Hiking To Ermita De San Isidro La Gomera

Ermita de San Isidro is a tiny white church that sits alone, perched dramatically on top of Mount Roque Calvario. It is a surprisingly short walk from Alajero to the summit, and from there you will have incredible 360-degree views.

Basic Information – Hiking To Ermita De San Isidro La Gomera

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 Ermita De San Isidro La Gomera

The first time we drove through the village of Ajajero, we spotted a beautiful white church sitting isolated, high on top of a mountain. We thought it would be a long, hard climb to reach, but it turned out to be a short, relatively easy hike from the village.

The reward-to-effort ratio for this walk was higher than any other that we did on the island. At the top, you have panoramic 360-degree views of mountains, sea and even Mount Teide volcano on neighbouring Tenerife.  

The church was closed, but it didn’t matter as the location was so spectacular. It would be a great place to watch either a sunrise or a sunset.

This short walk is paved with flat cobblestones. The walk is moderately steep, and the stone may be slippery when wet; we recommend wearing shoes or boots with a good grip.

Starting Point – Hiking To Ermita De San Isidro La Gomera

The quickest way to get to Ermita de San Isidro is to drive to a small car park, around half a kilometre south of Ajajero, at the end of a narrow road. From here, you simply follow the paved path up the mountainside.

Route Description – Hiking To Ermita De San Isidro La Gomera

The route is impossible to miss from the car park. A wide paved cobblestone path runs from the car park up the mountain to the church. 

The trail is stone-paved all the way to the top and includes some steps. It is a fairly easy trail to walk, but it does involve some elevation gain. You will need just a basic level of fitness.

Route Variations – Hiking To Ermita De San Isidro La Gomera

This is a very short walk, but you can add another 2km by starting in the centre of Alajero. The extra distance is on quiet roads through an attractive village. There is a good-sized car park off Calle Fagundo near the Iglesia de El Salvador.

Pros And Cons – Hiking To Ermita De San Isidro

In Conclusion: Why You Should Hike to Ermita de San Isidro

So, you’ve heard all about the hike to Ermita de San Isidro on La Gomera. From the breathtaking 360-degree views to the charming white church that crowns the summit, this hike offers a high reward-to-effort ratio. It’s a relatively short and straightforward trek, but the payoff is immense. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, this trail offers something for everyone.

The path is well-paved and easy to follow, making it accessible even for those with a basic level of fitness. Plus, the free parking near the trailhead is a convenient bonus. Just remember to wear shoes with a good grip, as the cobblestones can get slippery when wet.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re looking to catch a stunning sunrise or a tranquil sunset, Ermita de San Isidro is the perfect destination. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience on your next visit to La Gomera.