The best MTB trails around Hermigua

La Fortaleza is a large volcanic formation located in the west-central part of La Gomera, near Chipude. It is an ancient volcanic plug that resisted erosion for millions of years, becoming isolated and elevated above the surrounding ravines. At an altitude of approximately 1,243 meters, it was a sacred place for the ancient gomeros and today it is one of the island's most emblematic landscapes, with spectacular views towards the mountains, ravines, and the Atlantic.

“Route 4 is short but seems to enter directly into a Jurassic forest, with dense laurisilva and moss-covered trees everywhere. Route 6, from Laguna Grande, allows you to traverse a wider part of the heart of Garajonay between old gomero paths and areas where you can still see how the forest recovered after the 2012 fire. Two easy but very atmospheric routes.”

This stretch of track that runs above Los Aceviños crosses one of the most silent and enveloping areas of La Gomera's humid forest. The slope here is quite gentle and allows for quiet riding amidst fog, moss, and moisture-covered trees, with that constant feeling of absolute isolation so characteristic of Garajonay. For many minutes, practically the only thing you hear is, on rare occasions, some wind, water falling from the vegetation, and the forest's own silence. Total silence, a sensation of entering another realm. And precisely because of this, this point is so curious. Turning one of the curves near the viewpoint and the landscape opening up slightly, the small settlement of Los Aceviños appears for the first time, and almost at the same time, distant barks of dogs begin to be heard, warning the population. After 20 or 30 minutes of riding completely isolated amidst fog and forest, the sensation is extremely strange, almost like suddenly returning to civilization solely through the echo of dogs barking in the mountains. From here, you can also appreciate beautiful views over Tenerife and Teide when the sky is clear. Los Aceviños is a small rural settlement traditionally linked to agriculture and gomera mountain life, still very much integrated into the natural and forest landscape of this upper part of the island.

Important junction within the upper area of La Gomera's forest tracks. It's advisable to pay attention here because the CV-22 descends towards the El Cedro area and ends up becoming a dead-end track. If you want to continue the traverse behind Montaña de las Cuevas and keep advancing along the ridge, it's important to take the left path and continue straight ahead. This whole area combines very quiet tracks, humid forest, and spectacular views over ravines and mountains. It's one of those points where a small mistake can completely change the route, especially if you are following long bike routes on the upper part of the island.

In this damp and silent corner of the Garajonay forest, amidst moss, fog, and gigantic trees, a curious local tradition seems to have developed: hugging ancient tree trunks for several minutes while contemplating the existential void, the sound of the forest, or simply nothing. The most surprising thing is that, after doing so, people come out quite happy. Seeing the tranquility this place conveys, it's hard to judge them. However, an important warning: leaning your electric bike against the trees does not recharge the battery at all. Confirmed. This system apparently only works with humans.

El Barranco del Cedro is one of the most humid, green, and spectacular places on the whole of La Gomera. Located in the heart of Garajonay National Park, this ravine crosses one of the best-preserved laurel forest areas in the Canary Islands, with dense vegetation, moss, giant ferns, and small watercourses that keep the environment constantly humid and fresh. The area is well known for its trails and the feeling of entering an almost tropical or prehistoric forest. Here, fog tends to get trapped between the mountains for much of the year, creating a very special microclimate that allows ancient plant species to survive. The constant sound of water, the trees covered in moisture, and the almost total absence of noise make this place one of the most magical and tranquil corners of the island. In addition to its enormous natural value, El Barranco del Cedro also had historical importance for water use and for small rural settlements linked to traditional Gomera agriculture. Old terraces, canals, and hydraulic elements integrated into the ravine's landscape can still be seen.

El Roque de Agando is probably the most iconic and photographed rock formation on La Gomera. It is a huge volcanic plug formed by very resistant rock that was exposed after millions of years of erosion. While the rest of the volcanic terrain gradually disappeared, this gigantic needle remained standing, dominating the entire landscape in the center of the island. It rises to an altitude of about 1,250 meters and is part of a group of volcanic rocks visible from much of Garajonay. Its vertical and isolated silhouette, especially when it appears shrouded in mist or illuminated by the setting sun, gives it an almost unreal appearance. The road that passes by the rock is considered one of the most spectacular on La Gomera and is a classic spot to stop and contemplate the landscape. For the ancient inhabitants of Gomera, it also held symbolic and territorial importance, and even today it remains one of the island's great natural emblems. The contrast between the dark rock, the green ravines, and the low clouds creates one of the most recognizable images of the Canary Islands.

El Roque de Agando is probably the most iconic and photographed rock formation on La Gomera. It is a huge volcanic plug formed by very resistant rock that was exposed after millions of years of erosion. While the rest of the volcanic terrain gradually disappeared, this gigantic needle remained standing, dominating the entire landscape in the center of the island. It rises to an altitude of about 1,250 meters and is part of a group of volcanic rocks visible from much of Garajonay. Its vertical and isolated silhouette, especially when it appears shrouded in mist or illuminated by the low sun, gives it an almost unreal appearance. The road that passes by the roque is considered one of the most spectacular on La Gomera and is a classic spot to stop and contemplate the landscape. For the ancient inhabitants of La Gomera, it also had symbolic and territorial importance, and even today it remains one of the island's great natural emblems. The contrast between the dark rock, the green ravines, and the low clouds creates one of the most recognizable images of the Canary Islands.