Table of contents
Playa del Trigo – a retreat for nature lovers
Playa del Trigo is located very close to the small village of Alojera. Situated in a remote spot on the wild west coast of La Gomera, Alojera is still considered one of the island’s most unspoilt places. Surrounded by steep barrancos (ravines), terraced fields and palm groves, the village has retained its calm, almost timeless character. The village is best known for the traditional production of palm syrup (“miel de palma”), but also for its unique location between mountains and sea, which makes it an ideal starting point for walks in this little-developed region.
Map
Very close to Alojera, hidden and nestled between mountain ridges, lies Playa del Trigo. For a long time, this beach was known only to locals and a few insiders. Remote, accessible only on foot and surrounded by a rugged, impressive landscape, this secluded beach has, over the years, developed into a very special retreat. Especially during the 1970s and 1980s, the beach attracted dropouts, independent travellers and hippies seeking a simple life in harmony with nature, far from civilisation. This past can still be felt today. Even though much has changed, Playa del Trigo still retains a certain sense of freedom and authenticity. It is a place that captivates through its natural beauty and solitude. When I first visited in 2018, I encountered many people living together in tents at the far end of the beach.
Playa del Trigo in 2018
Whether this was only a temporary gathering, I cannot say. However, it seemed as though some of them had been living there for quite some time. During my most recent visit in January 2026, only a few traces of former inhabitants remained, and the beach appeared almost deserted. That may, however, have been due to the poor weather that prevailed in January 2026 – as you can easily tell from the grey photographs.
The path down into the Barranco del Mono
A short circular hike via Playa del Trigo and Playa de Alojera
During our last stay on La Gomera in January 2026, the weather was rather rainy. On one particularly wet day, we decided to avoid the mountains and head towards the coast instead. This led to this short circular walk near Alojera, which, due to its modest length, should be manageable for almost anyone in terms of fitness. The walk first takes you down to the secluded beach of Playa del Trigo. You then ascend again on the opposite side of the beach. After a short while, you cross the Barranco del Mono, which, like the Barranco de Tazo, flows into Playa del Trigo.
Playa del Trigo in 2026
After walking along a ridge between the steep drop to the sea and the village of Alojera, you eventually reach the CV-16 road, which leads you down in wide bends to Playa de Alojera. This beach is less isolated and well developed, with roads, houses and even restaurants. If the weather permits, you can spend some time at both beaches—either at the secluded Playa del Trigo or at Playa de Alojera, which you can combine with a visit to a bar. At the end of the tour, a steep ascent takes you back up to Alojera and then back to the starting point of the hike.
Track for the Playa del Trigo hike
General information about the Playa del Trigo circular hike
Starting point and access
The hike starts in Alojera, near the CV-16 on El Cabecito road.
Arrival by car
You can reach Alojera via the CV-16, unless you prefer, as we did, to approach via the track from Tazo. There is sufficient roadside parking available. We parked our car at the junction with Calle Aldama.
Arrival by bus
Article summary and large selection of GPS hiking tracks
Sign up for my newsletter now and get exclusive access to my collected GPS tracks as well as all the brief information about my articles.
Sign up nowBus line 5 runs from Vallehermoso to Alojera. Further information and details about bus services on La Gomera can be found on the Guaguagomera website.
Time
I prefer not to give general time estimates for hikes, as walking times vary greatly. We took 2.5 hours for this leisurely circuit, including two short breaks. In better weather, we would certainly have spent more time at the beaches.
Elevation profile for the Playa del Trigo hike
Elevation gain and distance
The elevation gain is approximately 340 metres, and the total distance is just 5.5 kilometres.
Difficulty
Throughout the entire route, you walk on good hiking or track paths. Only the ascent towards Alojera was quite muddy and slippery due to the heavy rainfall in January 2026.
Refreshments
You will find places to eat and drink in Alojera and at Playa de Alojera. Nevertheless, be sure to carry enough water.
Track for the Playa del Trigo hike (yellow) and neighbouring tracks (such as the red circular walk via Epina and the blue GR-132 long-distance trail, as well as the path to Taguluche)
Variants
The walk can be shortened further if you only hike down to and back up from Playa del Trigo.
