Last Updated on 1 July 2025 by Vanessa
If you’re the kind of traveler who packs hiking boots and cat treats, then let me introduce you to Arure — a dreamy little mountain village on the island of La Gomera in Spain.
Arure offers picturesque trails for both seasoned trekkers and beginners, and it’s one of the best places you can go to on La Gomera if you’re into hiking. Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic… and a whole lot of cats.
Hiking with cats? Welcome to Arure, La Gomera
Where is Arure?
The village of Arure is tucked away in the mountains of La Gomera — one of the seven Canary Islands floating off the coast of Africa. The other six islands are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, and El Hierro.
While La Gomera might be one of the smaller islands (just 20 km across), it packs a serious punch when it comes to charm, authenticity, and adventure.
Arure is absolutely peaceful. Colorful village houses, ocean views that’ll make you pause mid-step, and trails that wind through palm groves and over cliffs. Add in the unexpected companionship of local cats and you’ve got a travel experience that’s both soulful and Instagram-worthy.
The cats of Arure
Forget everything you’ve heard about stray cats being shy or standoffish. In Arure, a curious little cat (or three) will even join you on your hikes. They’ll trot alongside you, rub against your legs at rest stops, or even lead the way like seasoned guides. They’ll definitely bring an extra dose of joy to your trail, especially if you believe no adventure is complete without a cat in the mix.
Thankfully, these cats aren’t left to fend for themselves. Local organization Pro Animal Gomera actively works to spay, neuter, and care for the stray population, making sure these furry friends stay healthy and happy.
Best hiking trails in Arure
Arure is a dream for hikers of all levels. It offers lush forests, steep cliffs, ocean views, tucked-away waterfalls, and cute little cats quietly trotting at your heels.. Here’s where to lace up your boots:
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Waterfall Trail: This is the one you can’t miss. It’s a gorgeous walk through a green valley filled with palm trees and ancient laurel forests. Eventually, you’ll hit a picture-perfect waterfall.
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Mirador de Igualero: Craving those sweeping Atlantic views? This trail leads to one of the island’s best panoramic spots. Great for sunrise or sunset.
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Arure to Valle Gran Rey: This connecting trail offers a full view of La Gomera’s natural beauty — cliffs, coastlines, and native flora — with a charming village finish in Valle Gran Rey.
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La Mérica Trail: This path winds through the serene village of La Mérica, where you can soak up Canarian architecture and a quiet, authentic vibe. It’s perfect if you want to slow down and explore at a more relaxed pace.
Practical information
Where to stay?
While Arure itself has few places to stay, you’ll find cozy and convenient options in nearby towns:
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Valle Gran Rey: Just down the road and packed with choices. Check out places like Hotel Playa Calera, Apartamentos Casa Calma, or Jardín del Conde.
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Agulo: A bit farther but incredibly charming. You’ll love the traditional architecture and rural guesthouses. Try Apartamentos Los Telares for a local stay.
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Hermigua: This is another solid base, located more in the north. Hermigua even has a beach full of cats. Hotel Rural Casa Lugo and Casa Rural Ondina are both great picks.
How to get to La Gomera?
The easiest way to reach La Gomera is via Tenerife. Fly into either Tenerife North (TFN) or South (TFS), then:
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By plane: Take a 30-minute flight to La Gomera Airport (GMZ).
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By ferry: Ferries from Los Cristianos (Tenerife South) to San Sebastián de La Gomera take about 40–60 minutes.
You can also reach La Gomera by ferry from other Canary Islands or as a stop on a cruise.
Getting to Arure
From San Sebastián de La Gomera, take a bus or taxi to Valle Gran Rey. This takes about 45 to 60 minutes. From there, it’s a short hike or drive up to Arure.
Best time to visit Arure (and La Gomera in general)
La Gomera has great weather year-round, with mild winters and warm summers (18°C to 28°C / 64°F to 82°F). For the best hiking conditions and fewer crowds, visit in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) — temperatures are pleasant, trails are quieter, and the landscape is lush.
Want to see the waterfall in full flow? Plan your visit after rainfall or during wetter months.
Into stargazing? Thanks to low light pollution, Arure offers amazing night skies. Clear spring and autumn nights are ideal for catching constellations and shooting stars.
Final thoughts
Have you visited Arure or La Gomera before? Or is this now officially on your travel bucket list?
If you go, know that La Gomera is proud of its commitment to sustainability — from renewable energy and eco-friendly tourism to active conservation efforts. Help keep the island beautiful by sticking to marked trails, taking your trash with you, and supporting local causes like Pro Animal Gomera, which cares for the island’s animals.
About the photographer
Claudia Mannes is a German TV writer, travel blogger, and photographer. Kleinplanet311 is her personal playground. With a sharp eye, she uncovers stories that sometimes jump out and other times hide in small details. From sweeping landscapes to quiet moments, her photography captures the heart of each scene, and through her work, these stories come alive.
Her love for travel began in 2013 during a sabbatical in Spain, which inspired her to start her blog Kleinplanet311 in September 2014. Since then, Claudia’s journey as an artist and storyteller has grown, fueled by her passion for blending photography with writing.
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