Mountain climbing in Los angeles Gomera – a 7 day itinerary

As probably the most smallest and quietest of the Canary islands, Los angeles Gomera provides a wild and unspoiled surroundings that’s supreme for nature fanatics. We spent every week mountain climbing in Los angeles Gomera, and percentage our 7 day itinerary with main points of the most productive walks, the place to stick and learn how to get round. On this rugged panorama you’ll be able to be expecting steep climbs and descents, however you’ll be rewarded by means of stunning perspectives over the rocky sea coast and plush valleys.

What to anticipate when mountain climbing in Los angeles Gomera

The centre of Los angeles Gomera is roofed by means of the Garajonay Nationwide Park, the highlands at 1500m above sea degree being lined by means of safe laurel wooded area that’s frequently shrouded in mist. From this UNESCO Global Heritage website, steep gorges or barrancos, lower throughout the rock, as river valleys make their approach to the ocean. As a result of the terrain, you’ll to find a mix of sheltered valleys clothed with palm bushes, stone terraces and cactus, combined with steep paths to ridges that supply shocking perspectives.

Los angeles Gomera is a playground for the fairly have compatibility to extra skilled walker, however having stated that you’ll be able to to find routes which can be extra delicate if you want. With the Canary Islands taking part in heat and sunshine all yr spherical, Los angeles Gomera provides relaxed strolling temperatures usually starting from 18-25 decrees Celcius, making it a perfect spring, autumn and iciness mountain climbing vacation spot.

Lodging in Los angeles Gomera

Whilst I really like staying in boutique or luxurious motels, on my mountain climbing journeys I’m simply in search of a blank and relaxed position to spend the evening. In Los angeles Gomera, a lot of the lodging is in “Casa Rural” or modest visitor homes, that amply cater for the desires of walkers. Lodges similar to Val Gran Rey be offering lodging extra geared to vacation makers, however a lot of it’s relatively priced.

An exception to my basic rule of reserving modest lodging for mountain climbing, is firstly or finish of the travel, the place it’s great to regard your self to one thing somewhat extra particular. The Parador at San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera or Lodge Jardin Tecina in Playa de Santiago are nice examples of motels the place you’ll be able to deal with your self to somewhat extra luxurious.

Arriving in Los angeles Gomera

Most of the people will arrive for strolling in Los angeles Gomera by means of the neighbouring island of Tenerife, the place there are a large number 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 be able to get the ferry to Los angeles Gomera (it’s so shut you’ll be able to see it). Two other ferry traces – Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas each and every run round 3 ferries an afternoon to and from Los angeles Gomera. You’ll to find extra details about the bus and ferry timings on the finish of the item.

The ferry to l. a. 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 way you’ll be able to simply get the ferry to Los angeles Gomera at the similar day. We took probably the most widespread buses from Tenerife South Airport and were given off in Los Christianos half-hour later. From the bus prevent it used to be a 15-20 minutes stroll to the ferry port.

As we had a few hours to attend till our ferry, we comfortable within the sunshine on the cafe “El Teatro del Puerto” which sells relatively priced refreshments. For foot passengers there’s no wish to e-book 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 used to be various area to take a seat within or out of doors at the ferry. Because the ferry pulled away we loved the perspectives having a look again at the south coast of Tenerife and the arriving on the island capital of San Sebastian de l. a. Gomera.

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San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera – 1 evening – (day 1)

Our 2.30pm ferry from Los Christianos in Tenerife introduced us into Los angeles Gomera at round 3.30pm and because the Parador the place we stayed used to be at the best of the cliff, we took a taxi from the port to the resort. The gardens of the Parador are so stunning that it used to be tempting to calm down there and benefit from the swimming pool and the perspectives.

On the other hand, after settling in, we walked down into the small the city by means of the trail and had a go searching within the past due afternoon. It’s an overly 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 l. a. Gomera

Staying on the Parador in San Sebastian used to be a splurge firstly of our strolling vacation in Los angeles Gomera, however person who we completely loved! The historically furnished rooms are set round inexperienced courtyards or glance out at the pretty gardens.

We felt as though Christopher Columbus himself would possibly simply have set foot right here for somewhat little bit of paradise sooner than his onerous adventure around the Atlantic. There’s an attractive swimming pool, courtyard bar, sublime eating place and breathtaking perspectives from the clifftops over the city and sea. Despite the fact that 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 know how.

