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This linear route descends from the misty forests of Epina to the coastal enclave of Alojera, before climbing again towards Arure, crossing some of the most rugged and authentic landscapes of north-western La Gomera. It is a route of great beauty and contrast, moving from humid laurel forest to sunlit palm groves and cultivated slopes. The trail begins at the Chorros de Epina, a spring steeped in symbolism where Gomera tradition blends spirituality and nature. According to popular belief, drinking from the springs in a specific order reveals aspects of destiny, love or fortune. This point marks the start of a gradual descent towards the sea. As the route descends, the landscape changes rapidly: fayal-brezal woodland gives way to thermophilic shrubland, abandoned agricultural terraces and Canary Island palm trees. Arrival in Alojera, one of the most isolated and authentic villages on La Gomera, reveals a sunny valley with traditional architecture, palm honey and a calm pace of life deeply rooted in tradition. From Alojera, the route climbs again along ancient mule tracks towards Arure, passing steep slopes, dry-stone walls and small terraces. This final section, although demanding, rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s ridgeline. The trail ends in Arure, where it is possible to connect with other routes or enjoy the village’s rural gastronomy. This trail is ideal for those seeking a complete experience of traditional La Gomera, with its climatic contrasts, cultivated landscapes and deep connection between mountain, culture and sea.

This spectacular linear route starts in the neighbourhood of La Calera, in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey, and ascends northeast towards the Laguna Grande recreational area, crossing different vegetation zones, traditional agricultural landscapes and rural settlements rich in local identity. It is a physically demanding itinerary, but extremely varied and rewarding, ideal for experienced hikers wishing to cross La Gomera transversally from coast to summit. The ascent is quite steep, so good physical fitness, no fear of heights, and avoiding the route on rainy or windy days are strongly recommended. The trail begins in the coastal surroundings of La Calera, passing through cobbled streets, banana terraces and old rural paths. As altitude is gained, the route offers panoramic views over the Valle Gran Rey valley, with Roque de Agando in the background and the Atlantic Ocean fading into the horizon. The first notable stop is La Vizcaína, a group of rural houses set among terraced farmland, which faithfully represents traditional land use on La Gomera. From there, the ascent becomes steeper towards El Cercado, known for its pottery tradition and for preserving one of the island’s most emblematic crafts: wheel-free pottery. The surroundings combine traditional architecture, old kilns and cultivated terraces with vines and fruit trees. Along this section, hikers have the opportunity to visit the Las Loceras Interpretation Centre, an ideal place to learn about traditional pottery. From El Cercado onwards, the landscape changes completely. The route enters the laurel forest and the Garajonay National Park, under the shade of heather, laurel and faya trees. The trail ends at Laguna Grande, a large recreational area surrounded by humid forest, ideal for resting after the hike and enjoying facilities such as children’s play areas, picnic spots and interpretive panels. This hike is an excellent way to discover the ecological and cultural diversity of La Gomera, linking the coastline with the island’s most humid and lush areas through ancestral paths full of history.

This circular route, starting and ending in La Vizcaína, in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey, offers a journey through the mid-mountain landscapes of western La Gomera, combining living rural settlements, humid forests and ancient traditional paths that have connected the area’s hamlets for centuries. The trail begins in La Vizcaína, a small agricultural enclave that still preserves terraced fields, traditional architecture and dry-stone walls. From here, the route ascends gradually towards El Cercado, a village renowned for its wheel-free artisanal pottery, an ancestral craft that remains alive today thanks to the work of local craftswomen. Passing through this village also provides open views towards the Garajonay massif. The ascent is fairly steep, so good physical fitness, no fear of heights, and avoiding the route on rainy or windy days are recommended. The path then continues towards Las Hayas, a hamlet located at a higher elevation and surrounded by the boundary of Garajonay National Park. This section runs through fayal-brezal woodland and ecological transition zones, with a cool and humid atmosphere for much of the year. Las Hayas is also known for its rural hospitality and for being a starting point for numerous routes into the heart of the laurel forest. From Las Hayas, the trail continues towards the area of Los Descansaderos, where open spaces remain that once served as resting and passage points for walkers, shepherds and pack animals. This section revives the spirit of ethnographic hiking, passing through threshing floors, rural houses, historic paths and native vegetation. The final descent leads back to La Vizcaína, completing a perfect loop for discovering the rural, forest and human heritage of the island’s western region. This route is ideal for hikers seeking a varied, culturally enriching itinerary with moderate difficulty, suitable throughout the year and offering multiple connections with nearby trails.

