GR 132 Costas de La Gomera

La Gomera may be small in size, but it is immense in character. Its deep ravines, ridges, and almost vertical cliffs are the result of millions of years of erosion acting upon ancient volcanic materials. This mark of time is clearly visible along the GR 132, a circular trail that follows the coastal fringe and allows visitors to discover the island from the sea, linking natural and cultural landscapes in a remarkably continuous way. Starting from San Sebastián de La Gomera, the route encircles the island’s perimeter, crossing ravines that function both as corridors of life and as natural boundaries. The trail alternates constant ascents and descents, making it a demanding yet highly rewarding journey: within just a few kilometres, hikers encounter terraced slopes, small hamlets, natural viewpoints, and striking coastal stretches. Along the route, a rich mosaic of vegetation unfolds, shaped by altitude, orientation, and the influence of the trade winds. In the northern and northeastern sectors, areas of pine forest, palm groves, and fayal–brezal woodland combine with frequent views of Tenerife and the silhouette of Mount Teide on clear days. In other sections, the landscape becomes more humid and enclosed on shaded slopes, while open hillsides are dominated by drier and sunnier formations, highlighting the island’s distinctive climatic contrasts. The GR 132 is not only about nature: it also passes through historic agricultural landscapes, with terraces climbing the hillsides and fertile ravine floors where orchards and crops once flourished. Traditional paths, village squares, and heritage elements reflect the adaptation of local communities to a rugged terrain, while some coastal enclaves preserve remnants of former infrastructures linked to maritime trade and agricultural exports. In the northwest, the trail reveals some of La Gomera’s most dramatic scenery, with cliffs, volcanic roques, and intensely eroded slopes. Toward the south, the landscape opens and becomes brighter, dominated by coastal scrub and deep ravines with continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Overall, the route offers a comprehensive reading of the island: geology, vegetation, rural heritage, and seascapes come together in a journey that showcases La Gomera in all its diversity. Ultimately, the GR 132 is a full circuit of the island along its most expressive edge: a long and demanding traverse, yet deeply rewarding for those who wish to understand La Gomera’s landscape from its shores.