An Island under the Stars. Heading to the Sea

From the heart of Alajeró towards the light of the ocean

This daytime route invites us to follow a section of the historic GR-132, descending from the rural centre of Alajeró until reaching the coast. The path crosses terraces, palm groves and hamlets such as Targa, where the landscape gradually opens towards the Atlantic. It is a trail that blends agricultural tradition with wide panoramas, revealing the natural transition between the inland mountains and the island’s southern coastline.

Arrival at Playa de Santiago: a bright ending

As the trail approaches the sea, the terrain softens and the horizon glows with Atlantic blue. Playa de Santiago welcomes walkers with its seafaring atmosphere, local flavours and the calm rhythm of a fishing village. It is the perfect ending to a route that connects inland scenery, living history and a vibrant arrival at the ocean—an ideal stretch for tuning into the unhurried rhythm of southern La Gomera.

Length

10,48 km

An island under the stars: Heading to the sea

Point A: Alajeró

Distance from Point A (Alajeró) to Point B (Targa): 1.9 km

The route begins in the historic centre of Alajeró, a peaceful and charming village with traditional streets lined with palm trees and flowers. Highlights include the Town Hall with its clock, the 18th-century Iglesia de El Salvador, and the nearby Ermita de San Isidro, which offers spectacular views of the surroundings.

The path descends gently towards Montaña del Calvario, crowned by its small chapel, and continues on to Targa, a small hamlet surrounded by ravines and reservoirs. A starting point that blends heritage, rural landscape and the serenity that defines life in Alajeró.

An island under the stars: Heading to the sea

Point B: Targa

After leaving Targa behind, the path descends along an old zigzag trail with wide views towards the south, where the Roque de Agando appears in the distance. The descent offers panoramas of the valley, the Tecina Golf Course and the airport, before reaching the bottom of the ravine and crossing the road towards the coast.

The stage ends in Playa de Santiago, a pleasant seaside village ideal for resting and enjoying a drink by the sea after the walk.

An island under the stars: Heading to the sea

Point C: Playa de Santiago

Distance from Point C – Playa de Santiago

In the final stretch, the path descends gently toward the coast, and the views of the Atlantic begin to dominate the landscape. Palm trees, dragon trees and former farmland announce the arrival at Playa de Santiago, a quiet fishing village with a strong seafaring tradition. Here it is common to see the day’s fresh catch arrive and enjoy typical dishes such as almogrote or papas arrugadas. As night falls, the calm of the harbour and the star-filled sky turn this final stage into a perfect way to end the day.

Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
Respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
It is safer to keep your pet on a lead.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).