Geographically part of Africa, the Canary Islands offer far more than just beaches and winter sunshine. In fact, a closer look at this volcanic group of islands reveals unexpected variety. Steep fertile valleys and quiet villages on La Gomera, untamed windswept hills on El Hierro, and the perfect volcanic cone of Teide - Tenerife's towering mountain.

La Gomera - The Emerald Isle
From Tenerife, we take the ferry to La Gomera, pulling into the colourful port of San Sebastian - our first base. Though just 20km across, the island's steep mountains rise 1500m above the ocean. There's time to enjoy a walk through the Garajonay Forest, the island's mossy spine and a World Heritage site. From Agulo, we enjoy marvellous views of Teide Volcano across the sea, and walk to explore the hidden charms of Vallehermoso where white cottages ramble up the hillside. We then continue to Chipude; from where we can do several walks in the hills splashed with scarlet poinsettias and waving banana trees.

Remote El Hierro
By ferry we journey to Valverde on El Hierro, then cross the island to reach La Frontera. Situated in the great sweep of El Golfo Bay, 1000m cliffs form a dramatic backdrop. With two days here there's plenty of time to relax and explore this peaceful island. Walks may include the fertile north coast, passing vineyards and groves surrounded by black lava walls. Flowering cacti thrive in the drier south while the green meadows of the central plateau are scattered with volcanic cones.

Teide Volcano
We return to Tenerife by ferry where we spend our last night. We have an option to visit Teide volcano, Spain's highest mountain (3718m). Now a National Park area, it is crowned with ice and snow in winter and sprinkled with colourful flowers in spring. We plan a walk on its flanks, but if you prefer, there's a cable car to the top, for great views of the western Canaries.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join San Isidro. 2 Ferry to San Sebastian on La Gomera island; afternoon walk (approx 4hrs). 3 Optional walk in Garajonay National Park (5hrs). 4 Drive Agulo; walk to Vallehermoso (6hrs). 5 In Vallehermoso; optional walk. 6 Drive Chipude; walk to Playa de Santiago (5hrs). 7 Free day; optional walks in area. 8 Drive San Sebastian; ferry to Valverde on El Hierro island; drive La Frontera. 9 & 10 In La Frontera; various walks or relaxing. 11 Free morning in El Hierro; afternoon ferry to Tenerife. 12 Morning optional drive Teide NP; walk and optional cable car; tour ends San Isidro.

Accommodation: 11nts hotel/pension.
Transport: Bus/Ferries/On foot.
Comment: Exploring on foot, by bus and ferry, and avoiding crowded resorts, we get to know the real Canaries. Walking is graded as moderate (with some more strenuous optional walks).
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s).
Trip Reference: OC