Nature's Paradise: Hiking the GR131 Trail Across the Canary Islands - Part 3

Hiking the long-distance trail GR131 across the main Canary Islands from coast to coast.
The Canary Islands is a volcanic archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa with a stunning diversity of landscapes, from the arid plains of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, to the lush evergreen and singing forests of La Gomera and La Palma, with Gran Canaria and its fire-withstanding and regenerative pine forests in between. While Tenerife and its majestic active volcano El Teide (3715 meters/12188 feet) towers over the skies and all the other islands.
During a month of travels I trekked 500 kilometers (310 miles) across most of the islands and summited El Teide just in time for sunrise, carrying everything I needed with me in an ultralight backpacking setup. This third part of a three-part series feature the islands of La Gomera and La Palma.
Chapters:
0:00 La Gomera
4:31 La Palma
Please leave comments below on how I could improve for future videoes.

[@WanderingSoleTV]

Looks amazing, beautiful!

[@HikingDawntillDusk]

Thanks! 😊

[@teamcaseih3901]

Awesome!

[@HikingDawntillDusk]

Thanks! 😏

[@Nhkg17]

There are many beautiful places in the Canary Islands, are you planning to return? So far I have only visited La Gomera and partly Tenerife. I think the nicest part of Tenerife is Anaga in the north-east. The northwest is also nice, but I've only been there by car. And from La Gomera, Agulo and the trail in the almost perpendicular cliff right above it is amazing.

[@kleinerfehler8437]

Hi, I really liked your three videos on the Gr131. I found you here on YT because I am planning to do the Gr131 by myself during the first weeks of April 24. I am interested in what was the longest episode during the GR131 you had to cover without a food supply. So what was the maximum of days in nutrition you had to cover in your backpack? Thanks for showing us your journey!

[@thefun-employedadventurer3011]

Amazing effort to do so much of the 131 in such a short amount of time, I managed the La Palma stretch early this year and that was plenty tough

[@HikingDawntillDusk]

Thanks! 😊 It was really rewarding experiencing so much through a month. 👌 I believe you that La Palma was tough! Such a steep and long climb from start at sea level. Well done! 👏 Stopped me on my journey, but would like to go back.

[@shaunwilliams4949]

Great videos, I'm planning a jan trip but i only have 11 days from landing to take off. Would you have any suggestions as to which island to start with with along the whole route for those days? I'm thinking Gran Canaria - Tenerife or possibly Tenerife - La Gomera? Thanks 👍

[@HikingDawntillDusk]

Thanks! 😊 I guess you both arrive and depart from Tenerife, since Tenerife is in both of your alternatives. With regard to days, I would suggest using at least 3 days to hike across La Gomera, 5 across Tenerife and 4 across Gran Canaria, plus eventual resting days. The main issue is the long ferry trips back and forth between the islands and how the timing of the ferry schedule plays along with when you finish an island. You might find that you arrive too late for the last ferry of the day, and so on. For the best experience I would suggest focusing on Tenerife and La Gomera. You will have more diverse lanscapes and nature, while also being able to see the magnificent El Teide Volcano from La Gomera. La Gomera has some beautiful evergreen forests packed with songbirds (best experienced during dawn), and feels totally different than Tenerife. Hiking up El Teide Volcano on Tenerife is also unforgettable, but is optional for the hike across Tenerife. There are access restrictions to the top of the volcano. If you want to be at the top after 9 AM in the morning (when the first cable car arrive), you need to have acquired a permit way in advance. Before 9 AM it is not required to my recollection. Gran Canaria also got some great trails (especially at the Agaete end), but does not feel that different from Tenerife. Hope that helps! 😊