In case you are in search of inexpensive motels in San Sebastian l. a. Gomera, then check out Lodge Apartmentos Villa Gomera, which is centrally situated within the the city itself, or take a look at different motels and residences in San Sebastian de l. a. Gomera.

Automotive Rent Tip: You don’t want a automotive to get across the the city of San Sebastian itself, and parking may well be a subject matter within the centre of San Sebastian (even though there’s parking on the Parador). So in case you plan to rent a automotive for the remainder of the keep, it is advisable to pick out it up as soon as you are prepared to go away San Sebastian.

Issues to do in San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera

Los angeles Gomera’s capital has a in large part pedestrianised centre, making it simple to wander round. The oldest homes live to tell the tale from the 1440s when land used to be granted to Spanish nobles, after the conquerers controlled to subdue the Guanche individuals who lived right here. San Sebastian could be very happy with its connections with Christopher Columbus who stopped right here in 1492 to tackle provides for his voyage to the “New Global’.

The primary issues to do come with:

• Sit down beneath the shady laurel bushes in Plaza de l. a. Charter and watch the arena cross by means of from the cafe “Kiosco las Carabelas”
• Understand the statue within the plaza of Christopher Columbus and browse the ideas forums concerning the the city’s historical past.

• Wander up Calle Actual to the Inglesia de l. a. Asuncion, the city’s primary church which had simply been began when Christopher Columbus handed thru. On the other hand, the successive harm by means of pirate assaults imply that the church you spot as of late most commonly dates from the seventeenth century.
• At the nook reverse the church is Los angeles Casa de l. a. Aguada, with a smartly within the courtyard the place Christopher Columbus historically drew water for his voyage. Lately it’s a vacationer knowledge centre, with to at least one facet an enchanting exhibition concerning the island and the significance of stone in its building. It’s value choosing up a map of the Los angeles Gomera mountain climbing trails on the vacationer knowledge centre.

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• Subsequent door is the Archaeology museum with details about the island’s first population, the guanches. At the similar side road and the within sight Calle Virgen de Guadalupe are some beautiful previous Canarian homes with the everyday carved picket doorways, shutters and balconies.
• A brief distance additional alongside Calle Actual is the small chapel Ermita de San Sebastian in-built 1450.

• Some of the the city’s primary landmarks is Torre del Conde, a fortified tower set in an open park. It used to be in-built 1447 to protect 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 position down the Guanche insurrection.

Mountain climbing from San Sebastián de l. a. Gomera

Despite the fact that we didn’t use San Sebastian as a base for mountain climbing, if you wish to spend extra time right here, you’ll be able to check out the next walks. Guidebook course numbers are proven for the Los angeles Gomera Rother strolling information.

• A very simple coastal stroll from San Sebastian’s prom takes you to a sheltered bay at Playa de l. a. Guancha. (Guidebook course 1)
• A downhill course begins at Mirador Degollada de Peraza above the city, which may also be reached by means of bus or taxi, from the place you stroll downhill again into San Sebastian, with perspectives of Teide volcano on Tenerife. (Guidebook course 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 have been to spend 2 nights. Buses don’t seem to be very widespread, however Line 2 from San Sebastian bus station left at 10.30am and dropped us 40 mins later at Agulo. From there it used to be 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 moderately compact village, so maximum places will paintings smartly for walkers. On the other hand, when you’ve got a rent automotive you will have to take a look at first what parking is to be had, for the reason that streets are slender and parking is handiest allowed in sure 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. Despite the fact that breakfast is obtainable at an extra rate, we favored having our personal small kitchen / residing house. The house owners have been additionally very useful in giving recommendation for walkers.

If Casa Rural Los Helechos isn’t to be had, it is advisable to check out Casa Lugo Lodge Rural (even though this used to be closed on the time of our seek advice from) or differently take a look at one of the vital different Casa Rural or residences in Agulo.

About Agulo in Los angeles Gomera

Referred to as the prettiest village in Los angeles Gomera, Agulo is made up of slender cobbled streets bordered by means of conventional homes. The surroundings is bounded by means of a sheer cliff in entrance of which the village sits surrounded by means of 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, fashionable advantages similar to electrical energy and phone traces, so the village used to be referred to as the “bonbon of Los angeles Gomera”, such used to be its appeal as a spot to reside. All the way through this time, horny homes have been constructed by means of the increasing heart categories, with two tales, elaborate carved doorways and window shutters and wrought iron balconies.

