Things to do in la gomera: Top 15 La Gomera Attractions
Top 15 La Gomera Attractions
With its misty ancient forests, majestically carved ravines and secret whistling language, there’s something quite alluring about La Gomera. Protected under a Biosphere Reserve, its natural beauty and Jurassic feel is set to render visitors speechless. You’ll find La Gomera located off the north west coast of Africa just west of Tenerife. Here we’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in La Gomera to make the most of its truly magnificent landscapes.
1. Hiking
La Gomera’s landscapes are its prime attraction, making hiking and walking an unmissable activity. With over 600km of trails to choose from you can select a route to suit you, be that a gentle stroll through Garajonay forest or the challenging Guarimiar hike. The large number of trails is a result of the unique topography of the island making it difficult to build roads, so natives had to hike everywhere. Soar up the 1,487m Alto Garajonay or enjoy impressive views from Mirador Montana. Other popular hikes include Vallehermoso, Waterfall El Guro, Valle Gran Rey, and Barranco de Argaga.
2. La Gomera Beaches
With 90km of coastline you will be sure to find rest and respite in one of the islands secluded beaches or bays. These beautiful volcanic black-sand beaches are ideal for those wanting to soak up the sun and swim in the Atlantic. The beaches of Valle Gran Rey are perhaps the most popular and great spot to catch the sunset. Nearer the capital are Playa de San Sebastian and Playa de La Cueva and for swimmers, Playa de Santiago has calm waters protected by a jetty. Other beaches include Playa de la Caleta at Hermigua, the calm Playa del Medio and the black sands of Playa de Avalo.
3. Mirador de Abrante
Mirador de Abrante is a restaurant and viewing platform offering truly magnificent views.
Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Agulo village, the glass ‘skywalk’, 625 meters above sea level, gives you the feeling of floating in air. The restaurant here serves local tapas, creative international cuisine and tempting Canarian dishes, all with fantastic views. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece designed by Jose Luis Bermejo. Open summer 11am – 7pm, Winter 10am – 6pm.
4. Dolphin & whale watching
On a visit to La Gomera you may wish to enjoy dolphin and whale spotting. Many of these spirited creatures call the oceans here their home and can often be spotted swimming joyfully off the coast. The south of the island is a great place to spot them and several boat tours are available across the island. You’ll spot pilot whales, sperm whales, rorquals and up to 21 species of dolphin.
5. Learn Silbo
Silbo is the ‘whistling’ language of La Gomera. Due to the landscapes it was hard to communicate between villages quickly; the whistling language was used to communicate across deep valleys to share public information.
The whistling seems to echo through valleys and can be heard from a staggering 5km away. The language was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Although today the language is not used functionally (they have mobile phones now) you can still witness the whistling from the frequent displays.
6. Garajonay National Park
One of the best things to do in La Gomera is a visit to the stunning forest of Garajonay. This misty and ancient forest is one of the last of its kind. Garajonay laurel forest is a subtropical and humid forest with springs, streams and around 2,000 species of flora and fauna. The park covers a third of the island and for nature enthusiasts the park is home to reptiles, amphibians and birds, many of which are endemic. Hikers can venture to the islands highest peak at 1,487 meters and enjoy astonishing views of the island. The forest is named after a myth ‘Gara and Jonay’. The Canarian version of Romeo & Juliet, Gara from La Gomera & Jonay from Tenerife ran away to the island’s highest point but tragically jumped to their deaths.
Visit Juego de Bolas visitor centre for great information on the park.
7. Roque de Agando
This symbolic and emblematic rock formation is a La Gomera attraction not to miss. Located within Garajonay National Park, this rock is a monument to itself. Formed of volcanic origin, magma solidified to create this magnificent rock towering towards the sky. Standing at 1,250 metres, travellers can marvel at the physics-defying rock and the surrounding nature.
