- Garajonay National Park protects ancient laurel forest and is UNESCO listed
- Silbo Gomero, a whistled language, is recognised by UNESCO
- Fast ferries from Los Cristianos take around 50 minutes
- Superb walking but few sandy beaches
- Airports
- Tenerife South (TFS), then ferry from Los Cristianos
- Best time to go
- October-June
- Type
- Island
La Gomera is one of the smaller Canary Islands, a round, mountainous island cut by deep ravines that run from a misty forested centre down to the sea. It has no mass tourism and no big resorts, and it is beloved by walkers, who come for its network of paths through terraced valleys, palm groves and the cloud forest of Garajonay.
It is easy to reach from Tenerife, either for a day trip or, much better, for a stay of several nights. The pace is slow, the villages are small and the landscapes are spectacular. See our Spain guide for more.
Things to do
- Garajonay National Park – one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the world, often wrapped in mist, with trails to the island's highest point, Alto de Garajonay.
- Valle Gran Rey – a dramatic valley of terraces and palms ending at the sea, with black-sand beaches and the island's main visitor base.
- Roque de Agando – a volcanic plug rising beside the road through the centre of the island.
- San Sebastián de La Gomera – the island capital and port, where Columbus made his last stop before crossing the Atlantic in 1492.
- Hermigua and Agulo – green northern valleys with banana plantations and traditional villages; Agulo is often called one of the island's prettiest.
- Mirador de Abrante – a glass-floored viewpoint above Agulo, with views across to Mount Teide.
- Silbo Gomero – the island's whistled language, taught in schools and sometimes demonstrated at restaurants and visitor centres.
- Los Órganos – basalt columns on the north coast, seen only from the sea on boat trips, which may also spot whales and dolphins.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Valle Gran Rey | Most hotels, restaurants and sunsets, good walking from the door |
| San Sebastián | Convenient for ferries, with a parador above the town |
| Playa Santiago | Quiet south-coast village with a resort hotel and golf |
| Hermigua / Agulo | Rural houses in green northern valleys |
Getting there
Fly to Tenerife South, which has many UK routes, then take a taxi or bus to Los Cristianos, about 20 minutes away. Fast ferries cross to San Sebastián de La Gomera in roughly 50 minutes to an hour, with slower ferries taking a little longer. La Gomera has a small airport with inter-island flights. A hire car is the easiest way to get around; roads are winding and journeys take longer than distances suggest.
Best time to visit
Autumn through spring is the best time for hiking, with mild temperatures. Summer is warm and dry, fine for a relaxed stay but hot for long walks at low level. The forest in the centre can be cool and damp at any time, while the south is usually sunnier.
If you only have a day, book a guided tour or a car and focus on Garajonay and one viewpoint, as driving the island's mountain roads takes time.
Top attractions in La Gomera
LandmarkAlhambra
A hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and water gardens, the Alhambra is the high point of…
LandmarkPark Güell
Gaudí's hillside park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style lodges and a famous dragon, with sweeping views over…
MuseumPrado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, the Prado holds Spain's royal collection, from Velázquez's Las Meninas to Goya's…
LandmarkReal Alcázar
A dazzling Mudéjar palace and gardens in the heart of Seville, still used by the Spanish royal family and famous as the…
LandmarkSagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with its forest-like nave and glowing stained glass, is Barcelona's must-book sight.
NatureSerra de Tramuntana
A UNESCO-listed mountain range of stone villages, olive terraces and hairpin roads along Mallorca's north-west coast.
La Gomera on the map
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit La Gomera as a day trip from Tenerife?
Yes, many excursions run from the south of Tenerife, but a stay of several nights is far more rewarding.
Does La Gomera have good beaches?
The beaches are mostly black sand or pebbles, and the sea can be rough. Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago have the most popular ones.
Is La Gomera good for hiking?
It is one of the best islands in the Canaries for walking, with well-marked trails for all levels.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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