La Gomera
Discover La Gomera
La Gomera is the second smallest island of the Canary Islands. It is an undeveloped, unspoilt, beautiful island 40 minutes by fast ferry from Tenerife that is ideal for walkers. There is a contrast between lush forests around the summit and in the national park with dry vegetation on the flanks of the island. It is of real interest to botanists for its variety of plant life and number of endemic species. It has a good climate all year round, especially in the south. La Gomera is one of two Canary Islands without direct tourist flights from mainland Europe, the other being El Hierro.
What to Experience in La Gomera
Taste of La Gomera...
Excellent freshly prepared fruit juices and milkshakes are widely available. If you are feeling brave, try parra, the local firewater (similar to Italian grappa) or a Gomeron, which is parra mixed with palm honey. Local wine was awarded DOC status in 2009. Try Garajonay white wine (Bodega Insular de La Gomera) or Rajadero (Bodega Altos de Chipude). Great coffee, but remember that many locals take it with condensed milk (leche condensada). Try a leche y leche - an espresso with a squirt of condensed milk and a splash of hot milk — much better than it sounds! Most tourists head for Valle Gran Rey, with its stunning terraces and selection of bars and restaurants. These give a good balance between facilities and getting away from the stresses of western life. But the upper parts of this valley and all the beautiful rest of La Gomera remain unspoilt. There is also a push for more rural tourism, if you want to get completely away from things. However, it's worth remembering that the higher villages can be much cooler than the coast. Accommodation in San Sebastian includes Villa Gomera (rooms and apartments available), Quintera apartments close to the seafront and the upmarket La Gomera Parador perched on the cliff-edge overlooking the harbour. Playa Santiago has the Jardin Tecina complex, run by Fred Olsen, expensive, but worth a visit to see the impressive flora and the "James Bond" lift down to the beach.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsMost people fly to Tenerife South (TFS, Reina Sofia), then get a ferry from nearby Los Cristianos. Buses 451, 111 and 343 drive from Tenerife South Airport to 28.05393-16.712212 Los Cristianos bus station. The ride costs €3.70 (April 2018). The buses stop by the roundabout close to the Los Cristianos bus station. From there you need to walk about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) down to the port where the ferries leave from. By ferry from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to 28.08671-17.107793 San Sebastian de la Gomera port (or if operated, directly to Playa Santiago or Valle Gran Rey). An advance day return costs around €80 for the 50- to 60-minute crossing. La Gomera is in the Atlantic. This means that even in moderate windy weather the waves may become pretty big. In that case the catamarans may not sail. If the Benchi Express is operated, it is particularly vulnerable. In the event the Benchi Express cannot sail (though scheduled), Fred Olsen will drive you to or from Valle Gran Rey by bus....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are regular bus services (4 or 5 per day, M–Sa; fewer on Su) to the main centres (Valle Gran Rey, Vallehermoso, Santiago) from the capital San Sebastian. Departures don't usually coincide with the ferry arrival times. Journey time to Valle Gran Rey is around 1 hr 45 min. These buses are popular and it isn't always possible to get on especially at the port when boats come in. Buses returning to the tourist centres late in the afternoon tend to get full of walkers and likewise the ones heading into the mountains early in the mornings. Fares vary by distance, but are very reasonable. Drivers do not like to pick up or set down between stops for tourists even though you may see them do it for elderly locals. The public buses are a blue/turquoise colour and are run by Servicio Regular Gomera S.L. Tickets are purchased from the driver. There are many other private coaches darting about the island which will not stop for you.
Where to Stay
Most tourists head for Valle Gran Rey, with its stunning terraces and selection of bars and restaurants. These give a good balance between facilities and getting away from the stresses of western life. But the upper parts of this valley and all the beautiful rest of La Gomera remain unspoilt. There is also a push for more rural tourism, if you want to get completely away from things. However, it's worth remembering that the higher villages can be much cooler than the coast. Accommodation in San Sebastian includes Villa Gomera (rooms and apartments available), Quintera apartments close to the seafront and the upmarket La Gomera Parador perched on the cliff-edge overlooking the harbour. Playa Santiago has the Jardin Tecina complex, run by Fred Olsen, expensive, but worth a visit to see the impressive flora and the "James Bond" lift down to the beach. While Valle Gran Rey has the Hotel Gran Rey on the seafront and the Hotel Playa Calera in La Playa.
Language & Talk
Spanish is the main language. English is widely understood in Valle Gran Rey, where German is easily the second language after Spanish. Most menus are printed in three languages. It is famous for El Silbo - whistling language which was used to communicate across the deep valleys. The local council are trying to revive El Silbo; it is now a compulsory (and popular) subject in schools on the island. Most people fly to Tenerife South (TFS, Reina Sofia), then get a ferry from nearby Los Cristianos. Buses 451, 111 and 343 drive from Tenerife South Airport to 28.05393-16.712212 Los Cristianos bus station. The ride costs €3.70 (April 2018). The buses stop by the roundabout close to the Los Cristianos bus station. From there you need to walk about 1.5 km (0.
Safety Information
Glimpses of La Gomera
a mountain with a road going through it
La Gomera is one of Spain's Canary Islands
a large body of water surrounded by mountains
a view of a valley with mountains in the background
a view of the ocean from the top of a mountain
It always seems ver magical to me being at the top of a mountain. That sense of openness and a lack of boundaries that make you beleive in the misticism and the depth of some places on earth. Whenever I found myself in this heights, I always think that if gods exist, they must live around here.
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime
San Sebastian Marketplace, old Men sitting on a Bench
mountain during daytime
Street Scene, Woman walking on the street
a mountain with a road going through it
La Gomera is one of Spain's Canary Islands
a large body of water surrounded by mountains