8. San Sebastian
La Gomera’s capital San Sebastian is home to numerous bars, restaurants, shops and great squares. The city holds an animated yet laid-back atmosphere and is famous for being a stopover of Christopher Columbus before his voyage to the Americas. You can visit Casa Colon, the customs house in which Columbus passed through. Other things to do in San Sebastian include Mercado Municipal (market), Iglesia de Asuncion and Torre del Conde – a tower and park in which local beauty Beatriz de la Bobadilla barricaded herself in 1488 as locals rebelled against her husband; she was saved by the governor of Gran Canaria (who was rumoured to be having an affair with Beatriz).
9. Los Organos
This fascinating rock formation is a sight to behold. The slow cooling of magma resulted in unique ‘musical pipe’ shaped rocks in the cliffs. Located on the north coast this 200-metre-tall 80 metres wide attraction is one not to miss, although can only be viewed by boat. Image courtesy of hellocanaryislands.com.
10. Agulo
Agulo is an astonishingly pretty village known as the ‘bon-bon of La Gomera’. Perched on a hilltop, the village looks out to incredible vistas of the ocean and Tenerife’s Mount Teide. Located on the north of the island the village is surrounded by a blanket of green due to banana plantations and a scarcity of buildings. Just an hour from San Sebastian, the top attraction here is to simply stroll and absorb the village’s character. There are several information panels on the streets which are a helpful guide and tell you great facts about the village.
11. Taste the wine
In La Gomera you will find excellent wines, 80% of which are white produced from the Forastera grape.
Due to the island’s isolation over history the vines were protected from conditions which affected Europe, resulting in some vines over 500 years old. Due to the volcanic conditions and steep landscapes, vines are cultivated in stunning terraces which cascade down hillsides. This type of landscape makes the use of machinery very difficult, so all wine is made traditionally and by hand.
12. Playa de Santiago
The charming village of Playa de Santiago lies at the south of the island and its tranquil atmosphere can be enjoyed by all. Offering stunning views from the cliff-tops and a wonderful beach, it is perfect for swimmers and sunbathers. In this laid-back fishing village is also a harbour with a wealth of seafood eateries.
13. Museo Ethnografico
This museum of Ethnography, located in a historic building, covers the island’s natural resources and ecosystems including fishing, forestry, agriculture and farming. Located in Hermigua, the museum is dedicated to the research and preservation of popular culture.
You’ll uncover a historic picture of the island’s culture and how ancestors had to adapt to survive and thrive in this challenging environment. October to May open Tuesday- Friday 10am – 6pm, weekends 10am – 2pm, June – September Tuesday – Friday 10am – 7pm, weekends 10am – 2pm. Admission €2.50
14. Chipude
The village of Chipude is a sleepy town home to warm locals, spectacular surroundings and pretty buildings. In this tranquil hamlet is a modest 16th century church, Iglesia Virgen de la Candelaria, a popular pottery shop where you can witness traditional pottery techniques and buy souvenirs, as well as some lovely bars and restaurants. For walkers La Fortaleza de Chipude is a striking table top mountain outside the village with outstanding views.
15. Parque Natural Majona
La Gomera’s second largest natural park, Parque Natural Majona is located on the east coast. Great for walkers the park is covered in natural beauty, wildlife and fascinating flora and fauna.
It is known to be in one of the wildest areas of the island with deep ravines covering 1,757 hectares.
Practical Information
La Gomera weather: best time to visit
As with all the Canary Islands, Temperatures in La Gomera vary little. The temperatures and humidity feel very comfortable all year round. There is little chance of rain, other than further inland. The hottest time of year in La Gomera is August to September with average temperatures in the mid 20*C’s.
How to get to La Gomera
La Gomera cannot be reached directly by air from Europe but you can fly directly to Tenerife and travel by ferry to La Gomera.
La Gomera ferry
The fastest ferries leave from Los Cristianos port in the south of Tenerife and arrive in San Sebastian. The ferry takes 40 minutes.
Where to stay in La Gomera
Jardin Tecina
The 4* Jardin Tecina is a truly tranquil retreat located on a cliffside in Playa de Santiago.
