Top 20 Gorges around Hermigua

The canyons, locally known as barrancos, are characterized by deep ravines cutting into the coastline. You will encounter lush, verdant landscapes, ancient laurisilva cloud forests, and dramatic geological formations. The entire Hermigua valley itself is a large ravine, showcasing a blend of natural beauty and agricultural heritage.

Yes, Hermigua is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The Arure Waterfall is a prominent 15-meter natural monument, accessible via a shaded path that follows a watercourse, offering a cooling experience. Another adventurous option is the Waterfall in Barranco de Arure, which involves a wild and romantic route through a creek bed, past reeds and palm trees.

Hermigua offers a diverse range of hiking trails. You can find challenging routes like the Barranco de Guarimiar Trail, which requires some climbing and offers unique views. Many trails traverse the dense, misty laurisilva forest within Garajonay National Park, such as those in Barranco del Cedro. The GR132 long-distance trail also crosses numerous steep-sided barrancos, providing panoramic coastal views and significant elevation changes.

The Barranco del Cedro is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Garajonay National Park. It offers an immersive experience in an ancient laurisilva cloud forest, characterized by trees covered in shaggy moss. Hikers can follow the Arroyo de El Cedro stream, visit the village of El Cedro, and discover the Boca del Chorro waterfall, all while enjoying stunning natural beauty and tranquility.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers, the Barranco de Guarimiar Trail is known for being challenging and requiring some climbing, offering unique perspectives of the landscape. The route to the Waterfall in Barranco de Arure is also considered adventurous, involving navigating a creek bed with slippery rocks. Additionally, sections of the GR132 trail that circumnavigate La Gomera feature significant elevation changes through steep barrancos.

While many trails can be challenging, the broader Hermigua Valley offers more accessible trails for various fitness levels, allowing families to appreciate the natural beauty and agricultural heritage. For a moderately adventurous option, the Alternative Path in Barranco is an intermediate trail that can feel like a jungle adventure, with options to bypass the stream bed in places.

The canyons around Hermigua can be enjoyed year-round due to La Gomera's mild climate. However, visiting during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) offers pleasant temperatures for hiking and lush vegetation. Even in hot weather, trails like the one to Arure Waterfall are recommended as they are shaded and follow watercourses, providing a cooling experience.

Given the varied terrain, sturdy hiking shoes, preferably waterproof (like Gore-Tex), are highly recommended, especially for routes that involve walking through stream beds or over wet rocks. Always bring enough water, particularly on sunny days, as some trails can be hot. Layers of clothing are advisable due to potential changes in elevation and microclimates, from sunny open areas to misty forest sections.

Beyond exploring the canyons, Hermigua is a fantastic base for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including circular routes through Garajonay National Park. For cyclists, there are challenging touring bicycle routes that explore the island's dramatic landscapes. Mountaineering enthusiasts can also discover rewarding mountain hikes with stunning views.

Visitors frequently praise the unique natural beauty and the immersive experience of Hermigua's barrancos. They particularly enjoy the tranquility of the ancient laurisilva forests, the cooling effect of shaded paths along watercourses, and the adventurous feeling of navigating wild, romantic trails. The challenging hikes are often highlighted for their rewarding and unique views, making for memorable outdoor experiences.