The best MTB trails around Vallehermoso

One of the most authentic and technical sections in western La Gomera. The trail starts relatively fluidly between mountains and ravines, but gradually transforms into the typical cobbled Gomera path, with rock, natural steps, and tight turns that force you to choose your line carefully. After Tazo comes the more serious part: old donkey paths paved with stone, very physical and technical in some points, especially for MTB. There are fast and fun sections, but also others where it is advisable to slow down and read the terrain calmly. The landscape constantly rewards the effort: deep ravines, open views towards the Atlantic, and a sense of isolation very typical of this part of the island. Before reaching Alojera, you still have to pedal a bit more uphill, so it's advisable to save some energy. It is one of those trails where La Gomera shows its wildest and most traditional side.

A very popular stopping area within Garajonay National Park, next to one of the most used parking lots for accessing trails, forest tracks, and viewpoints in the upper part of La Gomera. Here the landscape changes constantly: fog, humidity, laurel forest, and clearings from which enormous views open up towards the island's ravines. It is a strategic point for cyclists and hikers because it connects several park routes and allows easy connection to summit roads. Garajonay's laurel forest is one of the oldest and rarest forests in Europe, a humid ecosystem that survived from prehistoric times thanks to the trade winds. That's why this area has such a distinct atmosphere from the rest of the Canary Islands. Very close by, there is usually total silence... until the wind moves the trees or the fog rolls in suddenly.

A very well-known stop on the GM-1 road, going up from Vallehermoso towards the upper area of Garajonay. It's one of those strategic points on La Gomera where there are usually cars, cyclists, and motorcyclists stopping to rest, have coffee, or eat something before continuing their route along the summit. The access is fully asphalted and very convenient from Vallehermoso. From here you can easily connect with mountain roads that lead towards the area of El Cercado, Arure, Monte de Ayamosna, and several viewpoints from which you can see Teide on clear days. The restaurant is known for traditional Gomera cuisine, especially grilled meats, stews, almogrote, cheeses, and homemade dishes. The area is also famous for the historic Chorros de Epina, well-known springs on the island associated with ancient legends and popular beliefs. It's one of those places where many people end up stopping even if they hadn't planned it.

La Fortaleza is a large volcanic formation located in the west-central part of La Gomera, near Chipude. It is an ancient volcanic plug that resisted erosion for millions of years, becoming isolated and elevated above the surrounding ravines. At an altitude of approximately 1,243 meters, it was a sacred place for the ancient gomeros and today it is one of the island's most emblematic landscapes, with spectacular views towards the mountains, ravines, and the Atlantic.

“Route 4 is short but seems to enter directly into a Jurassic forest, with dense laurisilva and moss-covered trees everywhere. Route 6, from Laguna Grande, allows you to traverse a wider part of the heart of Garajonay between old gomero paths and areas where you can still see how the forest recovered after the 2012 fire. Two easy but very atmospheric routes.”

A small mountain hermitage located in one of the wettest and quietest areas of northern La Gomera. The surroundings are notable for the large trees and the frequent fog that enters from the peaks, creating an atmosphere very different from the island's coast. The Virgen de Las Nieves has a strong tradition in the Canary Islands and is usually associated with high, cool places linked to water and the trade winds. It is a simple, but very authentic stop, surrounded by nature and silence. 0 0

El Roque de Agando is probably the most iconic and photographed rock formation on La Gomera. It is a huge volcanic plug formed by very resistant rock that was exposed after millions of years of erosion. While the rest of the volcanic terrain gradually disappeared, this gigantic needle remained standing, dominating the entire landscape in the center of the island. It rises to an altitude of about 1,250 meters and is part of a group of volcanic rocks visible from much of Garajonay. Its vertical and isolated silhouette, especially when it appears shrouded in mist or illuminated by the setting sun, gives it an almost unreal appearance. The road that passes by the rock is considered one of the most spectacular on La Gomera and is a classic spot to stop and contemplate the landscape. For the ancient inhabitants of Gomera, it also held symbolic and territorial importance, and even today it remains one of the island's great natural emblems. The contrast between the dark rock, the green ravines, and the low clouds creates one of the most recognizable images of the Canary Islands.

El Roque de Agando is probably the most iconic and photographed rock formation on La Gomera. It is a huge volcanic plug formed by very resistant rock that was exposed after millions of years of erosion. While the rest of the volcanic terrain gradually disappeared, this gigantic needle remained standing, dominating the entire landscape in the center of the island. It rises to an altitude of about 1,250 meters and is part of a group of volcanic rocks visible from much of Garajonay. Its vertical and isolated silhouette, especially when it appears shrouded in mist or illuminated by the low sun, gives it an almost unreal appearance. The road that passes by the roque is considered one of the most spectacular on La Gomera and is a classic spot to stop and contemplate the landscape. For the ancient inhabitants of La Gomera, it also had symbolic and territorial importance, and even today it remains one of the island's great natural emblems. The contrast between the dark rock, the green ravines, and the low clouds creates one of the most recognizable images of the Canary Islands.