Self-Drive - Tenerife & La Gomera: Hiking in the Heart of Volcanoes
Between laurel forests and volcanic craters, a hiking journey across two islands with contrasting faces.
Duration
10 days
From
€915/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Family
The spirit of travel
Explore the Canaries through a journey combining hiking, volcanic nature and local immersion between Tenerife and La Gomera. This itinerary invites you to discover contrasting landscapes, between misty forests, panoramic ridges, lava flows and preserved villages.
Throughout your days, you progress at your own pace, in complete autonomy, thanks to a road trip designed for hiking enthusiasts and lovers of wide open spaces. Between hidden trails and iconic sites, you alternate mountain hikes, traverses through lush forests and exploration of unique volcanic lands. The crossing to La Gomera adds a more intimate dimension to your journey, with wilder and more unspoiled itineraries.
This circuit in the Canaries is aimed at those seeking an active journey, between trekking, nature and authentic discovery, in an accessible and exotic setting.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Tenerife!
Driving
You arrive at Tenerife, in the heart of the Canaries archipelago. Upon arrival, you pick up your rental vehicle and head to your accommodation located in Garachico, the first stop of your stay on the island.
Once settled into your hotel, you take time to discover your self-guided hiking kit and study the various routes offered, based on their difficulty level, duration or elevation gain. A great way to prepare the rest of your trip at your own pace.
Hiking Las Vueltas de Taganana
This "camino" called "Vueltas de Taganana" crosses a particularly well-preserved misty forest on the island. Large ferns and a dense laurel forest, covered with lichens, border this trail that descends in switchbacks to the village of Taganana.
Leaving this forest atmosphere behind, you then cross cultivated terraces where market gardens border tropical fruit trees such as mango, papaya, avocados and guava trees.
From Garachico
Taganana → Garachico
Hiking on the ridges of the Teno massif
You are embarking on a mountain hike along the ridges of the Teno massif. From the Barracan pass, you begin your walk by crossing a forest of tree heaths. You gradually discover the landscapes of the Teno massif, between marked reliefs and open panoramas.
You progress between sea and mountain, with the sensation of walking at height. The route leads you to the village of Teno Alto, where you can take a break and taste the local specialty, goat cheese, before regaining your strength. 4 hours of hiking Elevation gain: 800 meters
From Garachico
The journey to La Gomera
Driving
You leave Garachico to reach the port of Los Cristianos, from where your crossing to La Gomera begins, the wildest island of your journey.
Boat
You embark with your rental vehicle on board the ferry. As you cross, Tenerife gradually moves away, giving way to the steep reliefs of La Gomera.
Driving
Upon your arrival in San Sebastián, you continue your journey to Hermigua, where your rural hotel is located, nestled in the heart of a lush valley. Once settled in, you discover your new playground: your hiking guide offers you a selection of routes adapted to all levels, leaving you free to choose your walk according to your wishes, your fitness level that day or the time you have available. An ideal first immersion in the preserved landscapes of La Gomera.
In the Heart of Garajonay National Park
Driving
You leave Hermigua to reach the starting point of your hike, in the heart of Garajonay National Park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massif is renowned for its laurel forest and landscapes shaped by the trade winds.
To avoid the busiest areas of Laguna Grande, Contadero and Pajarito, you take a more secluded route. The trail winds along the ridges offering magnificent panoramic views before reaching Igualero, the highest village in La Gomera. You then continue to the summit of Garajonay, the island's highest point, where a vast panorama opens up over the surrounding landscape.
Duration: 4 hours of hiking
Elevation gain: +550 m / -550 m
Driving
After this beautiful hiking day, you head back to Hermigua to enjoy a peaceful evening in your rural hotel.
El Cedro Hiking Trail
To El Cedro
You join the hamlet of El Cedro, the starting point of your hike. Nestled in the heart of Garajonay National Park, this valley is renowned for its laurel forest, humid atmosphere and landscapes often shrouded in mist.
From El Cedro
You take a trail that crosses through dense vegetation where mosses, ferns and shaded undergrowth create an almost magical setting. As you progress, it is not uncommon to overlook a sea of clouds, or even to walk through it. The route takes you to the Nuestra Señora de Lourdes hermitage before returning peacefully to your starting point.
From El Cedro
After this immersion in the heart of the laurel forest, you head back to Hermigua to enjoy your last evening on the island of La Gomera.
Return to Tenerife
Driving
You leave Hermigua to reach the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera. This final crossing of the island is an opportunity to admire one last time the lush landscapes and steep reliefs that make all the charm of La Gomera.
Boat
You board with your rental vehicle on the ferry heading to Tenerife. The crossing gradually brings you back to the largest island in the archipelago.
Driving
Upon your arrival at the Los Cristianos port, you continue on the road to Granadilla de Abona, where you settle into your rural hotel. This new stop places you at the gates of Teide National Park, the ideal starting point for the hikes over the coming days.