Issues to do in Agulo

Puts of hobby to seek advice from in Agulo come with

• The church of San Marcos in the principle sq., with its hanging rounded roof design. This church is in fact no longer that previous having been designed in 1911 over the website of an previous church that had fallen into disrepair. It’s from this sq. throughout the competition of San Marcos in April, that bonfires of juniper picket are lit and younger males leap 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 Los angeles Vieja Escuela and Bar Restaurante Alameda, either one of which serve tasty Canarian specialties.

• From Agulo you’ll be able to stroll to the coast to look the stays of an previous davit or crane that used to be used to load boats with bananas, even though it used to be destroyed by means of a typhoon within the Fifties.
• Additionally from the village you’ll be able to stroll to the seashore at Playa de San Marco, the place there’s a beautiful chapel. It’s a excellent picnic spot even though the waves are too tough to swim right here.
• If you wish to get probably the most impressive perspectives you’ll be able to hike or pressure as much as the Mirador Abrante standpoint the place there’s a pitcher 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. As a substitute, it is advisable to use the nearest village of Hermigua as an lodging base for 2-3 nights, which provides you with get entry to to other walks. Guidebook course numbers are proven for the Los angeles Gomera Rother strolling information.

Day 2 – Agulo to Pescante and Playa de San Marcos

Having travelled that morning from San Sebastian to Agulo by means of 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 seashore and slipway for fishing boats.

By way of the facet of the trail, previous picket boats have been being saved, even though it appeared a ways too tough to position out to sea, let on my own take a swim. Slightly additional we reached the ruins of the constructions that have been used when this used to be a loading house to export bananas. Within the nineteenth century, a davit or crane used to be used to load vegetation into boats, even though handiest the stone pillars that supported the crane stay.

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Retracing our steps as much as the village, we took a unique trail across the headland, and down a rocky path against the seashore of San Marcos.

There are beautiful perspectives over the cove and the chapel, which is used throughout 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 simply 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 Path 58)

Day 3 – Agulo to Centro de Visitantes Juego de Bolas

In this complete day’s strolling we took a tougher course, without delay up the cliff at the back of Agulo to the Mirador de Abrante, which is referred to as probably the most absolute best hikes in l. a. Gomera. Whilst the cliff stroll used to be difficult, with steep drops in puts, it used to be simple to practice with stone steps and rewarded us with superb 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 used to be extra delicate, thru grass and previous terraces, hiking as much as the perfect level on the Mirador de Abrante.

Visiting the Mirador is referred to as probably the most absolute best issues to do in Los angeles Gomera, however annoyingly it used to be closed (in spite of it being inside of opening hours) so we had forgo the drink within the cafe we were having a look ahead to. As an alternative we climbed up at the eroded ridge above the Mirador and adopted the trail and marker poles thru shrubs and wooded area. We arrived on the Juego de Bolas, probably the most customer centres for the Garajonay Nationwide Park, even though it sits out of doors the park itself.

Juego de Bolas Customer Centre

It’s simple to spend a nice hour on the customer centre, which could also be a well-liked prevent if you’re travelling by means of automotive. Surrounding the centre is a botanical lawn, with spaces appearing local shrubs and bushes in addition to beds planted with the medicinal vegetation used on Los angeles Gomera.

On the Casa de l. a. Memoria or “Space of Reminiscences” we discovered an ethnographic museum, the place we watched an interesting movie, providing insights at the cultural heritage of l. a. Gomera. We realized concerning the Silbo whistling language, that used to be used to keep up a correspondence throughout deep ravines, how pottery used to be historically made and the way the sap of palm bushes is tapped to make palm honey.

Adjacent the “Space of Reminiscences” is a sequence of small stores and exhibitions across the courtyard. On the knowledge centre, we picked up a map of the Garajonay Nationwide Park in addition to a Los angeles Gomera mountain climbing map, with all of the strolling trails and were given treasured knowledge from the park wardens. In the similar house is a restaurant promoting espresso and snacks in addition to native meals specialties, a memento store and an exhibition concerning the horrible wooded area fires of 2012 that destroyed huge spaces of the Garajonay wooded area reserve.

