If you want to combine trails, nature and local history on a trip, Hermigua offers plenty of ways to do so. The Valle de Hermigua was one of La Gomera’s most important growing areas and played a key role in agriculture. Extensive banana plantations shape the valley; potatoes, corn, grapes and tropical fruits are also grown there.

A landscape between farmland and Garajonay

Part of the Parque Nacional de Garajonay lies within the municipality of Hermigua, particularly around El Cedro and Aceviños. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna endemic to the island. Hiking trails in and around Hermigua cross a variety of landscapes, from old paths through traditional settlements to trails by the sea and routes through terraces and cloud forests.

Playa de Santa Catalina is another coastal highlight in the area. It lies in a cove in the Valle de Hermigua and has fine, volcanic black sand. The agricultural valley and the coast offer different perspectives on Hermigua, so an outing need not focus on just one theme.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The Contadero–El Cedro hike is 5.8 kilometres long, has a moderate difficulty level and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. It is recommended year-round and ends at Chorro del Cedro, a natural waterfall 150 metres high. Its water feeds the reservoirs in the agricultural valley of Hermigua throughout the year. Check trail conditions before setting out.

For a loop through Hermigua’s agricultural coastal and northern areas, consider Ruta 33. It follows old local paths through traditional settlements and along trails by the sea. The Hermigua–El Cedro–Los Aceviños–Hermigua circular route has a different landscape focus from Ruta 33: it leads through the heart of the Valle de Hermigua towards the area around the Parque Nacional de Garajonay, then returns between rural hamlets, traditional terraces and cloud forests. This route is rated moderate to difficult; check trail conditions before setting out here, too.

The La Meseta de Hermigua trail also runs through the Parque Nacional de Garajonay. It is self-guided and has numbered posts for use with an audio guide. The trails therefore differ not only in their landscapes but also in their format: a described hike with time and distance details, a loop through coastal areas and settlements, and a self-guided trail with numbered posts.

Cultural history and local experiences

The church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in the Valle Bajo was built in 1650. Another historic landmark is the Pescante de Hermigua, at a site known as El Peñón, which was built in 1907. Its crane was used to import and export goods and to embark and disembark passengers. This role connects the history of the Pescante with the movement of goods and passengers.

At the Parque Etnográfico Los Telares, a botanical walk through banana plantations, aloe, fruit trees, gardens and exotic flowers takes visitors around a 5,000-square-metre organic farm. The park also includes the Maruca Gámez folklore collection. Visitors can buy almogrote, jam and palm honey there, and sample typical Canarian dishes with wines from La Gomera.

Visitors interested in traditional and contemporary crafts can find both at the Feria de Artesanía de La Gomera in Hermigua. Held as part of the Fiestas de San Guzmán, the fair showcases work by craftspeople from La Gomera and other islands. Dates vary each year; if the fair is a highlight of your trip, check the dates in the relevant festival programme.

Discover more destinations: El Cercado, Taguluche, Valle Gran Rey, Vallehermoso, Alajero, San Sebastián De La Gomera, Agulo, El Guro.

For the broader travel overview: La Gomera.