The route starts at San Sebastiáns 1968 Olympic Flame. From there it finds the quickest way up into the mountains, with some beautiful views of Tenerife to the East. After the first 10 Kilometres it comes back down and then follows a quiet road for a while up into the village of La Laja and past some of the islands biggest reservoirs. A steep ascent with views of the iconic Roque de Agando follows, all the way up into the cloudy rainforest that covers the top of the island. Down a windy forest road, it finds the Ermita de Nuestra Senora de Lourdes in the El Cedro part of the forest - here is one of the two opportunities of the route to refill water (filter advised). From there it climbs through the forest up to the top of the island - Alto de Garajonay, at 1487m. If the weather is clear, you have views of all the neighbouring islands from here. The descent brings you through the villages of El Cercado and Las Hayas, where restaurants will provide more water if needed (check beforehand if they are open, they might be closed due to off season), and following the road again for a while, to Arure. From there, you traverse the sloping plateau of La Mérica and then steeply descend into the Valle Gran Rey. The route ends at the beach in Playa de la Calera. Getting into the water is optional, but highly recommended.
The route not only connects the main towns of the islands east and west with a stop of the summit, it will also show you many of the natural highlights this wonderful little island has to offer. You will come across all different sorts of volcanic rock formations, there will be arid plains and lush green jungle, and spectacular views across the islands many ridges and valleys.
There is a small ferry and bus services connecting the start and end of the route, check the times beforehand, they don't go all too often.
Due to the terrain of the climb above La Laja, I would not recommend switching directions on this route.
