Valle Gran Rey: Nature, Coast and Hiking Trails

Part of Garajonay National Park lies within the municipality of Valle Gran Rey; the national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nature

The Valle Gran Rey Rural Park is home to deep ravines lined with palm trees, springs, steep rock faces and small hamlets. On the slopes of the ravines of Valle Gran Rey and Argaga are terraced cultivated areas that stand out against the largely untouched surroundings. There are numerous hiking opportunities in the area. The endangered La Gomera giant lizard and other endemic bird species of the island live in the rural park.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Valle Gran Rey, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer pages. You can decide how much weight to give this information based on your own travel plans.

Hiking

Several hiking trails cross the Valle Gran Rey Rural Park. The “Entre mar y montaña” route is 11.72 kilometres long, takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, has a moderate difficulty level and is recommended year-round. It connects Arure with the coast of Valle Gran Rey and La Calera via an old path leading down from the Mirador del Santo and the Risco de La Mérica. The route passes through former cultivated areas and agricultural terraces, revealing traces of the region’s pastoral past. The length, approximate duration and difficulty level allow you to compare different hiking options.

Culture

The traditional Ramo is made every 6 January and carried in a procession as an offering to the patron saint of Valle Gran Rey, Nuestra Señora de Los Santos Reyes. The Ermita de los Santos Reyes has a history dating back to the 16th century; the current building dates from the early 20th century.

Other places: Tamargada, Taguluche, San Sebastián De La Gomera, El Cercado, Vallehermoso, Hermigua, Erque

Coast

Charco del Conde is a natural pool in Valle Gran Rey that is usually sheltered from the open sea and offers calm waters. It is easily accessible from an adjacent road, where there are parking spaces, showers, toilets and an area for children. Boat trips for dolphin and whale watching, as well as to coastal locations such as Los Órganos, depart from Playa de Vueltas. Activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and diving are available along the coast of Valle Gran Rey around Playa de Vueltas.

A beach southwest of Valle Gran Rey offers some of the most impressive sunset views on La Gomera and clear, turquoise water for swimming; at certain times of year, the surf should be monitored. The 300-metre-long beach with black sand lies in a somewhat remote, rustic setting overlooking the cliffs of La Mérica. The beach is accessible by car and on foot; there is also a car park.

To the overarching travel overview: La Gomera.