This trail is a circular route that starts in the historic centre of Alajeró, ascending along ancient traditional paths towards the higher elevations of the island and returning through isolated hamlets and agricultural land with wide views over southern La Gomera and the Atlantic Ocean. It is an ideal route for those seeking landscape variety, rural authenticity and tranquillity. The route begins in Alajeró, the municipal capital, ascending along the path known as El Paso, an old communication route between villages. This section passes through thermophilic shrubland and terraced farmland, where dry-stone walls and elements of the traditional agricultural landscape are still preserved. Along this stretch, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Cheese and Pastoralism Interpretation Centre. The trail soon reaches the hamlet of Igualero, the highest village on La Gomera, from where broad panoramic views open up towards Garajonay National Park and the southern coast. The landscape here is more open, with volcanic hills, remains of old threshing floors and pastureland. From Igualero, the route descends towards Arguayoda, one of the most remote and picturesque hamlets in the south-west of La Gomera. Along this section, the trail enters less-travelled ravines, where Canary Island palm trees and xerophilous vegetation are commonly found. Arguayoda still preserves traces of its agricultural and livestock past, with stone houses and a strong rural identity. The route continues towards La Manteca, a small cluster of scattered dwellings set among cultivated hills and palm groves, before beginning the final return to Alajeró. This last section follows mid-mountain paths with gentle gradients, allowing for a comfortable walk to complete the circuit. This itinerary is ideal for hikers wishing to explore the most authentic south-western part of La Gomera, following a circular route that combines mountain landscapes, popular culture and open scenery in a quiet environment rich in history.

This out-and-back route starts near the Casa de la Seda, in the Valle Gran Rey ravine, and ascends gently towards the hamlet of El Guro, before continuing into the steep and lush Barranco de Arure, where one of the island’s few permanent waterfalls is located. The trail begins in a characteristic agricultural setting, with cultivated plots, dry-stone walls and Canary Island palm trees. Shortly afterwards, it reaches El Guro, a traditional hamlet that has attracted artists and visitors for decades and has preserved its charm thanks to its integration with the natural environment and its popular architecture. From El Guro, the path enters the heart of the Barranco de Arure, also known as the Barranco de El Guro, where the landscape changes dramatically. As the route progresses, the ravine walls rise steeply, covered with thermophilic vegetation, and include sections where the path runs over rock, crossing small watercourses and damp areas. This stretch requires particular attention, as it includes uneven terrain and some slippery sections, especially after rainfall. The final section of the route reaches a hidden spot: a natural waterfall surrounded by volcanic walls and lush vegetation, where the sound of water and the shade of the cliffs invite rest and contemplation. Although it does not always carry a large flow, this waterfall is a magical place and represents one of the most surprising natural features of south-western La Gomera. This route is ideal for those seeking a short but intense experience, combining nature, cool surroundings, rural history and the hidden beauty of one of La Gomera’s most distinctive ravines. It is especially recommended after wet seasons, when the waterfall is at its most impressive. The route is not recommended during rainfall, as the terrain becomes unstable and water levels may rise. Agility and experience are required, and it is not suitable for people with vertigo.

This linear route follows one of the most historically significant ascents on La Gomera, connecting the coastal settlement of La Calera (Valle Gran Rey) with the Chipude plateau, passing along ancient mule tracks, scattered hamlets and historically rich areas such as La Matanza. It is a physically demanding itinerary, but highly recommended for those seeking an authentic mountain experience deeply rooted in cultural heritage. The route begins in the neighbourhood of La Calera, where a gradual ascent starts along cobbled paths winding through agricultural terraces, traditional houses and Canary Island palm trees. With every step, the landscape opens up, offering spectacular views over the Valle Gran Rey ravine and the Roque del Santo. The trail then passes through the hamlet of Los Reyes and enters lesser-known areas such as El Cerrillal, where the surroundings become more rugged and natural. This section preserves original stretches of path once used by early inhabitants to connect the coast with the mid-altitude villages. One of the most symbolic points of the route is La Matanza, a place name associated with historical events linked to aboriginal resistance during the conquest. Here, the landscape takes on a silent and powerful character, with open views and slopes covered by scrubland and low mountain vegetation. The final section leads to the hamlet of Chipude, located at the foot of the imposing Fortaleza de Chipude, one of the oldest settlements in the interior of La Gomera. Chipude is known for its centuries-old church, cheese-making tradition and proximity to Garajonay National Park, making the end of the route an excellent connection point with other mid- and high-mountain trails. This trail is ideal for hikers in good physical condition who wish to complete a full traverse from sea level to the highlands, following paths rich in memory, culture and natural beauty. The route includes narrow sections and is not suitable for people with vertigo or a fear of heights. It is also not recommended on rainy or windy days.

This linear route starts in the hamlet of Chipude, located in the upper area of the municipality of Vallehermoso, and descends towards the agricultural area of La Dama, crossing volcanic landscapes, deep ravines and ancient hamlets that illustrate human adaptation to one of the most rugged and sun-exposed environments on La Gomera. The trail begins in Chipude, at the foot of the majestic Fortaleza de Chipude, and heads towards Gerián, a nearly uninhabited hamlet that still preserves traditional structures and abandoned terraced fields. This section, exposed and sunny, offers wide views over the southern part of the island and the volcanic surroundings that characterise this slope of La Gomera. From Gerián, the route enters the Iguala ravine, an area of great geological, ecological and ethnographic value. The descent is continuous and requires caution, especially on sections with loose stones or dense vegetation. The trail preserves stretches of the old royal path, historically used by inhabitants of the highlands to reach their farmland in the lower areas. Once the ravine floor is reached, the path climbs gently until arriving at Iguala, an active agricultural area where crops such as bananas, tomatoes and papayas are still cultivated thanks to its dry and warm climate. As the route continues towards La Dama, the landscape becomes more open and coastal, bordered by greenhouses, orchards and palm groves. La Dama, the final point of the route, is one of the most remote places on La Gomera, but also one of the most productive in agricultural terms. Its isolation and beauty make it an ideal destination to discover a less touristy and more rural side of the island. This route is perfect for those seeking a continuous descent experience, with strong landscape and cultural contrasts, from the wooded mid-altitudes to the cultivated plains near the sea.

