Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian (La Gomera)

Are you looking for a moderate walk from the San Sebastian area? If so, try hiking to Playa de la Guancha, an 8km round trip with breathtaking views of the coastline. This trail takes you to a beautiful, isolated beach which can’t be accessed by car.

Basic Information – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

Introduction – Hiking On La Gomera

If you like hiking, you will love La Gomera. The island has the most incredible variety of landscapes, with steep cliffs overlooking rocky coastlines, and inland the coast gives way to volcanic peaks, dramatic rocks and staggeringly steep ravines.

In the heart of La Gomera is National Park Garajonay, with damp, dense forests of moss-coated trees. It seems a world away from the sunny and arid south coast. The variations in climate result in a vast range of plant life in La Gomera, where you will find cacti, lush green forests, palm trees and banana plantations.

Although the climate varies dramatically as you move around the island, the temperature is surprisingly constant. You are unlikely to experience temperatures much outside the 15-25 deg C range at any time of year. This means that the weather is almost always perfect for hiking.

However, the most significant advantage for us was the sheer volume and range of hikes on La Gomera. The Garajonay National Park has an incredible network of well-defined trails, many of which have been designated as “recommended routes.” These numbered routes, or “rutas,” are signposted and easy to follow.

The only downside of hiking on this wonderful island is that you won’t find a trail without some elevation gain. Also, many of the trails are high with steep drops and definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you dislike heights, check your routes carefully before setting out.

Overview – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

The hike from San Sebastian to Playa de la Guancha is one of my favourites on La Gomera. This beautiful coastal hike gives you uninterrupted views of the sea along the entire trail and finishes at a deserted beach. If you are lucky, you will have the entire beach to yourself.

Route Description – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

This trail starts at the south end of San Sebastian with a relatively steep climb up the cliffside. Most of the walk runs along the cliff top, apart from a drop down into a ravine around halfway along the trail.

The start of the descent to the beach is pretty steep, with a large drop-off to the side. We also found this part of the cliff to be very exposed and windy, although a low wall running along the edge of the trail provides some separation from the cliff edge.

The clifftop sections of the trail are flat with compacted dirt/gravel underfoot, while the steep sections are very rocky with some deep stone steps. You should wear sturdy walking shoes/boots for this hike.

Prepare – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

There are a few things to note before starting this hike:

1. Footwear – parts of this hike are steep and very rocky; we recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
2. Food and Drink – There are no amenities on this hike (including at the beach), so make sure you pack all the food and drink you will need.
3. Sunburn – The coastal winds on La Gomera mean that sunburn is common. The sun here is powerful, and the cooling breeze can fool you into thinking you aren’t at risk. This is an exposed trail without shade, so pack your sun cream.
4. Stones – The beach is a mix of stone and rock and very difficult to walk on with bare feet; take suitable shoes for the water if you plan on going in.
5. Winds, Waves and Tides – all beaches on La Gomera can be dangerous, so make sure you are fully aware of the conditions and take advice before swimming.

Starting Point – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

This trail starts from the south end of San Sebastian at the end of the road called Barranco La Concepcion. You may be able to park on one of the side roads near the trailhead, but if not, there’s plenty of free parking within San Sebastian. If you park in the centre of town, it will take just 5-10 minutes to walk to the trailhead.

The trail start point is marked by the signpost shown in the above picture, and you will start the trail by walking along the path with the wire fence to your left.

This trail runs along a section of La Gomera hiking route (or ruta) 28, a 15.2km hike from San Sebastian to Degollada de Peraza.

Route Variations – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

If you have the time and energy, you can continue this hike to Playa del Cabrito, another isolated beach around 2-3 km beyond Playa de la Guancha. This part of the trail will take you a little inland, behind the cliff, before dropping down to Cabrito Beach.

Points Of Interest – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

The main points of interest on this hike are:

• Playa de la Guancha
• Spectacular views of the sea and of San Sebastian
• Views of Tenerife’s volcano Mount Tiede (on a clear day)

Pros And Cons – Hiking To Playa De La Guancha From San Sebastian

Conclusion: The Ultimate Getaway at Playa de la Guancha, La Gomera

So, you’ve read all about Playa de la Guancha, a secluded paradise just a few kilometres south of San Sebastian. This beach is not your typical tourist spot; it’s an adventurer’s dream. Accessible only by boat or a scenic hiking trail, this beach offers you the luxury of solitude, surrounded by nature’s grandeur.

But remember, this isn’t a casual day out. You’ll need to come prepared. From sturdy hiking boots to ample sun protection, make sure you’re well-equipped for this journey. The hike itself is a rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs. And once you get there, the crystal-clear waters and the serene atmosphere make every step worth it.

So, are you up for the challenge? Will you take the road less travelled to discover one of La Gomera’s most beautiful yet least visited beaches? Trust me, this is one adventure you don’t want to miss.

Questions to Consider:

1. Is Solitude Your Idea of Paradise? – Playa de la Guancha offers an isolated experience. Is that what you’re looking for?
2. Are You Adventure-Ready? – The hike to the beach is not a walk in the park. Have you considered all the essentials you’ll need?
3. What’s Your Next La Gomera Adventure? – Will you extend your hike to another secluded beach like Playa del Cabrito, or perhaps explore other trails on the island?