Canary Islands Trail Named World's Best Hike by Lonely Planet
A circular hiking route on La Gomera in the Canary Islands has topped Lonely Planet's new global hiking guide, coinciding with walking tourism becoming one of the fastest-growing travel trends. The 49-hour trail showcases volcanic landscapes, endangered species, and sustainable tourism done right.
The best hike in the world isn't on a famous mountain or through a national park you've heard of—it's winding around a lesser-known Canary Island called La Gomera.
Lonely Planet just released "Where to Go When: Hiking," featuring over 90 trails worldwide. The GR132 Circular trail on La Gomera claimed the top spot for its stunning mix of volcanic cliffs, black-pebble beaches, and lush valleys.
The challenging route begins in San Sebastián de La Gomera, the island's capital, and loops around the entire island over roughly 49 hours of walking. Hikers pass through protected nature reserves home to endangered species, terraced slopes dotted with small villages, and coastal stretches with views of Mount Teide, an active volcano on nearby Tenerife.
The timing couldn't be better. According to UN Tourism, walking tourism has exploded in popularity as travelers seek meaningful connections with nature and local communities. An estimated 50% of all European tour operators now offer walking holidays.
What makes these trips special goes beyond fitness. Hikers need places to stay, meals to fuel their journeys, and local guides to show the way. That means real economic benefits flowing to small communities along the trails.
The Ripple Effect
La Gomera shows how tourism can lift people up without tearing nature down. The island has created an emergency hotline specifically for hikers who spot injured animals on the trail. Local guidelines urge visitors to leave no trace, avoid picking plants, and respect the landscape that makes the hike so magical.
The new guide comes from a partnership between Lonely Planet and Ramble Worldwide, a British walking holiday company that funnels surplus profits into making outdoor access available to everyone. Readers can book guided tours with expert leaders who know these trails inside and out.
The route also winds through history. San Sebastián was the last place Christopher Columbus stopped in Europe before sailing to the New World. His former lodgings now house a museum visitors can explore.
Other top trails include Sri Lanka's Pekoe Trail through tea country, Patagonia's W Trek, and England's South West Coast Path. Each offers the best views during specific months, turning seasonal travel planning into an art form.
Walking tourism is proving that slowing down helps us see more, not less.
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Based on reporting by Euronews
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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