Guide to La Gomera is our summon of our trip to La Gomera. Sure, our expectations were high, but we were super impressed with our trip. This small island, located about 50 minutes by boat from Tenerife is a true hidden gem. Here you will not find overcrowded places. This is a quaint island that takes you straight to nature.

Guide to La Gomera – The lesser-known paradise island

The Canary islands are super popular and they get millions and millions of visitors each year. Out of all the people going there, only one percent goes to La Gomera. A lot of the tourists come for a one-day trip from Tenerife. However, this island is worth visiting and staying for at least a week. This is a super nice island that is surrounded by nature at all times. It’s a place for people that love hiking or biking and other activities in nature.

We got to spend a couple of days here – exploring and eating the treats that the island had to offer. This is a completely different world – somewhat a dreamlike and peaceful place where relaxation is of great focus. If hiking is your thing, La Gomera will make you happy. 257 different hiking trails on such a small island that covers about 370 square kilometers equals a lot of trails! Here is our guide to La Gomera.

Did you know that La Gomera has been declared a Biosphere Reserve?

To do in La Gomera

There is so much to do in La Gomera. With more than 600 kilometers of hiking trails, this is a real walking and hiking paradise. But there is also more to do. Here is a list of things that you shouldn’t miss out on while visiting this magical island. Our guide to La Gomera focuses on what to do on the island but you will also get some information on where to stay and what to eat while visiting La Gomera. We hope that you like our guide to La Gomera.

Whale and dolphin watching in La Gomera

We went with Excursiones Tina on a four-hour tour with lunch included. Excursiones Tina focuses on sustainable tourism and before the boat leaves from Valle Gran Rey, they inform of how important it is to think of the environment. The tour has one goal – to find dolphins and whales. If you’re lucky, you might get to see some turtles too. The boat also stops a while so that you can take a dip in the refreshing waters.

Yes, at first the water is super cold but you get used to it pretty quick. This is one of the best excursions that we did while visiting La Gomera. We got to see whales, dolphins, and turtles!  To get more information about prices and to read more about our day at the sea with Excursiones Tina, click here.

Take a walk in San Sebastian de La Gomera

The island’s capital has about 8 700 people that live in the city. Almost half of the population lives in the capital. That is not much but this city can still become pretty crowded. This is because a lot of tourists come from Tenerife on day trips. Then they all offload in San Sebastian and walk around there during the day. But even if it becomes crowded, it’s still a really nice place that should not be missed. And the city offers some great sights and activities. Each day, there are about five to ten busses coming from Tenerife.

San Sebastian de La Gomera has four hotels and two main walking streets. The streets were built about eight years ago so they are still pretty new. This town is beautiful but it is also often quite windy here. There is a really nice beach with dark sand here and the closeness to the city center is really awesome! Do some shopping in the morning and visit the beach in the evening.

Visit Torre del Conde in San Sebastian

Torre del Conde was a defending tower. What’s impressive about it is that it’s mostly still original and it was built in 1477. To this day, the tower is considered to be one of the Canary Islands’ most important examples of military architecture. It is said that you can get inside the tower but the opening hours are very tricky (and almost non-existing) so if you get to go inside – be considered to be a lucky one.

It’s quite small and cute and not that impressive. But at the same time, it’s an important cultural mark and heritage that is worth seeing. It lays open in a park. When it was built, it was a lot closer to the sea, but over the centuries, the land has grown (with the help of people of course) and today it looks really cute, lying there in the middle of the park – looking for attention.

Find the statue and hear the story

Ok, so while being in San Sebastian, be on the lookout for a statue of Columbus. It’s not a big statue, but the people here are very proud of it. The story is that Columbus came to La Gomera three times. At first, it was because he needed water and it was the “last port of call”. But there are also other stories that say that the reason he stayed for three weeks the first time he came was due to love!

If the rumors are true, we don’t know. But we still feel that it’s a quick photo stop by the statue. If you don’t believe the story – see the statue as a reminder of how important water is!

Archaeological Museum of La Gomera

A museum that introduces the visitors to the culture of ancient Gomera. My favorite thing about this place is that it’s free of charge for the locals. The Canary people don’t always feel Spanish and in this museum, they can learn more about their roots. There are several theories of how people came to La Gomera but there is nothing that is confirmed. One theory is that they came here as slaves.