Route 17 descends from the central-western highlands of La Gomera to the coast of La Dama, crossing one of the island’s most isolated, arid and authentic areas. It is a linear and demanding route, ideal for experienced hikers who wish to explore ancient mule tracks, historic hamlets and terraced agricultural landscapes that survive under extreme conditions. The trail begins in the hamlet of Chipude, known for its aboriginal history, its centuries-old church and its proximity to the Fortaleza de Chipude, a geological landmark of the island’s interior. From there, the route follows traditional paths towards Igualero, the highest inhabited settlement on La Gomera, offering panoramic views of the southern coast, the Fortaleza, and, on clear days, even El Hierro. After Igualero, the route begins a steady descent towards Erquito and Arguayoda, two nearly abandoned hamlets that still preserve valuable examples of traditional Canarian rural architecture, old cultivated terraces and water channels. Along this section, it is common to encounter palm trees, tabaibas, cardones and vegetation adapted to dry climates. The trail continues to the La Rajita ravine, an area that once housed an important fishing and industrial complex and now lies quietly facing the sea, offering a solitary place rich in history. From there, the route follows the coastline until it finally reaches La Dama, an active agricultural settlement surrounded by greenhouses, cultivated plains and palm groves. This trail is a journey of great landscape and ethnographic interest, allowing hikers to understand the connection between summit and coast in one of the least frequented and most authentic areas of the island. Ideal for those seeking a long-distance route with a strong cultural component, expansive views and a gradual change of scenery.

This route offers a circular traverse starting in Chipude, ascending to the Alto de Garajonay —the highest point on the island at 1,487 metres above sea level— crossing the humid forests of Laguna Grande, and returning via El Cercado, along an itinerary that combines aboriginal history, protected natural areas and rural tradition. The trail begins in the hamlet of Chipude, beneath the imposing presence of the Fortaleza de Chipude, a natural monument that served as a ceremonial site for the island’s ancient inhabitants. From here, the path ascends gradually through fayal-brezal woodland and laurel forest until reaching the Alto de Garajonay, the highest point on La Gomera and one of the most spectacular natural viewpoints in the archipelago. On clear days, up to five islands can be seen from the summit. The descent from the Alto leads to the Laguna Grande recreational area, a wide clearing surrounded by dense laurel forest and frequent mist, featuring picnic areas, children’s playgrounds and interpretive panels. This central area of Garajonay National Park is ideal for taking a break and enjoying a cool, peaceful environment with magnificent examples of Canary Island laurel forest. The route then continues towards the hamlet of El Cercado, known for its traditional wheel-free pottery, a craft inherited from pre-Hispanic times and still practised by local artisans. Views of the surrounding mountains and terraced farmland accompany the path, which then descends back to Chipude, completing a loop rich in contrasts and cultural heritage. Along this section, there is the possibility of visiting the Las Loceras Interpretation Centre to learn more about the area’s pottery tradition. This trail is one of the most complete routes on La Gomera, bringing together summits, forests, culture and panoramic views. It is ideal for intermediate to advanced hikers wishing to explore the island’s natural and cultural essence from its geographical heart.

This stage of the GR-131 links the village of Chipude with Vallehermoso, crossing the north-western sector of La Gomera through a landscape shaped by deep ravines, fertile valleys and traditional rural settlements. The route begins beneath the imposing Fortaleza of Chipude, a sacred place for the island’s aboriginal population, whose massive basalt walls dominate the surrounding terrain. From the first metres, the trail descends through terraced farmland and palm groves, reflecting centuries of agricultural use adapted to the steep relief. As the route progresses, walkers pass through small hamlets and areas historically linked to pottery production, an activity that has long been part of the cultural identity of this part of the island. Ancient paths bordered by dry-stone walls guide the descent into the Barranco de Vallehermoso, where the presence of water favours lush vegetation and a rich mosaic of cultivated and natural landscapes. Canary Island palms, fig trees and fruit orchards accompany much of this section, creating a pleasant and varied walking experience. Further on, the trail alternates between open areas with wide views over the ravine and shaded sections dominated by monteverde vegetation, including fayal-brezal and remnants of laurel forest. From several points along the route, walkers can enjoy panoramic views of the valley of Vallehermoso, one of the most fertile and densely populated areas of La Gomera, framed by steep slopes and dramatic rock formations. The final stretch leads gently into the town of Vallehermoso, passing traditional houses, cultivated plots and irrigation channels that testify to the long-standing relationship between the local population and the land. This stage offers a balanced combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and rural life, making it an ideal route for discovering the everyday landscapes of northern La Gomera.