Island Hopping: Tenerife & La Gomera
About this trip.
Two islands, one ferry crossing
Tenerife and La Gomera sit close enough that a short ferry links them, but they feel like different propositions. Tenerife is the larger, busier sister — Mount Teide at its centre, varied terrain from pine forest to volcanic upland, and a coastline that runs from developed resort strips to quieter villages in the north. La Gomera is smaller, less travelled, thick with laurel forest and terraced valleys, and still fairly lightly touched by mass tourism. Putting the two together in one trip means two quite different weeks of walking, not a repetition.
The walking these islands offer
This is a holiday for walkers rather than sightseers. You move between bases on each island, with a ferry crossing in the middle, and spend your days walking sections rather than trying to loop either coast. Expect a mix of upland paths, forest trails and coastal stretches. La Gomera's laurisilva in Garajonay National Park — an ancient laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site — stands as the quieter, greener counterpoint to Tenerife's more dramatic volcanic scenery around Teide.
It is a self-guided trip. You're given the route, the notes and the logistics — accommodation booked, luggage moved between hotels — and walk at your own pace, without a group or a guide setting the agenda. It suits walkers who want solitude on the trail but not the faff of working out transfers, ferry tickets and hotels themselves.
What's arranged, what isn't
Accommodations are booked for you and your bag is moved between them, so you walk with a day pack rather than a full load. Flights to Tenerife and most meals beyond breakfast are down to you; the itinerary will set out whether the inter-island ferry is included or booked separately.
Prices start from £1,799. That reflects self-guided pricing rather than guided — you're paying for the planning, the route notes and the transfers, not a leader walking with you. The trip best suits walkers who already have a few multi-day trips behind them and want two contrasting landscapes in one holiday. Anyone after a guided group, or who prefers to be led through unfamiliar terrain, will be happier on a different format.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for walking holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every walking day
- ✓Detailed route notes with maps and GPX files
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches — typically a village picnic or café stop
- ×Some evening meals — depends on the specific itinerary
- ×Alcohol beyond any wine included with set dinners
- ×Optional room or transfer upgrades
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
Other walking holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
