Unforgettable Hikes in Agulo on La Gomera
The Canary Islands are one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors to this volcanic archipelago every year. La Gomera, the second smallest island in the Canaries, captivates with its breathtaking nature, idyllic volcanic beaches, and spectacular hiking trails, especially for adventure travelers.
As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, La Gomera offers a diverse landscape that thrills hiking enthusiasts. From steep coastal paths to fertile valleys and remote mountain villages, the island is a paradise for nature lovers looking for unforgettable hikes, far from the usual tourist hotspots.
Particularly captivating is the northern coast, where picturesque coastal paths, breathtaking views of the rough sea, and a unique combination of green landscapes and red volcanic rock can be experienced.
In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to two of my favorite hikes in Agulo, which were an absolute highlight during my hiking trip on La Gomera. Enjoy reading, and thank you for visiting my travel blog!
Hiking in the north of La Gomera
The north coast of La Gomera is a real gem for hiking enthusiasts, with its fascinating combination of coastal splendor and volcanic red earth. Discover the unique magic of hiking through this volcanic rock, experience picturesque trails along steep cliffs and immerse yourself in the island’s rich history. This region combines spectacular views of the azure sea with the striking color palette of the red earth, adding a special touch to every step. Find out more about the unforgettable hiking opportunities and natural wonders that the north coast of La Gomera has to offer. You shouldn’t miss these highlights during your La Gomera vacation.
My hikes on La Gomera
I present two exciting routes that I have hiked myself on my travel blog. The first hike runs from the mountain village of Agulo along the coast to abandoned jetties and a coastal chapel. This hike promises breathtaking rocky landscapes, great views of the sea and varied terrain.
The second circular hike runs from the famous Mirador de Abrante through a region characterized by volcanic red earth. During this tour, you can marvel at the unique nature of La Gomera and experience it up close.
If you are looking for more hikes on La Gomera, then take a look at this book. I personally really like this series of hiking guides. The book is small and handy, offers useful information about hiking, and detailed descriptions of the hikes. I’ve already discovered some great hikes that I wouldn’t have found without these books.
How to get to the north coast of La Gomera
Travel by car
The towns in the north of La Gomera are all located on the main road GM-1. From the capital San Sebastián de la Gomera, the drive to Hermigua takes 30 minutes, to Agulo 40 minutes and to Vallehermoso around 60 minutes. The roads are well-maintained and pass beautiful viewpoints that are well worth stopping at. Due to the winding roads, a leisurely driving style is advisable to make the journey relaxing and safe. Free parking is available.
By bus to the north
The bus network on La Gomera is nowhere near as well developed as on Tenerife. There are 8 bus lines, of which lines 2 and 7 take you to the north of the island. You can find more information on this tourism website or on the website of the island’s transport company.
Hotels and accommodation in the north of La Gomera
The best starting points for hikes in the north are the larger towns on the island. Hermigua, Agulo, Vallehermoso and Las Rosas in particular offer accommodation* I myself stayed in Hermigua and was very happy with the facilities.
Of course, there are countless other towns on La Gomera that offer accommodation. Below you will find a selection for the entire northern region.
La Gomera Hiking Tour 1: Agulo – Pescante – Playa de San Marcos
Spectacular coastal hike on the north coast of Gomera
My first hiking tour is in the municipality of Agulo. The varied coastal hike is around 6.7 kilometers long and runs through the picturesque village of Agulo, across lush terraced crops and along the spectacular cliffs of La Gomera. Breathtaking views of the sea and the neighboring islands are guaranteed.
The hike does not require any special hiking experience, but you should be in good physical condition. The paths are well developed, signposted and secured. Nevertheless, hiking boots are a must on the stony coastal paths. You should also be free from giddiness when hiking over the serpentines on the steep coast. There are several places to stop for refreshments on the hike in Agulo I have marked the hiking route and all the important destinations on the hiking map.
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6,7 km
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↑↓ 570 m
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Medium
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Agulo Center
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Asphalt, coastal paths, stony nature trails
How to get to Agulo
The small mountain village is located between Hermigua and Vallehermoso, which are connected by the GM-1 road. Due to the many hairpin bends, the drive from Hermigua takes 10 minutes and from Vallehermoso around 25 minutes. You will find free parking directly on the main road on the hard shoulder.