Juego de Bolas again to Agulo

A round course would have taken us again on a unique 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 look the reservoir Embalase de Agulo. From right here, it used to be go into reverse the cliff trail, taking part in the past due afternoon perspectives over Agulo.

Timings: The entire stroll took us round 7 hours, together with a protracted prevent for lunch at Juego de Bolas and a leisure at Mirador de Abrante. Within the information e-book the round course without a leisure stops is given at 3 hrs 30 minutes. (Guidebook Path 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 save lots of time and make allowance us to do an extended stroll that day. The price of the taxi used to be round €25. Lets even have taken the Line 2 bus that runs from San Sebastian to Vallehermosos by means of Agulo, leaving San Sebastian at 10.30am arriving Vallehermoso round 12.00.

If I used to be to make a choice only one location to base myself for mountain climbing on Los angeles Gomera, it might be Vallehermoso. Actually which means “Stunning Valley” there are a large number of walks that may be simply accessed from the city. Watered by means of the business winds, the plants right here is luxurious 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 similar 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 can be moderately central shall be high quality on the subject of location for walkers. Like different puts we stayed, parking is proscribed inside the the city and streets may also be slender, so take a look at together with your lodging in case you plan to be travelling by means of automotive. We beloved our keep in Lodge Rural Triana and it used to be the nicest position we stayed in this travel excluding the Parador.

The rooms are organized round an inner courtyard, and the decor of rooms and public spaces is fashionable and fresh. A distinct point out has to visit the superb breakfast with an excellent unfold of top quality pieces and barista taste espresso.

The group of workers have been very type and useful, going above and past to verify we had an excellent keep. One level to notice is that like many smaller rural motels, there isn’t a 24 hour reception and group of workers depart within the afternoon, however are on name by means of telephone if required.

For those who to find no availability in Lodge Rural Triana, take a look at for different motels in Vallehermoso. On the other hand, remember that there don’t seem to be such a lot of choices within the the city, making an allowance for its recognition as a centre for walkers, so it’s absolute best to e-book early, as Lodge Rural Triana is the most suitable choice we discovered.

In case you are in search of a great spot to devour, we will suggest Tasca Restaurante el Carraca, which is well the most productive eating place on the town – they serve all of the native specialties and their contemporary tuna fillet used to be superb!

Issues to do in Vallehermoso

Whilst there are older conventional homes to be present in Vallehermoso, the ambience is of a running Canarian the city, the place the locals emerge within the past due afternoon for a walk and chat with their neighbours. Like the remainder of Los angeles Gomera, there’s no longer a lot in the best way of ‘attractions’ to seek advice from, however if you’re in search of issues to do we advise;

• At the fringe of the city within the course of Playa de Vallehermoso is the Descumbrimiento de Vallehermoso Botanic Lawn, stuffed with arms and local species, with a contemporary customer centre. The lawn used to be closed once we handed, the indicators proclaiming {that a} main executive funded renovation is underway. On the other hand, I’ve heard studies that there’s not anything to forestall you wandering in thru a facet front to have a look, so is also value testing.
• Despite the fact that the ocean at Playa de Vallehermoso is usually too tough for swimming, there’s a seawater swimming pool in entrance of the seashore, with converting rooms and lifeguard, which is unfastened to seek advice from. We stopped there for a drink on the trailer cafe beside the swimming pool and my buddy loved her swim there.
• At the GM-1 street out of the city within the course 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 large number of mountain climbing probabilities. We attempted one of the standard Los angeles 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 some of the island’s well-known misty laurel forests. On the other hand, there are lots of different mountain climbing routes that might justify staying for a number of days in Vallehermoso when you’ve got sufficient time. Guidebook course numbers are proven for the Los angeles Gomera Rother strolling information.

Day 4 – Vallehermoso to Cumbre de Chijere

The round day hike that we made to Cumbre de Chijere used to be one among my favourites of the entire travel. Our stroll took us without delay from the city sq. up the Barranco de l. a. Technology Nueva. As we climbed continuously up alongside the valley facet, we handed deserted terraces and noticed the plants alternate from palm and scrubby trees to cactus and succulents.

In the end 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 by means of the white flecks at the sea, looking to wager in the event that they have been dolphins or the local pilot whales that swim in those waters.

