The Best of La Gomera : What to Eat, How to Get There, Where to Go
La Gomera is one of those places that the second you arrive, you can already feel the magic surrounding you. Here you’ll travel from landscape to landscape, through palm-filled valleys, deep ravines, black sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, and luxuriant ancient forests refreshed with babbling streams. Simply put, La Gomera is a natural paradise.
If you’re looking for standard tourist golden sand beaches and animated nightlife, Tenerife is the island you’ll want to visit. But if wildlife is what you’re interested in, La Gomera is for you! The second smallest island of the Canary Islands, it’s home to species that have disappeared everywhere else. During your time on the island, you’ll also spot plenty of walkers headed for the myriad hiking trails that weave across this lush and spectacular island that’s sprinkled with a bohemian vibe.
How to Get To La Gomera:
La Gomera cannot be reached directly by air from the European mainland. It begins with a flight to Tenerife. Once you’ve made it to the Island of Eternal Spring, ferries to La Gomera leave from the south of the island. Two ferry companies depart daily from the port of Los Cristianos in the South of Tenerife to the Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera. Don’t worry – the trip is less than an hour. Anyone who has been to La Gomera can attest: it’s worth the extra travel!
Points of Interest:
Ancient Laurel Forest
La Gomera is home to the Garajonay National Park. The highlight of this UNESCO World Heritage site is its laurel forests, a green mass of prehistoric vegetation unique to the Macaronesian region. It covered the tropics millions of years ago and now survives in La Gomera thanks to its exceptional, temperate climate. Wander the forests on your own or take a guided tour with local experts.
Angulo
Just over half an hour's drive from the capital this little village is known as the “jewel of La Gomera”. Its old core, one of the best preserved on the island, sits up on a natural platform giving you expansive views of the ocean and of Mt. Teide.
Los Órganos Natural Monument: A musical cliff!
This fascinating natural monument on the north coast of the Vallehermoso municipality is a volcanic sea cliff made up of vertical lava pipes that look like a giant church organ. This spectacular geological formation is one that must be seen by taking a boat trip over.
Los Roques Viewpoint: Impressive views of nature.
This icon of La Gomera consists of five blocks of rocked formed from magma that never reached the surface. They guard the entrance to the Garajonay National Park and their viewpoints offer superb views.
Tecina Golf
One of the top 10 golf courses in Spain, Tecina Golf is a golf course made to make you enjoy your game. The course is unique in that it plays, rather like a ski slope, all of the way down a dramatically sloping hillside, providing the golfer with an almost continuously downhill golfing experience. This means that the sea is in the view of the golfer on every hole, a claim that not many other courses around the world can match.
Boat Rental
Renting a boat and navigating the waters of La Gomera is an opportunity shouldn’t be missed! It is the ideal way to view the true beauty of the island, sailing along its coastline and anchoring in the idyllic coves and beaches only accessible by sea. There are also specific whale and dolphin watching excursions.
Jeep Tour
Another way to discover La Gomera’s beauty spots is by jeep. Take in all of the sights, including the forests of Garajonay National Park. Explore old San Sebastian to see its colorful houses, plazas, and buildings linked to Christopher Columbus. Learn about silbo gomero, the ancient island whistling language – and the tour includes lunch!
Beaches
While beaches aren’t the focal point of La Gomera, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach day there are two beaches that stand out: Playa del Ingles and La Calera, both which offer stunning rocks and fine sands. Not to mention the famous long sunny days of the Canary Islands with temperatures ranging between 66º and 78º F throughout the year invite you to put on your swimwear the moment you arrive.
Food
In La Gomera, many restaurants serve traditional Canarian dishes featuring fish, goat and rabbit and using local ingredients like palm honey and gofio. In the Canaries, the bean-based and pork-flavored Potaje de Berros (watercress soup/stew) is a favorite starter. If you like to stick to the basics, don’t worry! You'll also find plenty of pizza, pasta and other international favorites. Most restaurants are intimate, and family owned.
Where to Stay in La Gomera:
The term “tourist resort” is always relative, especially compared to Tenerife hotels. On the coast of La Gomera you’ll discover a truly luxurious resort experience. On the other hand, many say that to discover the true magic of La Gomera, you have to travel inland.
Outside of Garajonay National Park, the imposing and challenging peaks that enclose Hermigua and Vallehermoso leave first time and even return visitors breathless, regardless of whether they're trying to climb them, or simply gazing at them in awe.
In one vista you can look over a panorama that could be a dense South American rainforest on one side and a North African hillside on another. In emerald presas (man-made reservoirs that on La Gomera can look more like lakes) waterfowl and ducks dodge the fishing lines of local children.
At the end of the day you can’t go wrong with either choice: the island’s coast is luxurious while the interior is simply stunningly beautiful.
In the instance of La Gomera, smaller is not only beautiful but also a blessing. An island that conducts life at its own unhurried pace, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape and truly enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore all La Gomera has to offer during our Canary 3-Island Tour.
Do you need a car to get around La Gomera?:
While you can explore La Gomera using public transport, renting a car is highly recommended for greater flexibility and convenience. The island's public buses connect major towns and attractions, but a car allows you to access remote areas and hidden gems at your own pace. With its stunning landscapes and winding roads, having a vehicle makes it easier to discover La Gomera's beauty, from lush forests to picturesque coastlines. For more information, check out the full blog post on exploring La Gomera.
Explore La Gomera
La Gomera is a hidden gem in the Canary Islands, offering unique culinary experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're hiking through lush forests or savoring local dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. To experience the beauty and charm of La Gomera firsthand, consider joining one of our curated trips to the Canary Islands, where adventure and relaxation await! Explore our Canary Island trips.