With exceptional facilities and direct access to Playa de Santiago beach the hotel is great for both couples and families.
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Parador de La Gomera
Located within easy access of San Sebastian, Parador de La Gomera is a great base for exploring the island. Charming & traditional this hotel offers delicious cuisine and spectacular ocean views.
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10 Best Things to do in La Gomera, Spain [with Suggested Tours]
Are you planning to travel to La Gomera, Spain soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in La Gomera with suggested tours!
Photo by Jörg Bergmann
CC BY 2.0
La Gomera is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts! It is the second-smallest island in Spain’s Canary Island.
The island’s rugged volcanic mountains challenge every hiker. Not only that but if you want to explore and get closer to nature, La Gomera is boasting with dense forests with trees covered in green moss. A place of pure tranquility and calmness. With all other places you can visit on this island, you’d definitely enjoy the days of staying here. So for your future reference, read our short guide below!
Table of Contents
List of Best Things to do in La Gomera, Spain
1. Garajonay National Park
Photo by Guillaume Baviere CC BY-SA 2.0
If you like hiking, this is a place you must visit, walk among a forest with a thousand shades of green, in a silence only broken by the chirping of birds or by the sound of water from a small stream. See the change of lights that occur when the sun breaks through the top of the trees and having the feeling that the same forest has existed for thousands of years, make this experience unforgettable.
Suggested Tour: From South Tenerife: La Gomera Island Tour
2.
Valle Gran Rey
Photo by Axel Brocke CC BY-SA 2.0
An ideal place to disconnect, walk, rest, eat well, and bathe on the beach. Valle is certainly not just for swimming, the island offers a great climate all year round, great hiking routes are also available, bike and motorcycle tours, boat tours, Mediterranean food, nice restaurants, and fabulous artistic entertainment.
3. La Iglesia de la Asunción de San Sebastián de La Gomera
Photo by Cesáreo Hernández CC BY-SA 2.0
Legend says that it was in this church where Christopher Columbus prayed for the success of his expedition to the country that would later be called America. A classic gloomy medieval church in which even stones speak of its history.
4. Bosque del Cedro
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A wonderful hike that will get you closer to nature.
The green mosses that cover the trees make this place unreal and magical. A beautiful excursion that will take you back in time and make you experience unspoiled nature.
5. La Playa de San Sebastián de La Gomera
Photo by Cesáreo Hernández CC BY-SA 2.0
La Playa de San Sebastian de La Gomera is a black sand beach and close to the port. It has an excellent promenade, which is pleasant to walk along or sit in one of the cafes. This is absolutely a great place for both tourists and, of course, for city residents.
Suggested Tour: From South Tenerife: VIP Gomera Tour
6. Torre del Conde Park
Photo by Ignacio Suarez Public Domain Mark 1.0
It’s in a well-kept park in the middle of the town of San Sebastian. Here tourists, local families, teenagers meet to be together comfortably. Also, a good opportunity for a picnic, since the park is surrounded by large trees. This is where you can find a little history of the island with an emblematic tower that’s very well maintained and cared for.
7. Finca Canarias Aloe Vera
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An aloe vera farm where you can learn a lot of information about this certain plant. You’ll be able to find out the beneficial properties of the plant and you will even be introduced to the different aloe vera products.
8. Valle de Hermigua
Photo by Julen Iturbe-Ormaetxe CC BY-SA 2.0
A quiet town in the northern part of the island. It is a beautiful valley dotted with palm trees and banana plantations. The valley is a good starting point for hikes. If what you want is to isolate yourself from everything, Hermigua is your place, beautiful, passable, quiet, at the foot of the Garajonay.
9. Alto de Garajonay
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A must-see for being the highest point on the island. The fastest accesses are from the Los Pajaritos or El Contadero car park. The climb is actually short but please remember that there are steep slopes. Here, you can enjoy an incredible view of the whole island and, when the weather is good, the other Canary Islands. Certainly, a must-do!