There is also a bus stop in Agulo, which is served by bus lines 2 and 7. You can find more information on the website of the La Gomera transport company.
Hike from Agulo to the cliffs in the north of La Gomera
Our hike begins in dreamy Agulo, through narrow alleyways, past chic houses that reveal the majestic Teide of Tenerife and the endless sea. An imminent transition to a hiking trail that winds its way along serpentines takes us steeply down the impressive cliffs with breathtaking views. Each step not only reveals the beauty of the small town, but also leads us to the mysterious abysses and epic panoramas along the coastal path.
Short Facts for your Trip
La Gomera is an ideal travel destination for hiking enthusiasts all year round. In spring the island blossoms, with mild temperatures and colorful nature. Summer offers warm conditions, particularly suitable in the mornings and evenings. In autumn you experience pleasant temperatures and a quieter atmosphere. The mild winter makes coastal hikes and tours along fascinating rock formations possible. Regardless of the season, hikers should always be prepared for local weather conditions and take appropriate equipment.
I spent 7 days on La Gomera and visited a few other sights in addition to the hikes presented on the north coast. However, it is worth staying longer. Other highlights await you, such as the beautiful Playa de Valle Gran Rey, the mystical Garajonay cloud forest, picturesque mountain villages and countless viewpoints. Above all, La Gomera offers great other hiking opportunities, which are described, for example, in this great hiking guide*
The best starting points for hikes in the north are the larger towns on the island. Hermigua, Agulo, Vallehermoso and Las Rosas in particular offer accommodation* I myself stayed in Hermigua and was very happy with the facilities.
The easiest way to get around La Gomera is with your own car.
Traveling by bus is also possible, but you will need to plan for a lot more time. Bus transport on the Canary Islands is generally very well organized and also cheap. The main bus routes to the north are lines 2 and 7. You can find more information on the island’s transport company website.
The hikes sometimes lead over stony coastal paths and muddy nature trails, which is why hiking boots are mandatory. The north coast of La Gomera is known for changeable weather, so you should also bring rainproof clothing with you. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
There are endless ways to use your camera while hiking. Especially landscape photography of the vastness of the coast or the mountains of La Gomera. It’s best to think of a telephoto or wide-angle lens.
The Pescante of Agulo
The hiking trail winds along the cliffs, just above sea level. The sound of the waves and the humid breeze reveal the close proximity of the Atlantic. Along the way, we pass forgotten boats, antique harbor objects and the abandoned Pescante, once a banana loading station. At the end of the trail, an abandoned harbor house offers a captivating view of the imposing cliffs of northern La Gomera.
Through the terraced crops of Agulo
The hiking route takes us back along the same path until an ascent over steps appears on the right-hand side. This steep climb through terraced crops leads us up to a place with a breathtaking panorama over Agulo. Keeping to the right, we soon pass a coastal cemetery and shortly afterwards turn off the road again onto a picturesque hiking trail towards the coast of La Gomera.
If you are looking for more hikes on the Canary Islands, then take a look at this book. The book is small and handy, offers useful information on hiking and detailed descriptions of the hikes.
Coastal hike to Playa de San Marcos
The hiking trail winds its way over the cliffs and always follows the coast, presenting breathtaking views of the endless blue ocean at every bend. Below us, the waves thunder against the huge, rugged cliffs that rise up off the north coast of La Gomera. This spectacular natural spectacle captivates us so much that we almost forget the challenges of the steep paths. Every step offers not only a view of the majestic seascape, but also an intense experience of the untamed power of the Atlantic.
La Gomera’s steep hiking trails
We arrive at a kind of plantation through which a path with concrete slabs leads. This path winds steeply downwards, accompanied by a railing and street lamps. At its end is the Ermita de San Marcos and the picnic area of the same name. The Playa de San Marcos reveals itself as a rough bay that is not necessarily inviting for a swim – but this may be possible if the sea off La Gomera is calm.