On SiebenInseln, you will also find the following hikes nearby:
Descent route to Playa del Trigo
Circular Hike Playa del Trigo
Route section: Alojera to Playa del Trigo
Article summary and large selection of GPS hiking tracks
Sign up for my newsletter now and get exclusive access to my collected GPS tracks as well as all the brief information about my articles.
Sign up nowWherever you have parked in Alojera, walk north along El Cabecito road, passing a few houses and terraced fields. The road leads into a small ravine that it crosses. On the other side, continue uphill along Calle Honduras.At the top, at the edge of the village, you reach a junction where the Tazo–Epina circular route joins. Do not follow any of the roads or tracks; instead, continue straight ahead on the signposted path towards Playa del Trigo.
This is where the actual hiking trail down to Playa del Trigo begins, following the road in Alojera
The path initially leads north through terraced fields. After passing a water reservoir, it branches off to the left, heading west. You follow the path, which passes a finca, continuing downhill for quite some time. The route is well marked and easy to follow.Eventually, a series of switchbacks leads you down to a plateau. From there, you descend somewhat steeply into the Barranco de Tazo. The beach lies ahead. You can now walk to Playa del Trigo and take your time to explore and enjoy the tranquillity and the Atlantic Ocean.
Hiker on the way to Playa del Trigo
Route section: Playa del Trigo to CV-16
Once you have enjoyed the beach, walk south along it. There you will find another ascending path that soon leads you back up to the plateau.While you descended on the northern side, you now walk along the southern edge, right by the drop-off above Playa del Trigo. After some time, you reach a steep descent path on the right leading down into the Barranco del Mono. Follow this path down into the ravine.
Descent path into the Barranco del Mono
At the bottom, keep to the left and follow (and briefly scramble along) the course of the ravine uphill. Soon you will clearly see a path on your right. This leads steeply out of the ravine. Follow it uphill until you reach the ridge.From this ridge path, you have truly fantastic views in all directions. Continue along the ridge southwards, gently ascending for quite some time. Eventually, the path ends at the CV-16 road, which runs between Alojera and Playa de Alojera.
On the ascent path above the Barranco del Mono
Route section: CV-16 to Mirador de Alojera
If you also wish to visit Playa de Alojera, follow the CV-16 to the right. There is little traffic, making it pleasant for walking. With lovely views of the surrounding mountains and the coastline below, you soon reach Playa de Alojera.Once there, depending on the weather, you can explore the area, relax on the beach or visit a bar or restaurant.Instead of returning along the road, you can take a path up through the cliffs. To do this, walk a short distance back along the road. Shortly after the first left-hand bend, a signposted path branches off to the right.
View from the ridge path of the terraced fields of Alojera
This path is initially quite steep and then continues upwards in steep switchbacks to the Mirador Playa de Alojera. In January 2026, it was very wet, muddy and softened due to heavy rainfall. As there has been considerable rain since then, its condition (as of March 2026) is unlikely to have improved.Be sure to consider the weather and the state of the path before attempting the ascent. After a short but steep climb, you reach the viewpoint.
Playa de Alojera
Route section: Mirador de Alojera to the starting point in Alojera
After enjoying the view from the beautiful mirador, continue along the road to the right—this is again the CV-16. If you chose not to take the steep cliff path and instead stayed on the road, you would also arrive here. From the mirador, follow the road eastwards. After two wide bends, you reach the turning for Calle de Cabecita. Turn left here and follow the street. Depending on where you parked, you will soon reach your car.
View from the ascent path down to Playa de Alojera
And finally
I hope you enjoyed this peaceful walk to the beaches of Alojera, especially the secluded Playa del Trigo. If you ever find yourself caught in rainy weather on the island, this small but rewarding hike offers a wonderful alternative. Whichever walks you choose, I wish you a very enjoyable time.
Dagmar from SiebenInseln
Thank you for reading!
If you've found my hiking guides on SiebenInseln helpful for your Canary Islands adventures, please consider leaving a small tip. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of maintaining this blog.
Thank you for your support!
SSL secured
Comments
There are no comments for this post yet.
Post the first comment