Well, they know where they came from – The northern parts of Africa, Morocco, or Libya. The thing that is still unknown is how they got here. Since they couldn’t navigate, the most probable theory is that the people were brought here. Maybe they were rebels that got sent here?

Informative museum in San Sebastian

The museum exhibits archeological objects and gives a story about how the people used to live here. The cutest lizards are there yo guide you through the exhibitions. There is a big wall with black and white photographs. These photographs are taken of the local people living here. Talk about including the locals?!

It’s a pretty small place but you learn a lot during your visit here. Learn more about the day-to-day life in ancient times and how the whistling language came to the island. It is worth visiting this place while being in the city’s capital.

Information about the Archaeological Museum of La Gomera:

Address: Calle Torres Padilla, 6, 38800 San Sebastián de La Gomera.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 17:00.
Entrance fee: 2,50 € per adult. If you are a local resident you can enter for free.

La Iglesia de la Asuncion de San Sebastian de La Gomera

A small but really nice church in the city of San Sebastian. No, this is not a huge and impressive church. But it’s still worth sticking your head in during your walk in the town. There’s also a story about Christopher Columbus. It is said that he used to visit this church while being on the island.

The only thing that I felt was missing is more information about the church. We know that it was often attacked by pirates but it would have been interesting if there was more information about the church’s history and what happened here in ancient times.

Visit a local market in San Sebastian – Mercado Municipal

There is still a lot of agriculture on the island and at the Mercado Municipal, you can buy a lot of locally produced vegetables, fruits, and souvenirs. The best day to visit is Saturday when it’s really crowded and all the vendors are there. However, this is still nice to come here anytime and maybe buy some fresh fruits or locally produced wine.

The market is open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 15:00. If you want to buy Gofio to bring back home, this is the place where you can do so! Address: Av. de Colón, 19A, 38800 San Sebastián de La Gomera.

Learn all about Palm Honey

It’s honey but not made out of bees. It’s made out of the sap from a palm tree that grows in La Gomera and it is a sweet treat. Ok, it’s a super sweet treat but still a good one. At Casa de la Miel de Palma, you will learn everything about this sweet delight and how it’s harvested. This is sustainable tourism at its best.

There is so much interesting information about the Palm Honey and about the palm trees that you won’t know unless you visit this place. It’s free of charge and there is a gift shop where you can buy some palm honey with you to bring back home. Palm honey and ice cream is the perfect combination.

Read more about our visit to Casa de la Miel de Palma here.

Look at the Terraced Landscapes

When you drive in La Gomera, you will quickly notice the dramatic and wonderful landscapes. Ravines are the most characteristic of this island. A great way to see it all is by car (or bike if you are up for it). We took a minibus with Autobuses Mesa and the bus made a few stops along the way. We got to see terraces that are abandoned but where they would grow crops. Talk about hard work – growing things in ravines.

Today they are still growing stuff but not to that extent. All over the island while getting around, you will see abandoned terraces. It’s a beautiful sight even if they are abandoned. This is a part of the history and culture of the island that is really important.

Mirador de Manaderos

On the road between San Sebastian and Hermigua Valley, there is a great viewing point. From here you have a great overview of La Laja ravine. On your way to the lookout point, there are cacti growing. If you take a closer look at the cacti, you will see small white dots that look like some sort of fungus. Those are lice – lice that you make lipstick from. Yes, while writing a guide to La Gomera we include finding lice.

If you crush a louse, there is a red liquid that comes out of them. That’s the coloring that is used when making lipstick. Sure, it’s super gross but at the same time – I don’t wear lipstick so I’m good. Make sure to stop by Mirador de Manaderos on your tour around the island. Address: GM-1 Km 7’5, 38801, San Sebastián de La Gomera.

Mirador de Abrante

This is one of the island’s most visited places. It’s a lookout point, a restaurant, and a small skywalk – all in one. It’s located about 20 minutes by car from the Garajonay National Parks visitor center so it’s perfect to combine this place with a trip to the center. The skywalk is not as scary as I thought it would be. In fact – it’s not scary at all.