From right here the observe persevered at the facet of the Cumbre de Chijere ridge with extra perspectives over the ocean and crashing waves.

A layer of cloud used to be settling down as we arrived at the second one chapel, Ermita de Coromoto the place we sheltered from the wind along with the development for our picnic lunch. Now not a lot additional used to be the breezy Buenavista standpoint and from right here we became down a stony path that might deliver us down from the ridge to sea degree at Playa de Vallehermoso.

The observe used to be so steep that it required all our focus, however we have been rewarded by means of stunning perspectives over the valley and coast under, arriving in spite of everything on the street.

From right here a brief stroll took us all the way down to the seashore and the saltwater swimming swimming pools the place we had a drink on the cafe and my buddy took a swim. By the point we left right here, the rain used to be surroundings in so we opted to stroll again into Vallehermoso alongside the street, fairly 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 time beyond regulation we took on the swimming pool and strolling again into the city. The guidebook timing for this stroll is 5 hours. (Guidebook Path 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 that are frequently shrouded in mist and used to be declared a UNESCO Global Heritage Website online in 1986. Attending to our start line on the Laguna Grande Customer centre from Vallehermoso proved somewhat 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 street operating throughout the park. Since there have been no buses at the moment operating within the course of Laguna Grande, we walked alongside the street for an additional 1.5 hours sooner than achieving the customer centre. Whilst we have been strolling along the wooded area, with occasional perspectives, on reflection I want we had taken a taxi to our start line to save lots of time and steer clear of the stroll on a hectic street.

Arriving at Laguna Grande Customer Centre, we checked on the knowledge level on the most productive walks to take to achieve the perfect height within the park at Alto de Garajonay. For those who don’t have already got one, that is where to select up a map of the park, appearing all of the mountain climbing trails. You’ll additionally obtain a map and different details about trails from the Garajonay site.

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, that are smartly signposted and usually as regards to the GM-2 primary street that runs throughout the park. We made up our minds to stroll the course 6 and course 14 walks, that sign up for in combination to take you to the height at Alto de Garajonay.

It used to be simple strolling alongside large, open paths throughout the wooded area, and with stops to select ripe blackberries, I felt every now and then that I will have been walking throughout the English nation-state. For a lot of the best way the stroll used to be cloudy and every now and then the mist swirled above and round us, ceaselessly transferring to expose 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, having a look over the low wooded area of Heather and Laurel bushes.

In the end we made the climb as much as the rounded height of Alto de Garajonay, however unfortunately discovered any perspectives obscured by means of the mist. This crest used to be a meeting position for the Guanche and considered of spiritual importance, so a flat stony house has been built to recreate how it would have regarded for the Guanche.

Whilst we will have returned the similar manner, we opted for a go back course that ran parallel to the street, which whilst no longer as beautiful, used to be a lot shorter. From Laguna Grande we rang for a taxi to take us again to Vallehermoso (value €30). As buses don’t run steadily, in case you don’t have a rent automotive, make sure you 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 site.

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 Path 70)

Valle Gran Rey – 1 evening – (day 6)

After a 2nd evening in Vallehermoso, it used to be time to transport directly to our ultimate prevent at Valle Gran Rey. We took the Line 8 bus at 9.30am to Valle Gran Rey and by means of mid morning had checked into our lodging. Situated at the south coast of Los angeles Gomera, Valle Gran Rey is among the sunniest spots at the island, and the preferred vacation hotel, particularly with German guests. The hotel changed into standard as a hippie vacation spot for German travellers within the 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 excellent choices for round walks, or a method walks that result in Valle Gran Rey. Despite the fact that we handiest spent 1 evening right here, it is advisable to spend longer if you wish to have a extra enjoyable time on the finish of your travel. One factor we discovered about Valle Gran Rey used to be that many puts have a three evening and even 5 evening minimal keep, so that is something to imagine on your number of lodging.

Lodging is clustered round Playa de l. a. Calera which is furthest from the port and every 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 situated somewhat up the hill, clear of the seashore.

We have been proud of our number of Apartmentos Charco del Conde, which we have been in a position to e-book for simply 1 evening. It’s a big advanced of small residences that put out of your mind the central pool or beachfront, and used to be only a 10 minute from the port. The group of workers in reception have been pleasant and useful and even though the decor used to be somewhat dated, it used to be supreme for a brief keep.

