey.
Timings: The stroll from Chipude to the street above Valle Gran Rey took 4 hrs with an additional 50 minutes to stroll from El Cercade to Chipude and 30 minutes to stroll from the street in Valle Gran Rey again to our lodging. We additionally took 20 minutes for a forestall on the chapel. The information ebook time for the Chipude to Valle Gran Rey stroll is 3 hrs 10 minutes (Guidebook Course 25)
The Ferry from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian in L. a. Gomera (day 7)
Our ultimate day was once spent at the go back adventure again to Tenerife, from the place we might be flying house day after today. Since the entire ferries from L. a. Gomera to Tenerife get started at San Sebastian, we would have liked first commute there from Valle Gran Rey. There are buses (Line 1) from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian, however we made up our minds on a fairly sooner and extra scenic direction of travelling via ferry.
There are two sailings in line with day with Fred Olson from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian, with a forestall at Playa de Santiago. We took the morning crusing at 8.00am and even if the elements was once very misty, we had been nonetheless ready to peer a large number of the rugged beach.
It takes 40 minutes to succeed in Playa de Santiago, with a ten min forestall, then an extra 20 minutes to reach in San Sebastian, making a complete adventure time of 70 minutes. The ferry may be very pleased with a decrease enclosed deck and an higher outside deck.
The ferry from L. a. Gomera to Tenerife (day 7)
On arrival in San Sebastian, we nonetheless had a few hours to attend sooner than our ferry at 11.30 am and as we had been travelling mild, we walked the ten mins from the port to the sq. of San Sebastian, to calm down for some time within the cafe below the laurel bushes. We had was hoping to take a look across the archaeology museum and the exhibition within the vacationer data centre, however unfortunately each had been closed because of it being a neighborhood vacation.
The go back ferry adventure to Tenerife handed easily and even if the elements was once somewhat cloudy, we had been ready to sit down at the outdoor deck and noticed some dolphins at the crossing. Arriving again to the port of Los Christianos in Tenerife, we walked a brief distance to the lodging that we had booked for our 1 evening keep sooner than flying house day after today. In concept, we may have stuck a day flight out of Tenerife, however the place ferries are involved it’s at all times easiest to depart just a little of margin, as every so often ferries may also be cancelled because of dangerous climate.
Within the afternoon, we had been ready to walk alongside the seaside prom that runs from Los Christianos, thru the entire different hotel spaces, having lunch in a beachfront cafe and in most cases stress-free within the sunshine.
Our ultimate evening in Tenerife
For our ultimate evening we simply sought after someplace to calm down that was once as regards to the port of Los Christianos the place our ferry would arrive. Apartmentos Marola Portosin is a regular vacation rental advanced, with a central pool space that’s a fifteen minute stroll from the port. The rental was once spacious with a view over the pool, a small kitchenette and useful reception team of workers, so we had been proud of our selection.
On the other hand, coming from the unspoiled and quiet environment of L. a. Gomera, the prime focus of concrete vacation residences, busy visitors and sheer quantity of other folks got here as somewhat a surprise! The south coast of Tenerife is closely evolved, with one hotel mixing into the following and goals at a package deal vacation marketplace.
So if you wish to have someplace that has a extra original Spanish really feel for a brief keep sooner than flying house, I’d counsel you are taking a taxi to El Medano, which is 20 mins via automotive from Los Christianos port. As it’s simplest 10 mins via taxi from the Tenerife Airport South, El Medano is perfect you probably have a flight to catch.
El Medano is Tenerife’s hottest location for surfers and windsurfers, with a variety of reasonably priced surf hostels. If you wish to have someplace just a little smarter in your remaining evening I’d counsel Lodge Medano, which is true at the seafront, or test the entire resorts and residences in El Medano for extra choices. There are many bars and eating places and a few black sand seashores, considered one of which is somewhat sheltered for swimming, the opposite extra windy and utilized by the windsurfers.
Extra time in L. a. Gomera?
Do you will have extra time than only one week? Fortunate you! I’d have fortunately spent a couple of extra days strolling in L. a. Gomera. If strolling is your major focal point I’d most likely spend an additional day in Vallehermoso and upload 2 nights in Hermigua. So a ten day itinerary in L. a. Gomera may appear to be this;
- 1 evening San Sebastian, 2 nights Hermigua, 2 nights Agulo, 3 nights Vallehermoso, 1 evening Valle Gran Rey, 1 evening Tenerife sooner than your flight.
Or most likely you simplest have 5 days? We discovered the most productive places to base your self purely for climbing had been Agulo, Hermigua and Vallehermoso. So in case you sought after to make a 5 day commute you should do;
- 2 nights Agulo or Hermigua, 2 nights Vallehermoso, 1 evening San Sebastian or Tenerife sooner than flying house.
If in case you have simply 3 nights, most likely combining some climbing in L. a. Gomera with a commute to Tenerife, I’d spend all of them in Vallehermoso, taking a bus or taxi to get there from San Sebastian.
Getting round L. a. Gomera
Within the Canary Islands, buses are referred to as Guaguas. You’ll be able to to find data on bus routes in Tenerife at the Titsa.com website online and for L. a. Gomera at the website online Guaguagomera.com. Whilst buses are common on Tenerife, the buses in L. a. Gomera simplest run each and every direction 3-4 instances an afternoon, so we discovered that they had been of restricted use to get to strolling trails. Buses between cities in most cases value €2-4 a method.
We used a mix of bus and taxi, and whilst the taxi prices had been somewhat prime (€20-30) because of the distances, it was once total inexpensive (and extra environmentally pleasant) than renting a automotive. If you wish to get probably the most out of a brief commute, you should imagine renting a automotive, as maximum hikes are round, and this may increasingly allow you to to succeed in the direction beginning issues with minimal prolong. The in the community based totally Cicar automotive rent corporate have an workplace on the San Sebastian port, or test with Vacation Automobiles to check automotive condominium offers.
There are two ferry traces that make common crossings from Tenerife to L. a. Gomera and you’ll to find main points of crossings at the Fred Olsen website online and the Naviera Armas website online. Fred Olsen additionally run the ferry alongside the coast of L. a. Gomera from San Sebastian to Playa de Santiago and Valle Gran Rey.
Mountain climbing information for L. a. Gomera
We used and will extremely counsel the strolling guidebook – L. a. Gomera, the best coastal and mountain walks, printed via Rother, authors Klaus Wolfsperger and Annette Miehle-Wolfsperger. You’ll be able to additionally select up a map of the climbing trails in L. a. Gomera at any vacationer data workplace, then again those don’t give a lot element in regards to the strolling routes.
We propose this information, which we used for all of our walks as a result of:
- It gives 70 other walks in los angeles Gomera, and tells you which ones may also be joined in combination to make longer walks.
- The walks are smartly listed via place to begin and problem, and there’s a listing of the 14 easiest walks in los angeles Gomera.
- There are transparent directions, maps and pictures for each and every stroll.
- There’s an invaluable however no longer overwhelming quantity of alternative data on shipping, wildlife, and the puts you’ll go thru.
- If you’re a German speaker, the information may be to be had in German.
If you’re not able to reserve the Rother L. a. Gomera strolling information, a just right selection is the Cicerone information to Strolling in los angeles Gomera and Hierro.
Additional info to plot your commute
You’ll be able to to find additional data to plot your commute at the L. a. Gomera Tourism website online and at the Canary Islands Tourism website online.
Extra details about Garajonay Nationwide Park, a map to obtain and main points of trails may also be discovered at the Garajonay website online.
Pin it
This text is at the start printed at Heatheronhertravels.com