At the restaurant here, you also have the chance of hearing Oscar and Mario whistle – a really special thing that you want to experience while in La Gomera. We didn’t try the restaurant but from what we saw, it looked like a nice place. Address: Carretera del Mirador, S/N, 38890 Agulo.

You can read more about our experience and amazement of the whistling here.

Mirador de La Laja

Another lookout point in our guide to La Gomera. Mirador de La Laja is the picture-perfect place to see the clouds coming in over the ravine. We almost got hypnotized by looking at the clouds. It has to do with the trade winds and the clouds are pushed down, creating a magical play in the sky.

Don’t be fooled that one lookout point is the same as another. On La Gomera, each “Mirador” is different from the other. If you have a rental car, make sure to stop at several different lookout points and see some awesome views.

Mirador de Los Roques

At this lookout point, you will see the mountain that is called Agando. My first thought when I saw this one was James Bond island in Thailand. No, it’s not the same but it’s still something that clicked in my mind and that reminded me of the famous rock in Asia.

And like the Mirador de La Laja, here you will also see the magic that the clouds can create. It was pretty windy during our visit here so we didn’t stay that long. At the same time, I believe that the wind helped to create the dramatic scene that we got to enjoy while being at the Mirador de Los Roques.

Mirador del Palmarejo –  Cesar Manrique

One of my favorite places in all of the islands even though this place is closed down since a couple of years ago. Cesar Manrique is one of my favorite artists and we have written a lot of articles about him and his work in Lanzarote. At one point, he came to La Gomera and created a super nice work – interpreting nature with tourism. This is our story of how we ended up in this awesome place!

When going back after a late evening in a restaurant, our driver Carlos and I got to talk. I asked him about Cesar Manrique in La Gomera and he told me about this place and that it was closed. After about 15 minutes, Carlos stops the car and tells us to get out. It’s pitch black outside and we have no idea where we are. I admit, for a second I was pretty sure that we were just about to get robbed. But after turning the flashlight on and walking along a path – I saw a wind chime and I knew where I was. Carlos had taken us to Mirador del Palmarejo!

Cesar Manrique in La Gomera

Since it was super dark, we couldn’t see too much of the area that Cesar Manrique created. But we got to see a really nice view and a light-up city. The next morning, we were lucky because it was Cesar that came to pick us up. He took us to the lookout point again and we got to see it in the morning too. It’s such a shame that it’s closed. I believe that the government is missing out on letting this place be closed.

By closed, I mean the restaurant that is built into the mountain. Apparently, it was too expensive so the tourists stopped coming here. They have tried several times but always end up closing the place down. Lower the prices and open this place up as a tourist attraction again. On the good side – you can still see the lookout point! Address: GM-1, 166, 38879 Valle Gran Rey.

PEG Los Telares – El Parque Etnografico de La Gomera

A great place to start your vacation is La Gomera. Here, you will find everything about the island – what it’s known for, what makes it special, and what you need to find out more about. The Ethnographic Park is really big and you will get an audioguide when you enter. Learn more about the whistling language, how they used to make Gofio, and see the only working watermill on the island.

But there is even more here. PEG Los Telares also offer gourmet tastings of local products. Try out their Gofio with honey, Almogrote, and of course, locally produced wine. There is also a shop where you can buy things and try them out. Get a taste of the famous palm honey or try out their Mojo.

Read more about our visit to PEG Los Telares here.

Visit Valle Gran Rey

Valle Gran Rey is not a big city and yet it’s one of the islands most popular. You will find Valle Gran Rey in every guide of La Gomera. Since the island is not known for its sandy beaches (it’s more rocks than sand). The island’s largest beach is located here and it’s a really nice town to be in. Nice narrow streets and several restaurants that want you to eat something.

Walk around, visit the beach with the darker sand, take a walk in the marina and then find a nice place that serves you a cup of coffee (or whatever your choice of drink is). We would say that this town is great for a couple of days of relaxation. Visit Valle Gran Rey while visiting La Gomera. If you want to visit a gym, there’s a really nice one located here.

