Top 6 Lakes around San Sebastián De La Gomera

Laguna Grande is probably one of the best starting points on all of La Gomera to explore the upper part of the island by bike. Many people arrive here by van or car precisely to start their routes from this point and avoid some of the toughest climbs from the coast. From the recreational area, you can easily link up with routes towards San Sebastián, Valle Gran Rey, Alajeró, or the entire central ridge across the humid forest. The advantage is enormous: you start already at over 1,200 meters altitude, within the laurisilva, surrounded by practically traffic-free tracks and roads. This allows you to enjoy the long, scenic descents and high mountain routes much more without draining all the battery or your legs on endless ascents from sea level. Of course, the climate here changes radically compared to the coast. Fog is very common almost all year round and humidity is constantly present, even when it's sunny down below. It is essential to bring a good rain jacket, a serious windbreaker, and some light thermal clothing, because the feeling of cold increases considerably when you enter the more humid areas of the forest. It is also advisable to bring lights or reflective elements if you are going to ride for many hours in fog and shade. For e-bike tours, Laguna Grande is simply a spectacular base.

The Laguna Grande Recreational Area is one of the most important and visited points in the interior of La Gomera. It is located in the high zone of the island, within the Garajonay National Park, at an altitude of over 1,200 meters and surrounded by the famous laurisilva forest, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than just a picnic area, Laguna Grande functions as a meeting point for hikers, cyclists, and visitors exploring the island's humid heart. Several well-known routes begin here, and it is also one of the best places to stop to rest, eat, or simply contemplate the forest amidst the fog. The climatic difference compared to the coast is enormous: while it can be hot and sunny below, here it is common to find humidity, cold, fine rain, and fog even in summer. The place also has a significant symbolic and popular charge in La Gomera. There are ancient legends related to witches and nocturnal gatherings in the central clearing of the forest, stories that are still part of the local imagination and fit perfectly with the mysterious atmosphere of the place when the fog rolls in among the trees. Today, it is one of the great nerve centers of Garajonay and a practically essential stop to understand the landscape, climate, and the more humid and green personality of La Gomera.

The name is incorrect, it should be "Embalse de la Laja". Please correct it, thank you.

"I'd like to add that the La Laja-Bailadero section is only suitable for experienced hikers, as it's very technical and vertigo-inducing!" We could have used that tip too. We attempted the hike in September 2024 and had to turn back at a point where we lost the trail and it was slippery and steep on both sides. We then hiked back the three-quarters of the way we had already completed. I didn't feel safe there in my Lowa hiking boots (slippery soles). The hike up to that point was beautiful! Red soil, pine forest, stunning scenery.

I'd like to add that the La Laja-Bailadero section is only suitable for experienced hikers, as it is very technical and vertigo-inducing! We can only confirm this. There were two experienced hikers ahead of us who also abandoned the tour halfway through. The four of us then tackled the descent to La Laja. It's a shame that we had to abort the last few meters for safety reasons and unfortunately couldn't finish the tour. We arranged a taxi to our starting point. Cost: approximately €60.

I would add that the La Laja-Bailadero passage is only for experienced hikers because it is very technical and dizzying!

The ascent is a climbing tour, difficult to find the way. Without the stone pyramid we would have been lost, as we did not believe we had to go up there. A head for heights is essential. The path is more of an alpine route from La Laja up to the Mirador de El Bailadero.

The reservoir itself is not necessarily worth a visit, but the landscape around it is even more so