Walk through Agulo
We return to Agulo via the same route. At the plaza, we take the road past bars and restaurants until we finally reach the Canarian church Iglesia de San Marcos Evangelista. Strolling through the picturesque alleyways of Agulo, without a fixed destination in mind, we finally reach our car after a few detours. This return route not only offers familiar sights, but also the freedom to lose yourself in the charming corners of Agulo and make new discoveries on our hike.
La Gomera Hiking Tour 2: Mirador de Abrante – Red Earth
Fascinating hike through the most surreal volcanic landscape of La Gomera
In the fascinating heights above Agulo, I discovered a hidden world: my second hike through volcanic rock. In just one kilometer, a magical Martian landscape unfolds in vivid red, a unique spectacle. An adventure that reveals the captivating magic of volcanic landscapes high above Agulo.
The hike requires no special hiking experience and the paths are well developed and signposted. Nevertheless, hiking boots are a must, as it can get very muddy here. I have marked the hiking route and all the important destinations on the hiking map.
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1 km
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↑↓ 52 m
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Easy
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Parking lot Mirador de Abrante
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Ground
Getting to the red earth in Agulo
The starting point of the hike is at the Mirador de Abrante, which is located above Agulo on the top of a steep cliff. Due to the many hairpin bends, the drive from Agulo takes 20 minutes and from Vallehermoso around 30 minutes. Free parking is available directly at the viewing platform.
You can’t get here by bus. There is a bus stop in Agulo, which is served by bus lines 2 and 7. A very strenuous hiking trail leads up the steep face to the Mirador de Abrante.
Skywalk on La Gomera at the Mirador de Abrante
Right at the starting point of our hike, a real gem awaits us on La Gomera: the Mirador de Abrante. Here, a glass platform stretches over a steep rock face and the view is simply overwhelming. The sea and the clouds seem close enough to touch and almost melt into the distance. Below the platform, a majestic cliff face stretches out in front of Agulo, criss-crossed by shimmering reddish rock – just a foretaste of what we will encounter on our hike. The Mirador de Abrante marks the impressive start to our adventure, during which we will discover many more facets of this impressive red rock.
Hike into the world of red earth
Right next to the parking lot, the ground turns into reddish rock. An informative board explains that it is iron-containing rock of volcanic origin that has shaped the landscape of this region of La Gomera. With excitement we set off into this fascinating red world.
If you’re looking for a travel guide to the Canary Islands, then take a look at this book. I personally really like this series of travel guides. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low-budget travelers. In addition, not only the well-known sights are described, but lesser-known places are also mentioned.
Red Martian landscape on La Gomera
We can’t stop being amazed during our hiking tour. This red earth is simply a miracle of nature. Only delicate, green bushes that literally grow up from this seemingly barren ground create a fascinating contrast to the red Martian landscape. As the fog rolls in, the scenery becomes complete and an incredible atmosphere emerges that captivates us.
Hiking over La Gomera’s volcanic rocks
The circular hike through this impressive natural spectacle inspires us deeply. It is undoubtedly one of the best experiences we had in La Gomera. Although the hiking route is only about a kilometer, I can only recommend all nature lovers to visit this place.
Conclusion: Unforgettable Hikes in Agulo and Northern La Gomera
Hiking in Agulo and the northern part of La Gomera, especially along the coastline and through the distinctive red soil, promises unforgettable experiences. The coastal hike offers breathtaking views of the rugged sea, while the route through volcanic landscapes with striking red soils is truly unique.
The trails are well-marked, but also challenging, requiring a certain level of fitness. Nevertheless, hiking in Agulo is an essential experience for anyone visiting La Gomera who wants to witness the stunning beauty of nature while embracing the challenge of an adventurous hike.
For me personally, the northern coast was the undisputed highlight of my Canary Islands journey, and I highly recommend it to any hiking enthusiast.
I hope you enjoyed my travel report about the hiking opportunities in the Teno-Mountains. On my travel blog, I show you other beautiful destinations on the Canary Islands and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Spain. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be delighted if you would recommend my travel blog, leave a comment or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your Canary Islands vacation.
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