It is 10 years since I last visited La Gomera and this trip offered much greater opportunity to discover the island through a varied programme of walks.
A four hour flight to the Canary Islands rewards the traveller with much needed and assured winter sunshine; the addition of a ferry crossing from Los Cristianos gives access to the relative seclusion of La Gomera with itā€™s World Heritage status Garajonay National Park and also, an opportunity to enjoy the dolphins and pilot whales as they escort the ferry across the strait between the islands.
Based in Valle Gran Rey, the 3 star Gran Rey hotel, facing the beach offered excellent food and accommodation and a pool for those willing to take a cold dip after a hot days walk!
Each walking day provided the group with a variety of terrain accessed by bus over open and undulating hiking trails affording fantastic views across the islandā€™s volcanic landscape and across to Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro and by contrast, the shelter and tranquillity of the forested Garajonay National Park.
All walks were escorted by a local guide who bought much added value to the experience, imparting knowledge of the islandā€™s flora, fauna and geology as we walked.
A day of rest provided the group with an opportunity to explore the quiet resort of Playa de Valle Gran Rey or for the more adventurous, a sea trip from the port to see whales and dolphins further along the coast.
Altogether, a fun group and a very rewarding holiday. Well done & thank you Secret Hills!