There are many eating places to choose between alongside the ocean entrance or within the facet streets and we ate at a chiringuito (fish eating place) close to Playa de l. a. Calera.

Issues to do in Valle Gran Rey

Whilst it’s basically a vacation hotel, Valle Gran Rey has various 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 points of interest 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 seek advice from the Los Organos rock formations, having a look like organ pipes at the cliffs, that may handiest be seen from the ocean.
• There are lots of corporations that hire motorcycles or organise trekking days out, which may well be helpful in case you don’t have your individual shipping.
• At the street above the city is the Cesar Manrique designed glance out level, which used to be closed once we handed by means of, however you’ll be able to have a look from the out of doors.
• A craft marketplace takes position on Sundays, promoting in the community made items and souvenirs, which is situated 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 have been dropped on the Centro de Interpretation Las Loceras, an enchanting unfastened museum concerning the native pottery this is nonetheless made on this house.

Previously, pottery used to be made in different places round Los angeles 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 have 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 easy trail thru terraced fields stuffed with cactus and prickly pears, crossing the street at issues, to the within sight the city of Chipude. On the the city’s primary sq. we had a glance within the beautiful church of Nuestra Senora de Los angeles Candalaria and have 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 facet of the valley, with open perspectives in the beginning after which descending right into a hidden valley house referred to as Los angeles Mantanza, which used to be used prior to now as pasturage. We noticed palm bushes and vines as we adopted the beautiful, 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 persevered down an increasingly more steep trail, without delay into the valley backside above Valle Gran Rey.

The ultimate phase used to be on a precarious rocky trail with steep drops requiring our complete focus, so we have 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 prevent on the chapel. The information e-book time for the Chipude to Valle Gran Rey stroll is 3 hrs 10 minutes (Guidebook Path 25)

The Ferry from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian in Los angeles Gomera (day 7)

Our ultimate day used to be spent at the go back adventure again to Tenerife, from the place we might be flying house the next day. Since all of the ferries from Los angeles 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 quite sooner and extra scenic course of travelling by means of ferry.

There are two sailings in step with day with Fred Olson from Valle Gran Rey to San Sebastian, with a prevent at Playa de Santiago. We took the morning crusing at 8.00am and even though the elements used to be very misty, we have been nonetheless in a position to look numerous the rugged sea coast.

It takes 40 minutes to achieve Playa de Santiago, with a ten min prevent, then an additional 20 minutes to reach in San Sebastian, making a complete adventure time of 70 minutes. The ferry could be very ok with a decrease enclosed deck and an higher outdoor deck.

The ferry from Los angeles 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 have 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 beneath the laurel bushes. We had was hoping to take a look across the archaeology museum and the exhibition within the vacationer knowledge centre, however unfortunately each have been closed because of it being a neighborhood vacation.

The go back ferry adventure to Tenerife handed easily and even though the elements used to be somewhat cloudy, we have been in a position to take a seat at the out of doors 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 the next day. In idea, we will have stuck a day flight out of Tenerife, however the place ferries are involved it’s all the time absolute best to go away somewhat of margin, as every now and then ferries may also be cancelled because of dangerous climate.

Within the afternoon, we have been in a position to walk alongside the seashore prom that runs from Los Christianos, thru all of the different hotel spaces, having lunch in a beachfront cafe and usually enjoyable within the sunshine.

Our ultimate evening in Tenerife

For our ultimate evening we simply sought after someplace to calm down that used to be as regards to the port of Los Christianos the place our ferry would arrive. Apartmentos Marola Portosin is an ordinary vacation rental advanced, with a central pool house that’s a fifteen minute stroll from the port. The rental used to be spacious with a view over the pool, a small kitchenette and useful reception group of workers, so we have been proud of our selection.

On the other hand, coming from the unspoiled and quiet surroundings of Los angeles Gomera, the top focus of concrete vacation residences, busy visitors and sheer quantity of other people got here as somewhat a surprise! The south coast of Tenerife is closely evolved, with one hotel mixing into the following and targets at a bundle vacation marketplace.

