The best road cycling routes around Valle Gran Rey

Valle Gran Rey offers a diverse and dramatic terrain, characterized by deep valleys, steep slopes, ravines, and towering cliffs that descend to the Atlantic Ocean. You'll encounter challenging ascents and descents, with routes often passing through ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park, terraced landscapes, and coastal roads with stunning ocean views. The island's hilly nature ensures a constantly changing and intense cycling experience.

While La Gomera is known for its hilly nature and challenging climbs, there are routes suitable for moderate ability levels. For instance, the Las Hayas, Montaña de los Manantiales, and La Asomada - circular route through the Garajonay National Park - La Gomera is a moderate 8.9-mile (14.4 km) trail, offering a circular journey through unique laurel forests without extreme difficulty.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Valle Gran Rey offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. The Laurel Forest – Arure loop from La Calera is a difficult 35.9-mile (57.8 km) path, featuring substantial climbs through laurel forests and mountainous terrain. Another demanding option is the Arure – La Calera Beach loop from Vallehermoso, a 33.9-mile (54.7 km) trail with varied landscapes and significant ascents.

Many routes offer breathtaking views of the coast, surrounding mountains, and unique natural features. You can cycle through the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is also dotted with palm groves and traditional terraced landscapes. For spectacular vistas, consider stopping at viewpoints like the Peraza Pass Viewpoint or the Scenic Trail With Mountain and Ocean Views.

Yes, Valle Gran Rey features several circular road cycling routes. A popular moderate option is the Las Hayas, Montaña de los Manantiales, and La Asomada - circular route through the Garajonay National Park - La Gomera. For a longer, more challenging loop, consider the Laurel Forest – Arure loop from Garajonay National Park, which covers 36.5 miles (36.5 km).

La Gomera's mild climate makes it suitable for road cycling year-round. However, the best time is generally during the cooler, drier months, typically from autumn through spring. This avoids the peak summer heat, making the challenging climbs more enjoyable. Winter cycling is also popular due to the pleasant temperatures compared to many other regions.

The road cycling routes in Valle Gran Rey are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from more than 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the unique experience of riding through ancient laurel forests, and the dramatic coastal roads that offer constantly changing and intense cycling experiences.

Absolutely. The region is rich with scenic spots. You can find several mountain passes offering stunning vistas, such as Degollada del Cerrillal and the Mountain Pass to Targa. The Peraza Pass Viewpoint is also a popular stop for panoramic views.

The routes vary significantly in length to cater to different fitness levels. You can find shorter, moderate routes like the Las Hayas, Montaña de los Manantiales, and La Asomada - circular route through the Garajonay National Park - La Gomera at 8.9 miles (14.4 km), which takes about 1 hour. Longer, difficult routes, such as the Laurel Forest – Arure loop from La Calera, stretch to 35.9 miles (57.8 km) and can take several hours to complete.

While the primary focus of road cycling is often on the open roads and viewpoints, some areas are close to unique geological features. For instance, the region has several caves, such as the Goat Cave (Cueva de Cabras) and the Cave of the Kings, which could be explored as side trips or stops if your route passes nearby.

Valle Gran Rey is known for its significant elevation changes. Even moderate routes like the Las Hayas, Montaña de los Manantiales, and La Asomada - circular route through the Garajonay National Park - La Gomera can have around 350 meters of ascent. More difficult routes, such as the Arure – La Calera Beach loop from Vallehermoso, feature over 2000 meters of elevation gain, providing a substantial challenge.

Yes, many routes in Valle Gran Rey offer breathtaking views of the coast. The region boasts several black sand beaches, such as Playa del Inglés, La Puntilla, and La Calera. While specific routes might not lead directly onto the beaches, cycling along the western steep coast will provide scenic points overlooking these unique coastal features.