Travel to La Gomera

Travel to La Gomera

Located close to the commercial and very urban island of Tenerife, La Gomera is very different from its famous neighbour. The island is charming in its untouched, semi-developed way, with many fascinating natural wonders and challenging trails. Famous among hikers and trekkers, La Gomera is also known for its peaceful, lovely beaches and rich underwater delights.

Transportation to La Gomera

There are only two ways to get to La Gomera: by air and by sea. If you come from Spain or any neighbouring countries, you will arrive at the Tenerife North Airport, where you can get on another plane to the small island of La Gomera, landing at Santiago. Flying from Tenerife North to the island takes about 35 minutes.

However, most tourists who come from other countries will arrive at the Tenerife South Airport, which is newer and bigger. From here, you can travel to Los Cristianos, which is 12kms away, and get on a ferry to the island. The trip takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour.

What to see

An unspoilt island in a magical setting, La Gomera is surrounded by lush mountains, charming beaches and the glittering ocean. There are many natural sites that holidaymakers can observe and marvel at. The most noteworthy ones include the Garajonay National Park, where you can admire a variety of fauna and flora and make a stop at the local leisure area; and Park Laguana Grande, in Vallehermoso, featuring a barbeque section and a large childrens play area. Playa Santiago is an enchanting fishing village with excellent beaches, ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Activities and leisure

La Gomera is popular among hiking and trekking enthusiasts, as it boasts some challenging trails including those in the El Cedro forest and the Garajonay National Park. Apart from trekking, mountain-biking is also famous here, and you can ask your bike hire company to drop you off at the top of the park and enjoy pedalling your way down.

Boasting aromatic Canarian cuisine, the island is home to tasty seafood dishes and fresh fish cooked in the unique Canarian style with Mojo sauce. Tourists will also fall in love with the many tropical fruits that are abundant here.

Daytrips

There are many small towns waiting to be explored on the island. Driving on La Gomera is easy and fun, as there are not many cars on the island. Interesting boroughs to visit are Agulo, where you can observe the traditional Gomerian architecture and witness spectacular views of Tenerife and Mount Tiede; and Alajer, an ancient city in the southwest of La Gomera where you can find an impressive church, El Salvador del Mundo.

Safety issues

La Gomera is considered a very safe island compared to other busier islands. The locals are friendly and helpful. The island is almost crime-free, but you still have to be on guard during your stay. Dont leave valuable belongings on the beaches and make sure you know your way in the forest. Swimming, snorkelling and diving can put you at greater risk of having an accident. It is strongly recommended you take out travel insurance for you and your family.