Walk around in Agulo

Located on the north coast of the island. This is a sleepy little town that is really worth a visit. No, there are no huge attractions here but it’s still a nice walk and there is a special thing about this village. When winter is over (24th of April) the pagan tradition comes to life on the street outside of the church. You can see marks on the street and that’s where they light bonfires. Yes, they light the street on fire and then they jump over the fire.

Enter the church while being here and then walk the cobbled streets and look at all the details. For example, the hands that are used as knockers on the doors. Also, make sure to check out the banana plantations while you’re here. And while visiting the village of Agulo, you might also like to visit the restaurant “La Vieja Escuela”.

Visit the pottery village El Cercado

This is a traditional village that is trying to keep the tradition of pottery making alive. It’s such a nice little village and here you can buy, not only ceramics but all kinds of La Gomera souvenirs. Unfortunately, not everything pottery here is locally made. The tradition of this craftsmanship is dying out and that means that there is also pottery that is sold here that is not local. La Gomera used to be a big pottery-making island but today it’s no longer that important for the island. Today it has become a touristy place and where you can buy nice things.

If you are lucky, you might see someone making pottery. Martin, the owner of Ceramica Rufina was kind enough to show us the whole process. So impressive! In just a couple of minutes, he had made a bowl. The pottery shops are all lined up in the street and you can walk from one to the other. Sure, it’s somewhat “same same” after a while but in the end, you might find a hidden gem at one place that you can’t find anywhere else.

Museo Las Loceras – El Centro Interpretacion

While visiting El Cercado and all the pottery makers, make sure to check out the museum of pottery as well. It’s a small but informative place where you will learn more about the traditions. One thing that I was missing here at first was that there is no one showing how you make the bowls and things from the clay. However, there’s a great explanation for that. Since there are pottery makers in the village – the museum doesn’t want to compete with the pottery makers.

If the museum would start showing how pottery is made, a lot of visitors would skip a visit to the other creators and then they would miss out and in the end, their shops would be closed. After getting that explanation, I liked this place even if it was “not complete”. Inside the museum, you can see some ancient ceramics reconstructions. There is also a wall where you can see all the local pottery makers.

Information about Museo Las Loceras

Address: Chipude, 38869 El Cercado.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 – 17:30.

Fortaleza de Chipude

In South Africa, they have table mountains. In La Gomera, they have Fortaleza de Chipude, or their own table mountain. This red basalt mountain is really impressive and nice to see. There is only one way to the top and it is quite a strenuous hike. It’s said that this place used to be sacred and that you can find sacrificial altars on the top. However, we didn’t go there and after searching on Google it seems like these altars are super hard to find.

But it’s an impressive sight to see. At first, the name confused me and I thought that I would be seeing a fortress but that’s not the case. No matter what, this table mountain is worthy of being part of our guide to La Gomera. There are also guided tours available if you want to take on the mountain.

Hear the whistling language of La Gomera

I really hope that the next time we visit La Gomera, there will be a center for the whistling language somewhere on the island. It’s a cultural heritage that was disappearing and to keep that from happening, the children are learning Silbo in school. There are several places on the island where you can hear recordings of the whistling because that was how people that lived on the island used to communicate.

La Gomera is built up of many ravines and when there were no phones, it would take forever to walk to someone’s house if they lived far away. If they would scream, the echo would drown the words so the only way was to whistle. Make sure you get to hear it. If you want to know more about Silbo and the whistling language – read more here.

Garajonay National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must to visit while visiting La Gomera. This is the place to be if you love hiking but it’s also the place to be if you want to enjoy life. This place is like stepping into a fairy tale. Located in the middle of the island this is a hiking paradise with 18 different trails that go through the national park.

While doing a guide to La Gomera, this place needs to be on the list. Lush forests are best visited when it’s foggy. Then it all becomes mystical with the fog coming over the trails. Make sure to spend at least a whole day here. But if you have more time – walk more than one trail since the scene is different depending on where you walk. You can read all about our visit to Garajonay National Park and hiking here.

Hiking in La Gomera

This is one of the most popular activities on the island – hiking. While doing a guide to La Gomera, you can’t but write about hiking too. Sure, the Garajonay National Park is super popular when it comes to hiking but there are a lot of other nice trails on the island too. If you are interested in hiking in the national park, click here.

