Lonely Planet's latest guidebook, Where to Go When: Hiking, has placed the GR132 Circular trail on the Canary Island of La Gomera at the top of its global list of walking routes. The publication, produced in collaboration with British walking specialist Ramble Worldwide, features over 90 trails worldwide and arrives as walking tourism gains momentum across Europe.
According to UN Tourism, walking holidays have become one of the most popular ways to explore destinations, offering visitors direct contact with nature, culture, and local communities. The Netherlands' CBI estimates that up to 50% of all European tour operators now offer walking-related activities, underscoring the sector's economic weight.
The GR132 Circular: A Challenging Island Circuit
The GR132 Circular, also known as the Isla Mágica route, begins in San Sebastián de La Gomera, the island's capital. The trail winds through lush valleys, past awe-inspiring cliffs, black-pebble beaches, and volcanic rock formations shaped by millennia of geological activity. It takes roughly 49 hours to complete, circling the island's perimeter and passing through terraced slopes, small hamlets, natural viewpoints, and coastal stretches. On clear days, hikers can see Tenerife and Mount Teide, an active volcano, from the northern and northeastern sections.
The route also carries historical significance: San Sebastián was Christopher Columbus's last European stop before crossing the Atlantic. The house where he stayed now houses the Columbus House Museum. The trail traverses traditional paths and village squares, offering a journey through time as well as terrain.
La Gomera places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Authorities urge hikers to avoid littering, refrain from uprooting plants or removing stones, and have set up an emergency hotline for reporting injured animals. This commitment to responsible tourism aligns with broader European trends in eco-conscious travel.
Lonely Planet's guide, produced with Ramble Worldwide, also offers guided tours led by the company's experts. The partnership reflects a growing integration of publishing and practical travel services, as walking tourism becomes a mainstream choice for European travellers.
For those seeking other top hikes, the guide recommends the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka, the Island Trails of Madeira (Portugal), the W Trek in Patagonia, the South West Coast Path in England, the Toubkal Circuit in Morocco, the Markha Valley Trek in India, and the Via Francigena through the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy. Each route is rated for difficulty and suggested season, with January being the optimal time for the GR132 Circular.
Walking tourism's rise is not just a lifestyle trend; it carries tangible economic and environmental benefits. As the UN Tourism arm notes, well-managed walking routes can support local businesses—from lodging to food services—while fostering sustainable development. This is particularly relevant for Europe, where diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails offer a wealth of opportunities for hikers of all levels.
For a deeper dive into sustainable travel and European outdoor experiences, readers may explore Germany's Barefoot Trails: A Sensory Journey Through the Black Forest or Madeira's Premier High-Altitude Trail Reopens Following Wildfire Restoration.
