La Gomera the ” Magical Island ” is largely unknown to many tourists who visit the Canary Islands. Its magnificent laurel forests, its excellent viewpoints and its acclaimed (Silbo Gomero) Gomeran whistle make the island an essential visit from all of the world.
The natural spaces of La Gomera are the very essence of the island. Discover infinite trails, vertigo viewpoints and charming farmhouses in a privileged natural environment.
naturally magical
The Magical islandLa Gomera is the second least populated island in the Canary Islands , behind El Hiero . It has only 21,000 inhabitants and also ranks sixth in terms of extension, with just 20 kilometers from north to south. However, La Gomera is considered an authentic ecological jewel due to its variety of landscapes and its prehistoric vegetation .
The nicknamed “magical island” is only 50 minutes by ferry from Tenerife and has had its own airport since 1999. Until then, not so many tourists decided to spend their holidays on La Gomera. The most famous visitor was Angela Merkel , who has been traveling to the Canary Island for several years to enjoy a quiet vacation.
Since 2012, the volcanic island of La Gomera has been a Biosphere Reserve , thanks to the species of flora and fauna that it houses and that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. A clear example is the giant lizard of La Gomera , currently in danger of extinction. The island is also littered with prickly pears, Mexican cacti, and old abandoned agricultural terraces. The landscape changes in a matter of minutes!
Undoubtedly one of the most singular attractions of the island is the famous Gomeran whistle , an ancient form of communication that allows the islanders to communicate from ravine to ravine . The Gomero whistle has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries and is considered a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is truly amazing to see how the Gomeros hold real conversations whistling.
“What to see and do in La Gomera Canary islands”
1. Miradores/Viewpoints
La Gomera’s nature demands attention almost from the moment you step foot on it’s shores. With steep ravines, abrupt slopes and spectacular lookouts walking through the vast network of trails gives hikers spectacular panoramic views of this striking landscape. Whether walking, driving or taking the bus, La Gomera must be explored to the ends of each path as just around the corner there are always prized viewpoints that leave it’s visitors in awe.
2. Wild beaches
Due to La Gomera’s circular form, there are endless beaches literally all around the magical island. Beaches here are wild in the sense that there are no groomed, soft white sandy beaches inviting beachgoers. Here the island’s volcanic past leaves scorching hot black sand something for the real beach enthusiast to contend with only to be rewarded with crisp clear waters that surround the island. Other beaches are scattered with pebbles, stones or prehistoric rock making them a beachcombers paradise and a dramatic landscape that blends in perfectly with the islands seemingly impenetrable rocky cliffs looming over the majority of the coastline.
3. Hiking in La Gomera
La Gomera has a wide and varied network of trails. More than 600 kilometers of trails that connect the entire island and allow you to enjoy its wonderful natural landscapes in the open air: humid laurel forests, deep ravines that flow into the sea or leafy palm groves.
4. Vallehermoso
This rightly named “beautiful valley” is one of the most authentic rural villages on the island. The impressive Roque Cano looms over the valley giving this northern enclave an otherworldly feeling. Nestled among palms, fruit trees and lush forest the area around Vallehermoso offers impressive views for those willing to wait out the grey skies and often cooler, wet climate. Spend a lazy afternoon wandering the village streets dotted with charming old character homes. Although this village is past its height of success, there is something to experience while you slow down to the local pace and relax in the square indulging in one of the many local Canarian bakeries letting time pass you by.
5. Garajonay/National Park
A visit to the magical island La Gomera is not complete without witnessing the magnificent splendor of our beloved forest located in this UNESCO protected Heritage site. Without a doubt Garajonay is extraordinary – from the ancient Laurisilva forests, unique flora and fauna, rare birds, and magical walking paths Garajonay is the essence of what makes La Gomera memorable. In and along the border of the park you can find the mighty Roque Agando, which is the islands iconic volcanic plug, El Cedro, where you can see some of the best preserved luscious moss covered trees in the park, La Laguna Grande with it’s fabled past in addition to its great picnic area with simple yet beautiful walking trails, and the crown jewel Alto Garajonay which sits at nearly 1500 metres above sea level giving visitors fantastic 360° of La Gomera and on clear days several other islands including La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
6. Roque de Agando
Roque de Agando is a prominent rock formation on the island of La gomera in the Canary Islands It is one of La Gomera’s most striking features and is frequently used as a symbol for the island. Skimming the clouds, at an altitude of 1,250 meters , is the emblematic Roque de Agando, an essential visit in La Gomera. This large rock of volcanic origin is surrounded by ravines, hiking trails and excellent viewpoints.