Ok, so a lot of the shorter hikes are within the national park. But there are nice walking trail all over the island. Here is a list of recommended trails outside of Garajonay. It’s safe to go hiking on the island. All the trails are well marked and you won’t get lost. The list is made with name, length, time it takes to hike, and the difficulty of the trail. First out in our Guide to La Gomera are circular trails and after that, Linear trails.

Circular trails in La Gomera – Guide to La Gomera

• Arure – Acardece – Las Hayas – Lo Vasco – Arure: 7,2 kilometers, 2 hours and 15 minutes, easy.
• La Vizcaina – El Cercado – Las Hayas – Los Descansadores – La Vizcaina: 7,5 kilometers, 2 hours and 40 minutes, intermediate.
• Agulo – Juego de Bolas: 7,7 kilometers, 2 hours and 40 minutes, intermediate.
• Mirador del Santo – Taguluche – Playa – Las Vuelitas – Mirador: 8,2 kilometers, 4 hours and 20 minutes, hard.
• Imada – Guarimiar – Targa – Alajero – Imada: 10,4 kilometers, 3 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.
•  From Vallehermoso – Santa Clara – Los Guanches – Vallehermoso: 10,7 kilometers, 3 hours and 40 minutes, intermediate.
• Vallehermoso – El Bailadero – Macayo – Vallahermoso: 10,9 kilometers, 4 hours and 10 minutes, intermediate.
• Vallehermoso – Cno. del Roque – Cruz de Tierno – El Teon – Ambrosio – La Fortaleza – Vallerhermoso: 11,2 kilometers, 3 hours and 40 minutes, intermediate.
• Hermigua – Las Nuevitas – Los Barranquillos – El Moralito – El Palmar – La Caleta – Los Pedacitos – La Castellana: 11,7 kilometers, 4 hours and 10 minutes, intermediate.

• Enchereda – Campana – Enchereda: 11,9 kilometers, 4 hours, intermediate.
• Degollada de Peraza – La Laja – El Bailadero – Reventon Oscuro – La Zarzita – Los Roques – Las Nieves – Peraza: 12 kilometers, 4 hours, intermediate.
• Vallehermoso – Tamargada – Simancas – Playa: 12,2 kilometers, 4 hours, intermediate.
• Imada – Pajarito – Alto de Garajonay – Igualero – Imada: 12,3 kilometers, 3 hours, intermediate.
• Agulo – El Chorro – Juego de Bolas – Lomo Gordo – El Cerrillal – Iboalfaro – Hermigua – Santa Catalina – Lepe – Agulo: 12,5 kilometers, 9 hours, hard.
• Presa Amalahuigue – Cruz de Tierno – Raso del Quebradon – Serpa La Palmita – Raso Volteado – Presa de Amalahuigue: 13,1 kilometers, 4 hours and 25 minutes, intermediate.
• Chipude – Alto Garajonay – Laguna Grande – El Cercado – Chipude: 13,7 kilometers, 3 hours and 40 minutes, intermediate.
• Hermigua – San Juan – Los Acevinos – El Cedro – El Convento – Hermigua: 14,3 kilometers, 5 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.
• Bco Santiago – Pastrana – Benchijigua – Imada – Guarimiar – El Rumbazo – Bco Santiago: 15,5 kilometers, 5 hours and 20 minutes, intermediate.
• Alajero – El Paso – Igualero – Arguyoda – La Manteca – Alajero: 21,6 kilometers, 7 hours and 10 minutes, intermediate.