Guajara Mountain Climb
Driving
You leave the landscapes of southern Tenerife to head upwards towards Teide National Park. Along the way, villages give way to vast volcanic expanses, until you reach Degollada de Guajara, the starting point of this high mountain hike.
Walking tour
You take a high mountain path connecting the Degollada de Guajara to the Alto de Guajara, reaching a peak of 2,715 meters altitude. From the summit, the view extends over the Teide, Pico Viejo and Montaña Blanca volcanoes, as well as the vast lava flows of the Cañadas del Teide. Along the way, you also discover the remains of the cabin where French astronomer Jean Mascart observed Halley's comet in 1910.
Duration: 5 hours of hiking
Elevation gain: +515 m / -515 m
Driving
You gradually descend from the heights of Teide, taking with you the striking images of the caldeira. The road brings you back to Granadilla de Abona, where you enjoy a peaceful evening after this beautiful day in the mountains.
Hiking in the Chinyero Volcano Nature Reserve
Driving
You take the road towards the Chinyero volcano nature reserve, the last volcano to erupt in Tenerife in 1909. As you travel, the landscapes gradually change until you reach a landscape shaped by the forces of nature.
This circular hike immerses you in a landscape where life has slowly reclaimed the volcanic rock. Between the Canarian pines rooted in ancient lava flows and vast mineral expanses, each step reveals the striking contrast between the volcano's power and nature's resilience. Beneath Tenerife's luminous sky, the black reliefs, shades of green and open panoramas create a landscape of singular beauty.
Duration: 3 hours of walking / 9km
Elevation gain: +400 m / -380 m
Driving
You leave the volcanic landscapes of Chinyero and return to the road leading to Granadilla de Abona. This last evening on the island is an opportunity to savor the sweetness of Tenerife one last time before your departure the following day.
Welcome back!
To Aéroport De Ténérife Sud
It is time to leave Tenerife. You head to the airport where you return your rental vehicle, taking with you memories of volcanic trails, misty forests and unspoiled villages discovered throughout this journey. After check-in formalities, your adventure in the Canaries comes to an end, making way for new desires to escape.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Insurance
Included
- The rental of a category A car, Fiat 500 type, with comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage
- 3 nights at the El Patio rural hotel, in a double room with breakfasts
- 2 ferry crossings for 2 passengers and 1 car
- 3 nights at the rural hotel Casa Los Herrera, in a double room with breakfasts
- 3 nights at rural hotel Senderos de Abona, in a double room with breakfasts
- 1 hiking guide to Tenerife comprising 85 detailed itineraries in English, the coordinates of starting points as well as GPS traces of routes in GPX format, readable from a mobile phone
- 1 La Gomera hiking guide including 70 detailed itineraries in English (the French version does not exist), the coordinates of starting points as well as GPS traces of the routes in GPX format, readable from a mobile phone
- English-speaking on-site assistance 7 days a week, reachable by phone and WhatsApp
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to the Canary Islands for tourism purposes. Entry rules may change, so we recommend you verify the information with official authorities before departure.
Passport and ID card
The Canary Islands are part of Spanish territory and the European Union. EEA nationals can enter the Canary Islands with a valid passport or national identity card.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Swiss nationals can also enter the Canary Islands with their valid identity card or passport, under bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the European Union.
Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland are subject to no restrictions on length of stay in the Canary Islands as EU territory.
Canadian nationals benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen area, which includes Spain and the Canary Islands.
ETIAS System (Canadian nationals)
From the implementation date set by European authorities, Canadian nationals will be required to obtain a travel authorization ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before traveling to the Canary Islands or any other Schengen area country.
This electronic authorization must be requested online before departure and will be valid for multiple stays over a three-year period, up to 90 days per 180-day period. We recommend checking the status of this system with official authorities before your departure.
Customs particulars of the Canary Islands
Although part of the European Union, the Canary Islands are located outside the EU customs territory and the European VAT zone. Specific rules apply regarding customs exemptions when returning to an EU country (alcohol, tobacco, goods):
the same exemptions as for a third country apply when returning to the European Union,
it is advisable to check the applicable limits with the customs authorities of your country of residence before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or, for EEA nationals, national identity card).
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Spain in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and overseas medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in the Canary Islands, you simply need to have a valid identity card or passport. No special entry formalities are required. The currency used is the euro and the main language spoken is Spanish. Before traveling, check with the consular authorities of your country of residence for the entry conditions applicable to your nationality, as rules may vary depending on your country of origin.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. Direct flights from Paris (150-400 euros return) are additional. The Canaries offer excellent value for money, with reduced VAT.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and fun activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's straightforward. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Associaton Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Tenerife
Nature guide to volcanic islands, based in Tenerife (Costa del Silencio)
The Canary Islands are far wilder and more varied than people imagine. Sometimes you just need to venture a little off the coast to discover a completely different world.
— Marcos
