When most people think of the Canary Islands, images of beachside resorts and party-goers spring to mind. However, that perspective overlooks La Gomera, a volcanic island characterized by rugged cliffs, ancient forests, and palm-fringed valleys that evoke an almost Jurassic Park feel.
Those seeking to enhance their sun, sand, and sea experience with stunning wildlife, nature, and captivating culture will find this lesser-known treasure in the Atlantic Ocean largely unspoiled.
Getting to Know La Gomera
Situated off the west coast of Tenerife, La Gomera is the second-smallest Canary Island, measuring 36 km from east to west. Don’t underestimate this petite isle; its emerald peak rises 1487 m above sea level, enveloped in swirling fog that creates a unique microclimate. This atmospheric condition has allowed one of Europe’s last remaining cloud forests to thrive spectacularly. Average temperatures hover around 22 degrees year-round, but southern winds contribute to particularly warm and sunny conditions along the southern shores.
Driving across the island may take as little as two hours, yet the diverse environments reveal a mesmerizing array of landscapes, including sun-kissed ocean views, verdant stretches of lush greenery, arid shrublands, and expansive ravines. The absence of international flights has allowed La Gomera to maintain a low profile, steering clear of mass tourism; here, you’ll encounter a slower, more genuine lifestyle, which has earned La Gomera the nickname ‘the island lost in time.’
Cultural Richness and History
San Sebastián serves as your gateway to La Gomera. As the capital and port town, it’s where you’ll first arrive on the island. Here, you’ll discover numerous historical monuments that weave together the captivating tapestry of the island’s history, including the Torre del Conde (Count’s Tower), a remnant of a 15th-century Gothic-style military fort central to the island’s defense; and the Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción, whose blended architectural styles reflect the island’s mixed heritage. Notably, San Sebastián was the last stop for Christopher Columbus before his monumental journey to the New World in 1492.
Each village and region offers a unique glimpse into life on La Gomera. In El Cercado, observe local potters skillfully crafting ceramics with techniques passed down from ancient inhabitants. Visit Agulo, a picturesque town featuring colorful houses and cobblestone streets, boasting stunning ocean vistas and some of the best-preserved traditional Gomeran architecture. Although Valle Gran Rey serves as the main tourist hub, this relaxed haven is a world apart from busier mainland resorts, offering quiet stretches of pristine sandy beaches framed by dramatic cliffs that radiate golden hues at sunset.
Stunning Views Await
The breathtaking natural landscapes of La Gomera rank among the island’s primary attractions. Where better to take in this beauty than from one of La Gomera’s 40 designated viewpoints? While this number may seem high for an island of this size, its endless sweeping valleys, rugged ravines, patchwork palm plantations, and towering volcanic rock formations, including La Gomera’s own Table Mountain, make it worthwhile.
Top spots include the Mirador de Abrante, featuring a glass-bottomed platform that extends over a 400m-high ravine, providing excellent views of the village of Agulo and Tenerife’s Teide volcano across the sea. The Mirador Morro de Agando grants panoramic vistas of the Parque Nacional de Garajonay and the stunning Roque de Agando, a striking volcanic monolith that dramatically emerges from the greenery.
For an understated yet equally captivating experience, visit the Mirador Risquillos de Corgo, accessible via a forested trail in Parque Nacional de Garajonay, where the valley and its colorful village emerge vibrantly from the treeline.
A Mystical Forest and a Beloved Legend
Covered by a gentle mist, Parque Nacional de Garajonay possesses an almost mystical charm. The park owes its name to the legend of two star-crossed lovers, Gara and Jonay, whose families disapproved of their union. At this elevation, the cooler temperatures and lush greenery provide a serene escape from the rest of the island.
Once, these laurel forests dominated parts of Europe and North Africa. Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, Garajonay remains one of the best-preserved subtropical rainforests in Europe. Home to approximately 400 species of fauna and flora, many of which are endemic, the park is central to La Gomera’s extensive network of 600 km of walking trails. Adventurers can select from short circular trails, half-day hikes, or full-day treks across its mountains and along the coastline.
A Unique Whistling Language
A fascinating aspect of La Gomera’s cultural heritage is its distinct whistling language, known as Silbo Gomero. The island’s earliest inhabitants, the Guanches, utilized Silbo Gomero to communicate across the expansive ravines and valleys. Whistles could carry messages over distances of up to 5 km, conveying public announcements, event invitations, or even the location of lost livestock. This innovative form of communication transcends mere phrases, operating as a fully-fledged dialect that mimics spoken language.
Though Silbo Gomero is not widely used today, there are active efforts to preserve it. The whistling language has been a mandatory subject in schools since 1999 and received UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 2009. Visitors can witness Silbo demonstrations every Saturday at the Hotel Torre Del Conde in San Sebastián, and daily at the Restaurante Las Rosas and the Mirador de Abrante restaurant in Agulo.
Marine Adventures
The waters surrounding La Gomera are diligently protected, resulting in a thriving habitat for marine wildlife. Although dolphins are generally migratory, they can be spotted year-round here due to successful conservation initiatives. Adventurous travelers can embark on eco-friendly boat trips with Tina, where sightings of local fauna, including bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and loggerhead turtles are highly likely. Tina has earned the Yellow Flag eco-accreditation for its commitment to responsible tourism, using vessels without sonar that could disrupt marine life.
Excursions to the Los Órganos rock formation can also be arranged. These enormous basalt pillars, formed from ancient lava flows, rise dramatically from the ocean’s surface like the pipes of a grand organ, reaching heights of up to 80 meters and nearly a meter in width.
Local Gastronomy
La Gomera’s fertile landscape, characterized by its diverse terrain, produces an array of local delicacies sourced from the island or caught in its surrounding waters. Traditional dishes are deeply rooted in simplicity and authenticity, featuring ingredients such as watercress soup, almogrote (a flavorful goat cheese pâté seasoned with spices), and miel de palma, a sweet palm syrup widely used in Gomeran cuisine.
Mojos are staple condiments at Gomeran meals, coming in two varieties: verde (green, typically made with coriander, parsley, and green peppers) and rojo (red, featuring red chili peppers and paprika). Whether slathered on bread or enjoyed with papas arrugadas (wrinkly, salty potatoes common throughout the Canary Islands), these sauces are essential. Despite a modest production scale, La Gomera also boasts a selection of local wines, which are typically rich in color and flavor.