10. Monumento Natural de Los Roques
Photo by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble
CC BY 2.0
For those who follow the classic route that allows you to discover the island, a stop at Mirador de Los Roques is undoubtedly a must. This viewpoint is indeed one of the most interesting belvederes on the island, which allows you to better appreciate the complexity of the nature in which the park is immersed.
Where to stay in La Gomera, Spain
Budget Hotel
Hostal Colón
Hostal Colón is set 1.6 km from Playa de la Cueva. At the guest house, every room is equipped with a wardrobe.
Price: Starts at $41 per night for Double or Twin Room with Shared Bathroom, includes taxes and charges, and it offers a free cancellation.
Luxury Hotel
Parador de La Gomera
Parador hotel is set on the hilltop, in beautiful tropical gardens. The interior of the Parador de la Gomera is spacious and boasts plenty of natural light. Go swimming in the outdoor pool, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and with great views of Tenerife. You can also go on a day trip to the natural reserve in the center of the island.
Price: Starts at $241 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, add $22 for breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.
These are the possible things you can do in La Gomera, Spain. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in La Gomera.
How to go to La Gomera, Spain from London
Via British Airways: (one way with 2 stops)
*From London Heathrow – Madrid Barajas – Tenerife Norte – La Gomera
Ticket Price: £294.26
You can also opt to travel from London to Tenerife and from Tenerife, take a ferry ride going to La Gomera. The travel time between Tenerife and La Gomera takes around 50 min to 1hr 45 min.
*Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.
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About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling.
Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.
cities and sights, ferries and Los Organos, history and restaurants, hotels, tours and tickets
In this section you will find a wealth of useful information about the Canarian island of La Gomera, learn tricks and read tips from the locals. Lots of information about hiking and forests!
When, tired of the round-the-clock holiday of beaches and the eternally cheerful Las Americas, you just want to listen to the silence and see the beauties of pre-glacial nature, you immediately remember the island of La Gomera. This piece of land, with a diameter of only 25 km, is located thirty kilometers south of Tenerife. From Los Cristianos, you can get there by ferry Fred Olsen in just 50-60 minutes.
In the footsteps of Columbus
The capital of the island is a quiet, and one might even say sleepy town of San Sebastian de la Gomera.
It was in his port that the legendary Christopher Columbus said goodbye to the familiar shores, setting off on his fateful voyage. And it was here that the discoverer, according to evil tongues, had an affair with Beatrice de Bobadilla herself, at that time the former mistress of the crowned Ferdinand II.
[notification type=”alert-info” close=”false” ]In general, in the capital of the island of La Gomera, everyone remembers Columbus, and not only remembers, but also makes good money on his memory. After all, there are many people who are not averse to fork out, if only to walk in their footsteps along the path of fame as the discoverer of America. And Christopher Columbus left quite a legacy here.[/notification]
- So he lived in house number 54 (now there is a whole museum Casa de Colon).
- In the local church Iglesia de la Asuncion – prayed for the success of the voyage (at least, so the islanders will assure you).
- And if you try hard, you can even find the well from which the ship’s barrels were filled with water.
It can be recognized by the original inscription: “Esta agua se había bautizado América” (America was baptized with this water).
It can be recognized by the original inscription: “Esta agua se había bautizado América” (America was baptized with this water). Beauty of La Gomera
But if you are absolutely not interested in Columbus, then you will have few objective reasons to stay in the city for a long time. It’s better to rent a car and take a ride through other, more attractive sights of the island with a breeze. For example, in the world-famous Garajonay National Park. It is here that you can admire the relict laurel forest of La Gomera, exactly in the form in which it wrapped our planet in a green blanket in the pre-glacial period. By the way, laurel forest can be found in Anaga on Tenerife and in Los Tilos on La Palma.
[notification type=”alert-success” close=”false” ]And if you get a boat, you will also discover the incredible beauty of Los Organos rock in the north of La Gomera. Similar to a stone organ, they are shown in all their glory to the tourist only from the sea.
