Things to do in La Gomera

Unlike commercial Tenerife, La Gomera boasts tranquillity and unspoilt tourist spots. With a magical setting surrounded by an exquisite ocean, picturesque beaches and an array of mountains that form the island, La Gomera renders a fresh and natural feel to those who choose to visit this enchanting island. The island also features many natural marvels, which visitors can spend time exploring.

San Sebastian

The main city on La Gomera, San Sebastian has many attractions to offer visitors. The small City Hall is remarkable, with its white, wooden windows. The streets in the city boast a few restaurants, bars and discos as well as local shops selling souvenirs. The most visited site in San Sebastian is probably the Torre del Conde, a big white tower built in 1447 as a strategic fortress. This historic citadel was where Beatriz Bobadilla, the wife of the murdered governor, Hernan Peraza, barricaded herself in 1488, until she was rescued. San Sebastian also plays an important role in the history of La Gomera, as it is where Christopher Columbus led three caravels out of the harbour for his first journey to the New World.

El Cedro Forest

A great place start your walking holiday, this forest is packed with tall trees and many exquisite plants. Those who love exploring can also walk through the water tunnel into the mountain. You must have boots on if you want to walk in the tunnel, as the water can be about six inches deep. In the forest, you can also find the beautiful El Chorro, which is the only waterfall on La Gomera. If you plan to hike around in El Cedro, do not forget to look back as you might miss the breathtaking views over the Hermigua and one of the twin peaks of Los Gomelos.

Garajonay National Park

Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this lush area is located on the central peaks of La Gomera and is home to fascinating rain forest with hundreds of kinds of flora and fauna. Often enveloped in fog, the Garajonay National Park is well-known for its laurel forest, which is an impressive living fossil where you can see many animal and vegetable species indigenous to the island, some of which disappeared during the age of the glaciers. Ideal for trekking and hiking, tourists can observe many kinds of plants while breathing in the fresh air amid beautiful nature. There are also some small, clear water streams in the park.

Vallehermoso

The largest town on the island, Vallehermoso is unique if you want to observe the life of the islanders. There are also many species of fruit and palm trees here. Vallehermoso controls a large area of the Garajonay National Park and is home to a leisure area for locals, Park Laguna Grande, where you can also stop to enjoy the restaurants, barbeque grounds and childrens play area found here. Travellers can also head for the beach or observe the protected natural areas such as the famous cliffs of Los Organos.

Playa Santiago

A charming fishing village, Playa Santiago boasts fabulous beaches that are made up of a mixture of sand and pebble. The water is crystal clear, while the harbour is protected from the open ocean, ensuring safe swimming for everyone. Snorkelling junkies will love the underwater delights and the opportunity to swim with many colourful tropical fish.

Valle Gran Rey

Valle Gran Rey, located on the southwest coast of La Gomera features numerous banana and palm trees as well as a wonderful beach with golden sand. It is said by many visitors that this is the nicest beach on the island. Even though it can get quite touristy, the beach maintains its beauty and is also very lively at night, when the array of clubbing venues comes alive.