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DATES: 2027 Open for Enquiries
LOCATION: Canary Islands - El Hierro, La Palma & La Gomera (weather and interests of crew dependant)
BOAT: TBA 5 Cabin
Years ago, when I (Patrik) first landed on Tenerife, where the sci-fi like Martian desert morphs into lush green forest, and then shoots up 4km to the snowy pinnacle of Vulcan of Teide, I thought to myself - this has to be one of the most interesting islands I have ever seen. If only there were less tourists…
I then sailed West to La Gomera. A forgotten land, devoid of a major airport and no hotel resorts in sight. Full of history (Christopher Columbus set sail from here to discover America), its imposing mountains hide an enchanted rainforest. Fresh bananas and avocadoes, delicious local cuisine, peace – locals truly savour time. A sunset over El Hierro from the top of the Garajonay mountain (UNESCO) is truly unforgettable. It became my favourite island – at least for a couple of years.
Last year, I sailed further West – to La Palma – the island that made global front pages in 2021 with its Cumbre Viejo volcanic eruption.
Wild, mountainous, mesmerizingly green. Its snow-covered tallest peak (2500m elevation), high above the clouds, hosts the most important European space observatory. Such clear skies are hard to find anywhere else (UNESCO).
Swimming in the ocean in the morning, a snowball fight in the afternoon, and still making it for a romantic dinner in the bustling tiny streets of historic Santa Cruz. Naturally, La Palma became my favourite island.
But once again, not for long.
The edge of the world. The very last island. The smallest island. The island, that surpassed all expectations. El Hierro.
Not that long ago, the prime meridian, the Western boundary of the known world, was set on this island. Further on, there is only the infinite Ocean. Hic Sunt Dracones.
The dragons are there - literally. El Hierro is home to the endemic and critically endangered Giant Lizard. The whole island is UNESCO and is the first in the world to be energetically self-sufficient with its unique combination of wind turbines and a hydroelectric pump station in the caldera of a local volcano.
Standing on top of this wave-swept island, watching the clouds roll over the mountain ridge into the infinite sunset – this feeling must be lived.
Our adventure will be a combination of adventurous sailing hops between islands, and on-island exploration – for this we usually hire cars.
The itinerary is moulded by the weather and mood of the crew – quite possibly we will have to decide between visiting El Hierro or La Palma. Neither will disappoint.
Canary Islands enjoy eternal Spring, 20-25°C, and stable trade winds - ideal for sailing. Usually we wear shorts and t-shirt, and if it is windy, a sweatshirt at most.
THE BOAT: 2019 Oceanis 46.1 or similar
cutting edge design makes for a very wide and spacious cruiser. 5 cabins (4 doubles, 1 bunk), sleeps 10 + 2 (however it will be only 8+2 of us onboard for comfort), 3 bathrooms - all electric. Very spacious cockpit.
ITINERARY The Grand Tour ¦ Tenerife – La Gomera – El Hierro – La Palma – Tenerife ¦ 250NM
The suggested itinerary below is flexible, weather dependant and subject to collective decisions made by the crew
SATURDAY - MONDAY TENERIFE / LA GOMERA
Saturday: Arrival on board, safety briefing and introduction of the crew. Our first night we love to dine out on local cuisine, get to know each other and discuss dreams for the sail!
Sunday: Crossing to La Gomera. We will arrive in San Sebastian de La Gomera in the early afternoon, rent a car, and set off for the sunset from the highest mountain, Garajonay. The roof of La Gomera provides incredible 360° views of the entire route of our sail – the snow-capped majestic volcano Pico del Teide to the East in the golden light of the setting sun, the green La Palma to the Northwest, and to the Southwest, typically peeking out of the clouds, El Hierro. We will stroll the streets of historic San Sebastian for the evening.
Monday: On Monday morning, we will watch the sunrise at the Cabo San Cristobal lighthouse for those interested, then take a road trip through the rugged valleys, green forests, Martian plateau, banana farms and sleepy villages of this beautiful island. In the afternoon, we'll sail around the southern cliffs of the island towards the fishing port of Vueltas - Valle Gran Rey. The possibility of dinner at the excellent fishing house and then a night or early morning crossing to El Hierro.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LA GOMERA
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LA GOMERA
The cliff-edged tiny island of La Gomera – second smallest of the Canary Islands – sits West of tourist-take over Tenerife. While it does not boast the golden sands and all-night life like it’s well-known neighbour, it is a nature lover’s paradise and hosts a vibe of exhale-encouraging peace. It is a hiking haven, with treks through ancient forests and luscious valleys to fill your days and strolls through the island's slow and stunning capital San Sebastian for the night. Christopher Columbus stayed here before his sail in search of the New World, so there are many traces of his footsteps to explore that the locals have documented. The islands volcanic activity has resulted in black-sand beaches and bold rock formations, rendering its coastline a site in itself.
TUESDAY - WEDNESDAY EL HIERRO/LA PALMA CROSSING
Tuesday: We will arrive to El Hierro, rent a car and visit most of the local attractions around the island. The breathtaking view of La Pena on the edge of a fault that falls into a huge bay swept by the trade wind, a swim in the surf pools embedded in the black cliffs, a walking tour through the Lania forest, which gradually turns into volcanic sand and transitions to the top ridge of the island. From here, it is only a short walk to the sacred Garoé tree, at the roots of which is a reservoir of drinking water that centuries ago supplied water to the entire native population of the island.
Wednesday: On Wednesday we will have a full-day crossing to La Palma. A piece of open ocean, with a majestic goal in sight, inspires wonder. In the evening we will arrive in the historic town of Santa Cruz de La Palma, which maintains an authentic island life.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EL HIERRO
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EL HIERRO
Smallest of the seven islands, El Hierro sits on the Western most edge of the archipelago, the last land before the vast Atlantic. The World’s first self-sufficient island, powered by the trade winds and waterfalls, sets a mighty sustainability example. The Reserva Marina del Mar de Las Calmas is a World class diving destination, and the diversity of the land leaves hikers crossing it in awe. From desert in the South, to pine and laurel trees to the West, to fruit plantations in the North and steep sloping coastline all around – El Hierro will entice you from all angles.
THURSDAY - FRIDAY LA PALMA
Thursday: Thursday (and possibly also Friday, if we decide to do a one-way cruise, and La Palma certainly cannot be covered in one day) we will rent a car and set out to explore the island - from a trip in the depths of the rainforests, to cascading swimming pools in the north of the island, scenic roads around the coast, the dramatic gorge of Tazacortes, the fresh lava field of the recent eruption of Cumbre Viejo, a trip inside the huge crater of the Caldera Taburiente National Park, the edge of space from the very top of the island, the walls of the Caldera, and the Roque de los Muchachos observatory ( 2426m). Beyond space and time.
Friday: Friday morning either a full-day crossing to Tenerife, or - and this is the more interesting option in our opinion - another exploration of the island's beauty. In this case, crew will need to take a ferry or plane back to Tenerife on Saturday morning. (30-60 Euro - not included in trip pricing)
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LA PALMA
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LA PALMA
Known also as La Isla Bonita (The Pretty Island), La Palma boasts beauty as the greenest of the Canary Islands. With at least 1000km of well-signposted trails, days of exploration of this diverse land can be experienced.
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