Linear trails – hiking guide to La Gomera

• Casa de la Seda – El Guro – Barranco de Srure – Salto de Agua: 1,6 kilometers, 2 hours and 10 minutes, intermediate.
• Las Casetas – Alto de Uteza – Laguerode – Cuevas Blancas: 5,6 kilometers, 4 hours and 40 minutes, intermediate.
• Valle Gran Rey – La Merica – Arure: 7,1 kilometers, 5 hours and 20 minutes, intermediate.
• Chorros de Espina – Alojera – Arure: 8,7 kilometers, 5 hours and 10 minutes, intermediate.
• La Calera – Los Reyes – El Cerrillal – La Mantaza – Chipude: 8,9 kilometers, 6 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.
• Juego de Bolas – Las Rosas – Presa – Cruz de Tierno – El Roque – Vallehermoso: 9 kilometers, 5 hours and 20 minutes, intermediate.
• San Sebastian – Ayamosna – Tagamiche – Degollada de Peraza: 9,8 kilometers, 6 hours and 10 minutes, intermediate.
• La Calera – La Vizcaina – El Cercado – Laguna Grande: 10,9 kilometers, 7 hours, intermediate.
• Alajero – Targa – El Repecho – Playa Santiago: 10,6 kilometers, 5 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.
• El Bailadero – Chorros de Epina – Santa Clara – Chijere – Playa: 11,9 kilometers, 8 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.
• Los Roques – Benchijiagua – Pastrana – Barranco de Santiago – Playa Santiago: 12,4 kilometers, 9 hours and 20 minutes, intermediate.
• Degollada de Peraza – Jerdune – Contreras – El Joradillo – Tecina – Playa Santiago: 13,3 kilometers, 10 hours and 20 minutes, intermediate.
• Igualero – Erquito – San Lorenzo – El Drago – La Manteca – Los Almacigos – Magana – Alajero: 14 kilometers, 5 hours and 15 minutes, intermediate.

• Vallehermoso – Tamargada – Simancas – La Vega – Pajar de Bento – El Roquillo – Agulo: 14 kilometers, 9 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.
• Chipude – El Cercado – Las Hayas – Las Creces – La Encantadora – Vallehermoso: 14,3 kilometers, 10 hours and 20 minutes, intermediate.
• Chipude – Gerian – Iguala – La Dama: 14,6 kilometers, 8 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.
• Degollada de Peraza – Jerdune – Seima – Chaoa Ravelo – Playa la Guancha – San Sebastian: 15,2 kilometers, 5 hours and 10 minutes, intermediate.
• Chipude – Igualero – Erquito – Arguayoda – La Rajita – La Dama: 16,3 kilometers, 5 hours and 25 minutes, intermediate.
• San Sebastian – El Atajo – Lomito Fragoso – Aguajilva – Las Carboneras – Lo Machado – El Convento: 16,5 kilometers, 8 hours and 45 minutes, intermediate.
• Degollada de Peraza – Los Roques – Alto Garajonay – Igualero – Chipude: 16,7 kilometers, 10 hours and 40 minutes, intermediate.
• San Sebastian – El Cabrito – Seima – Contreras – El Joradillo – Tecina – Playa Santiago: 20,7 kilometers, 15 hours, easy.
• San Sebastian – La Gallarda – La Cabezada – Haragan – Laguerode – Encherreda – Juel – La Campana – Montoro – Las Poyatas – La Cerca: 26,9 kilometers, 8 hours and 30 minutes, intermediate.

Biking in La Gomera – Guide to La Gomera

Hiking is a big thing but so is biking. There are a lot of places where you can rent a bike and bicycle around the island. And there are also a lot of different trails that are for biking. Here are a few of them that are recommended:

• Juego de Bolas – Mirador de Abrante: 1,7 kilometers, 40 minutes, easy.
• La Hoya de Chijiran – Campo Grande: 3,8 kilometers, 50 minutes, intermediate.
• Roque Redondo – La Junta: 6,3 kilometers, 40 minutes, intermediate.
• El Cedro – Meriga: 10,7 kilometers, 1 hours and 20 minutes, easy.
• Las Casetas – La Caleta: 21,5 kilometers, 1 hour and 45 minutes, intermediate.
• Rotonda de Pajaritos – La Laguna Grande: 22 kilometers, 1 hour and 40 minutes, easy.
• Epina – Llano de Alcala: 25,2 kilometers, 1 hour 35 minutes, hard.

Eating in La Gomera

The food of La Gomera is focused a lot on fish and locally produced vegetables. Fresh herbs and spices are important and there are several things that you should try while visiting this island. For example, the Almogrote (a cheese paste) is a must – and palm honey and the local wine. Come to think of it – there is a lot of local specialties that you shouldn’t miss. And there are several great restaurants as well.

We have done an “Eating in La Gomera” guide where you can read all about the food and what restaurants we recommend. To read that guide click here!