In height, these remnants of lava eruptions reach 800 meters! It is not for nothing that excursions on boats are organized here daily. Feel free to take a ticket in any neighboring town and go by boat to Los Organos. It’s worth it![/notification]
In general, if you don’t care where and with whom Christopher Columbus slept before crossing the Atlantic Ocean, if you are not interested in the prehistoric laurel forest, and Los Organos will forever remain just a block of stone – you visited La Gomera completely in vain. This island is like an exquisite dish that only a real gourmet can appreciate.
Lots of useful articles about the Fred Olsen and Armas ferries that take everyone to La Gomera from Los Cristianos.
Tourism: San Sebastian de la Gomera. What to watch. Tourist information
San Sebastian de la Gomera is the capital of the island, which is also known as “Columbus Island” because of its role in the discovery of America.
This city originated around a natural bay, and today many sights and monuments have been preserved here, such as the church of La Asuncion, Pozo de la Aguada or Torre del Conde.
Its excellent tourist infrastructure offers a wide range of entertainment – including the opportunity to practice any water sports in the port area. In the interior, hiking or cycling is the best option to discover the rugged landscape of La Gomera and its natural treasures such as the Mahon Natural Park and the Garajonay National Park.
Founded in the middle of the 15th century Hernan Peraza “El Viejo” , San Sebastian de la Gomera today is an important settlement at the very foot of the gorge. In just a few decades, it turned into a prosperous trading port , and has retained this direction to this day. The city is spread out on a coastal slope facing the bay. One of the main historical sites in the city is the ancient building House Peras , located in the area known as Pozo de la Aguada.
Another attraction is located in the central Plaza Mayor, where stands Church of La Asuncion built on the site of an old chapel. In the center of the bay, the tower Torre del Conde still retains its original appearance, and on the outskirts there is the chapel of San Sebastian , dedicated to the saint after whom this city was named. Don’t forget to visit here House – Museum of Christopher Columbus , where special attention is paid to the important role of this island in the discovery of America.
Tourism San Sebastian de la Gomera has an excellent tourist infrastructure. There is a wide range of hotels to choose from, 9 of which stand out.0040 Parador Hotel , located on the hill of Lomo de la Orca, with a beautiful view of the ocean. The port evokes memories of the history of the conquerors, since Christopher Columbus stopped here to stock up on provisions before leaving for the New World in 1492 year.
Today, it is equipped with one of the best water sports facilities in the entire archipelago and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities such as diving, sailing, spearfishing and other water sports. It is connected to the neighboring island of Tenerife by numerous daily sea routes, and catamaran excursions around the island are also organized here.In turn, the mountainous terrain of the interior of La Gomera offers ideal conditions for outdoor sports such as hiking or mountain biking.Valley Valle del Gran Rey you can discover an ancient farming system deployed on the steep slopes of the mountains. By the sea there is a small port with hotels and apartments. In the southern part of the island there is a tourist center with a beach Playa de Santiago ; in the north is a curious geological formation Los Organos , resembling organ pipes. The natural wealth of the island is most fully represented in some protected areas.
At Mahon Nature Park with numerous ravines and gorges, you can enjoy lush vegetation and observe endemic species of flora and fauna. A small area in the southwest borders Garajonay National Park , famous for its volcanic rocks. Declared World Heritage Site , this park has preserved an important botanical relic from the Tertiary Era: the laurel forest. Traditional cuisine Traditional cuisine , characterized by its simplicity, has some special dishes that distinguish it from the rest of the archipelago: for example, watercress soup and almogrote (goat cheese pasta). On the island, you can also try traditional dishes such as potatoes “ papas arrugadas ” and the local fish “ vieja “. Palm honey is used here as the main ingredient for the preparation of various desserts. Any of these dishes can be supplemented with one of five varieties of wine with its own designation of origin : Abona, Tacoronte Acentejo, Valle de Guimar, Valle de Orotava and Ikoden-Daute-Isora.