7. VALLE GRAN REY
Located within one of the islands steepest ravines the Valley of the Great King is something best experienced from the César Manrique viewpoint. A sight for the senses the picturesque aerial views of brightly coloured houses dotted along terraces surrounded by fruit trees and swaying palms makes you feel like you’ve been transported to South East Asia. As you slowly wind your way down through the valley you’ll be met with stunning westernly facing beach views. This part of the island rightly claims some of the best beaches and has long attracted people from all walks of life ready to kick back and embrace the wildly natural lifestyle.
8. San Sebastián De La Gomera
This historical port is compact yet offers visitors a relaxing glimpse into its important past. Highlights around the town include the Torre del Conde, a 15th century tower located in the park of the same name, a museum dedicated to Cristopher Colombus in the famed house where he stayed before setting off to America, further along the street step into the church Colombus and his crew prayed at before setting off on their epic voyage. The capital boasts calm beaches with a boardwalk following along the bay of San Sesbastián past the harbour and through the tunnel to La Cueva beach where you have clear views across to Tenerife and Mt. Teide. A visit to the town wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the local market which is open year round and has a little bit of everything on offer including locally made products such as cheese, wine, almogrote, mojo’s and biscuits. Finish your tour with great views as you wander through the terraced houses leading up to the lookout on the corner of Pista Las Palmitas.
9. Los Órganos
This spectacular cliff in the north of the island is a unique landscape on La Gomera. The erosion and cooling of the volcanic lava has given rise to authentic organ pipes carved into the rock, perfectly visible from the sea. An impressive landscape!
10. Agulo
Spain’s most beautiful village in the Canary Islands. A charming town that has been beautifully cared for sits atop this fertile plateau looking out to the Atlantic Ocean. The best way to visit Agulo is to get out and wander the lovely cobbled stone streets with its fairytale houses adorned with flowers and fruit trees. A rural corner of the island with a rich past has a scattering of precariously perched terraces spilling over the steep cliffs which make for dramatic photos. Speaking of dramatic photos, continue past the town and make your way up to the Mirador Abrante where only the bravest can step out onto a floating glass floor hovering 400 metres above the town. On clear days the majestic Teide can be seen clearly on our island neighbour Tenerife.
11. Hermigua
As you exit from the tunnel leading from San Sebastián to Hermigua you’ve literally crossed through a different zone and are greeted with grand views of this fertile valley stretching from the mountains down to the sea brimming with banana trees, flowers and vines stopping only at the beach with its crashing waves. Hermigua is a great launching point for hikes in all directions, and offers beautifully preserved unique architecture. A walk along the main road into the heart of the town offers visitors a variety of terraces to sit outside and enjoy the views. Highlights in the area are: Cruz del Viento picnic area, “Our lady of the Incarnation” church in the town centre, the natural swimming pool located at the old fishing dock, La Caleta beach and Lepe.
12. Playa Santiago
This sleepy little fishing hamlet is the best place to leave your worries behind and relax on the beach where the sun is almost always shinning. Dotted along the waterfront are cozy holiday apartments, cafe’s and a few tourist shops with great options for visitors. Popular activities here are boat tours, fishing, hiking, yoga, and biking
13. Learn Spanish in La gomera, Canary Islands
With Island Learning La gomera you’ll have the chance to take your learning beyond the classroom to fully immerse yourself and truly feel Spanish in La Gomera. We offer a wide range of accommodation to help you feel the relaxed vibe of island living. No white walled student residences here! Choose to stay in a holiday apartment, boutique hotel or with a host family – check out our accommodation page for more details.
How to get to La Gomera from Tenerife
- Ferry : The most comfortable and cheapest way to get to La Gomera from Tenerife is to use the Naviera Armas . They leave from Santa Cruz De Tenerife and from the port of Los Cristianos (the most frequent departure). The duration is about 50 minutes and the frequency is approximately one hour. The price of the one-way ticket is 36€(32£), but with Island Learning La Gomera you will pay 26.04€ thanks to our unique partnership.
- Plane : La Gomera airport is very small and only offers one destination: Tenerife. The operating company is Binter Canarias and prices are around 70€(62.40£). The duration of the flight is half an hour
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