So if you wish to have someplace that has a extra unique Spanish really feel for a brief keep sooner than flying house, I’d suggest you are taking a taxi to El Medano, which is 20 mins by means of automotive from Los Christianos port. As it’s handiest 10 mins by means of taxi from the Tenerife Airport South, El Medano is perfect when you’ve got a flight to catch.

El Medano is Tenerife’s most well liked location for surfers and windsurfers, with various reasonably priced surf hostels. If you wish to have someplace somewhat smarter to your ultimate evening I’d suggest Lodge Medano, which is correct at the seafront, or take a look at all of the motels and residences in El Medano for extra choices. There are many bars and eating places and a few black sand seashores, one among which is somewhat sheltered for swimming, the opposite extra windy and utilized by the windsurfers.

Extra time in Los angeles Gomera?

Do you may have extra time than only one week? Fortunate you! I’d have luckily spent a couple of extra days strolling in Los angeles Gomera. If strolling is your primary center of attention I’d most definitely spend an additional day in Vallehermoso and upload 2 nights in Hermigua. So a ten day itinerary in Los angeles Gomera would possibly seem like 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 possibly you handiest have 5 days? We discovered the most productive places to base your self purely for mountain climbing have been Agulo, Hermigua and Vallehermoso. So in case you sought after to make a 5 day travel it is advisable to do;

• 2 nights Agulo or Hermigua, 2 nights Vallehermoso, 1 evening San Sebastian or Tenerife sooner than flying house.

You probably have simply 3 nights, possibly combining some mountain climbing in Los angeles Gomera with a travel to Tenerife, I’d spend all of them in Vallehermoso, taking a bus or taxi to get there from San Sebastian.

Getting round Los angeles Gomera

Within the Canary Islands, buses are referred to as Guaguas. You’ll to find knowledge on bus routes in Tenerife at the Titsa.com site and for Los angeles Gomera at the site Guaguagomera.com. Whilst buses are widespread on Tenerife, the buses in Los angeles Gomera handiest run each and every course 3-4 instances an afternoon, so we discovered that they have been of restricted use to get to strolling trails. Buses between cities usually value €2-4 a method.

We used a mix of bus and taxi, and whilst the taxi prices have been somewhat top (€20-30) because of the distances, it used to be general inexpensive (and extra environmentally pleasant) than renting a automotive. If you wish to get probably the most out of a brief travel, it is advisable to imagine renting a automotive, as maximum hikes are round, and this may make it easier to to achieve the course beginning issues with minimal lengthen. The in the community primarily based Cicar automotive rent corporate have an workplace on the San Sebastian port, or take a look at with Vacation Vehicles to check automotive condo offers.

There are two ferry traces that make common crossings from Tenerife to Los angeles Gomera and you’ll be able to to find main points of crossings at the Fred Olsen site and the Naviera Armas site. Fred Olsen additionally run the ferry alongside the coast of Los angeles Gomera from San Sebastian to Playa de Santiago and Valle Gran Rey.

Mountain climbing information for Los angeles Gomera

We used and will extremely suggest the strolling guidebook – Los angeles Gomera, the best coastal and mountain walks, revealed by means of Rother, authors Klaus Wolfsperger and Annette Miehle-Wolfsperger. You’ll additionally pick out up a map of the mountain climbing trails in Los angeles Gomera at any vacationer knowledge workplace, alternatively those don’t give a lot element concerning the strolling routes.

We advise this information, which we used for all of our walks as a result of:

• It provides 70 other walks in l. a. Gomera, and tells you which of them may also be joined in combination to make longer walks.
• The walks are smartly listed by means of start line and problem, and there’s an inventory of the 14 absolute best walks in l. a. Gomera.
• There are transparent directions, maps and footage for each and every stroll.
• There’s an invaluable however no longer overwhelming quantity of different knowledge on shipping, wildlife, and the puts you’ll go thru.
• In case you are a German speaker, the information could also be to be had in German.

In case you are not able to reserve the Rother Los angeles Gomera strolling information, a excellent selection is the Cicerone information to Strolling in l. a. Gomera and Hierro.

Additional information to devise your travel

You’ll to find additional knowledge to devise your travel at the Los angeles Gomera Tourism site and at the Canary Islands Tourism site.

Extra details about Garajonay Nationwide Park, a map to obtain and main points of trails may also be discovered at the Garajonay site.

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This newsletter is at first revealed at Heatheronhertravels.com