Getting around in La Gomera – Guide to La Gomera

We believe that the best way to get around the island is to either rent a car or go by taxi. Sure, there are buses but they don’t run that often and you might get stuck in some village if you miss the last bus. If you are looking for a taxi driver – look no more. We got to know Carlos Hdez Chinea and he is the best driver and person you can meet. Getting to know him is an honor and he is more than a driver, he will tell you stories and funny anecdotes while driving.

I would say that he’s a guide also and not “just” a cab driver. So if you want to get around on the island is a great way and get to see a lot of highlights – contact Carlos and be prepared to be amazed. His email: taxiarure@gmail.com. Phone: +34 629 68 90 80.

Guided tours in La Gomera

There are several different tour operators that offer guided tours on the island. During our visit to La Gomera, we got to spend a couple of days with the guide Melanie Ebock. She lives on the island and she knows all about this place. She can help you and arrange transportation, hotels or whatever you need. And she will guide you around the island.

She speaks Spanish, English, and German and her storytelling is interesting. We would have missed a lot of things if Melanie didn’t point them out to us and showed us details wherever we went. To get in touch with Melanie, call +34 636 68 10 86.

Getting to La Gomera from Tenerife

Since the island is small, there is no international airport there. You will need to land in Tenerife and take the ferry to the island. There are two different airports in Tenerife, the south and north airport. The ferry to La Gomera goes from Los Cristianos in Tenerife and it takes about 50 minutes to get to San Sebastian, La Gomera. We took the Fred Olsen Ferry to the island. This is a big ferry that takes both passengers and cars.

There are buses and taxis at the airport that will gladly drive you to the harbor in Los Cristianos. We arrived at the southern airport and the car ride to the harbor was about 15 minutes. We were picked up by Autobuses Mesa and they took us straight to the harbor. Autobuses Mesa has a booth inside the airport where you can get all the information and help that you need to get to La Gomera.

Fred Olsen from Tenerife to La Gomera

As I mentioned, Fred Olsen is a company that navigates between a lot of the Canary Islands. There is also another company called Naviera Armas that also traffic the route. Each day, there are three departures from Los Cristianos that will take you to La Gomera. And I must say that the ferry ride over is also a nice experience. Ok, it was a bit windy when we took the ferry but it was still very nice.

It takes less than an hour but at the same time, it feels like a totally new country. La Gomera is a lot more quiet than Los Cristianos. The cities are completely different in a good way. And since the ferry enters San Sebastian, a great thing is to start your vacation by spending some time in this beautiful city.

Did you know that the first ferry that started trafficking La Gomera was Fred Olsen? The company also built the islands first hotel in 1974.

Staying in La Gomera – Hotels on the island

For being such a small island, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. You can get everything from apartments to luxurious places – the choice is yours. We stayed in two different hotels during our visit to the island and we can recommend both of them. The places where we stayed, both focus on sustainable tourism and they do a great job of keeping the island as nice as possible. Our guide to La Gomera is mostly focused on what to do while being here. However, we can recommend the places where we stayed.

Apartamentos Los Telares

A super nice place where you wake up to the views of the mountains and ravines. It reminded me of a scene taken out of the movie Jurassic Park. Breakfast is served on a tray and delivered to your room and there are a pool area and a yoga studio where you can relax. Get more information about Apartmentos Los Telares.

Casa Fatima – Perfect place for hiking

If hiking is your thing then Casa Fatima is the place to stay. Here, you have your own house – yes a whole house! It’s located close to really nice walking trails and you even have your own garden that you can spend time in. Located in Las Hayas, Valle Gran Rey, it might seem like it’s far from civilization but that’s just at a first glance. This is a great location on the island. Get more information about Casa Fatima.

Sustainable tourism in La Gomera

We were invited to La Gomera by the Eco Tourism Club in Spain. They are working to make La Gomera a more sustainable tourism destination. Our press trip was focused on eco-tourism so everything that we have experienced on the island has been with the focus on sustainable tourism. Yes, there is more work to be done but we were both happy to see how hard they are trying to teach people to recycle and how to keep the island healthy.

We hope that you like our guide to La Gomera – if there’s something missing – let us know!