Island Hopping: Tenerife & La Gomera

Upon arrival at either Tenerife North or Tenerife South Airport, you will be transferred (10 or 45 mins respectively) to your first accommodation in San Cristobal de la Laguna,  a UNESCO World Heritage city and your base for the next three nights. 

Take a wander round it's colourful streets lined with colonial architecture and explore some of the many historical buildings and palaces. Or perhaps relax and sample a sweet barraquito coffee, a delicious coffee liquer unique to the Canary Islands. 

Set out to explore the unique and diverse landscapes of the Anaga Biosphere Reserve. This region of Tenerife is bursting with flora & fauna, deep ravines, mystical forests and steep coastal cliffs, and offers some of the best walking on the island. After a short transfer to Afur, your first walk leads you along enchanting paths through lush laurel forest to dramatic cliffs on the coast. Ascend through the forest to the remote mountain village of Taganana, one of the oldest villages on the island. Only reachable by boat until 1968, the name of Taganana translates from the ancient dialect of the Guanche people to "surrounded by mountains". Back in Afur, return by bus to La Laguna. 

Ascent/Descent: 807m/786m

Located at the very end of the Anaga mountain road, is the town of Chamorga, and what is known as the original Tenerife as the native Guanche people lived here. Walk along old paths through a striking mountain landscape, surrounded by succulent vegetation, distinctive dragon trees, and far-reaching views over the Atlantic. Reach the isolated Faro de Anaga, where the Anaga mountain range meets the sea, and tiny fishing village of Roque Bermejo, before climbing back up to Chamorga. A taxi transfer will collect you to bring you back to La Laguna. 

Ascent/Descent: 1038m/1043m

Sure to be a highlight of your trip, today you will walk the "Siete Cañadas" trail, a section of the ancient Camino de Chasna route which crosses through the exotic and bizarre volcanic landscapes of the Teide National Park. After a transfer to El Portillo, cross the Caldera de Las Cañadas on the eastern side with a spectacular view to Mount Teide, rising majestically up to 3718 metres. Walking past huge lava balls and the iconic Teide red tajinaste feels almost other-wordly and you finish your walk at the wonderful Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide with its unbeatable views over the Canary Island's most famous volcano, Mount Teide. Evenings spent here are quite an experience, with the clear night skies providing wonderful star-gazing opportunities and the restaurant serving Canarian specialities such as Canarian Puchero, a tasty stew.

Ascent/Descent: 242m/138m

After a short transfer to the port at Los Cristanos, hop on the ferry across the Atlantic to the neighbouring island of La Gomera, where you will spend the last three nights. Your base will be the beautiful Parador de la Gomera in San Sebastian, located on the edge of the ocean, with a panoramic view of the island of Tenerife. With its gardens full of cactus, palm trees and other subtropical species, it’s the perfect place to relax and discover some of the delights of this tropical island. For a relaxed afternoon, we recommend an easy coastal hike to the secluded La Guancha beach, which starts directly from San Sebastian. Here you can stop for a swim before returning to the hotel. In the evening, take a stroll around San Sebastian's historic centre with its pastel-coloured buildings, and plentiful shops and restaurants. 

Ascent/Descent: 476m

The fairytale-like cloud forest of Garajonay National Park is one of the largest forests in the Canary Islands, and after a short transfer to Alto Contadero, your walk today explores it. Walk through hillsides carpeted in green vegetation and banana plantations, to the village of Hermigua, the history of which dates back to the 17th century when settlers built the church there. Take time to explore this pretty village, perhaps stopping at the arts and crafts museum Los Talearres where tools of years gone by, such as looms, pottery and millwheels, can be seen. Descend through the impressive gorge of Hermigua and enjoy the picture-book scenery with its striking twin mountain backdrop. Back in Hermigua take the bus back to San Sebastian, where if you have time you may like to explore the Museo-Casa de Colón (house of Christopher Columbus) who stopped at La Gomera on his discovery voyage to America.

Ascent/Descent: +371/-1121m

Discover the southern part of La Gomera today, as you walk to the beautifully situated village of Imada and small hamlets such as El Azadoe and Benchijigua. Dramatic rocky outcrops, views over the mountainous landscape, and paths lined with palm trees characterise the landscape. Cross a gorge and climb up to the distinctive Roque Agando, which rises to a height of 1250m and is commonly featured in images of the island as one of its most iconic rock formations. Return by bus to San Sebastian and enjoy one final night relaxing in this island paradise. 

Ascent/Descent: 583m/814m

Your Canary Island adventure sadly comes to an end today! Take the ferry back over to Los Cristianos and from there an included transfer will take you to the airport. Please let us know if you are flying out of Tenerife North or South so that we can arrange this accordingly for you.