When to go
Located off the West African coast close to Morocco, the Canary Islands have the perfect climate for walking between October and April where temperatures linger at around 20ᵒC and the sun is high in the invariably cloudless sky. Of course, if you prefer walking in hotter temperatures then taking a summer trip with potential temperatures of 30ᵒC and above may suit you just fine, as long as you don’t rush the steeper climbs.
How to get there
Many low-cost airlines offer good prices for a flight to the major islands in the Canaries such as Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. An onward journey by ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera is only in the region of 40 minutes, allowing you to explore more than one of these distinctly different Spanish islands.
Which island to choose
We offer self-guided walking holidays on La Gomera and Lanzarote islands and a private-guided long weekend in Lanzarote. We don’t currently offer an itinerary on Tenerife but you could spend some extra days exploring there independently before or after your walk on La Gomera.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote, the northernmost of the Canary Islands, has varied landscapes and a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Views are sprinkled with over 100 volcanos over the island, giving it the appearance of a ‘lunar’ landscape. Experience the Parque Natural de Los Volcanes and Timanfaya National Park, where you can walk along lava flows, crater rims and see volcanic tubes and channels under the guidance of a local expert, learning about the island’s geological history.
Lanzarote is relatively flat or undulating compared to some of the other Canaries, making it easy to hike, whether across the desert-like or more agricultural landscapes, where wines are grown in the fertile volcanic soil.
La Gomera
Without an airport on the island, La Gomera retains a more peaceful and less touristy feel. It is the second smallest of the Canary Islands but with a network of trails is perfect for walking off the beaten track. Trails are very well marked across the island, making hiking the island’s variety of landscapes in the form of cliffs, forests, canyons and black volcanic beaches very straightforward, allowing you to concentrate on the beautiful lush green scenery and outstanding sea views.
One of the highlights for any visit is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Garajonay National Park, where 25% of the islands endemic flora and fauna are protected.
Tenerife
Tenerife is probably the most well known of the Canaries, offering winter sun holidays to thousands of holidaymakers each year. However, with plenty of quiet inland walks and the peak of Mount Teide (3718m) it has plenty to offer away from the beaches. With more desert-like landscapes than La Gomera, Tenerife can make an interesting contrast and although we don’t currently offer a walking itinerary here you could always add in a few extra days before or after your visit to La Gomera.
To book your next walking adventure in the Canary Islands, call a member of the team on 01962 302 085 or contact us online.
