Remote, unspoilt La Gomera is the secret hideaway of the Canary Islands. Though it is just a 35-minute ferry ride from the crowded Tenerife resort of Los Cristianos, it is a world away in terms of both its atmosphere and price. With its rocky walls, steep slopes, multi-coloured buildings, green ravines, black sand beaches and lush mountain rainforests the island is as diverse as it is beautiful. Flights are available from across the UK to Tenerife where the ferry can be caught to this peaceful retreat ideal for rest and relaxation.
Beautiful and tranquil, La Gomera is a haven for romantics who want to escape from it all…
With luxurious accommodation, particularly at the edge of Alajero, including a number of one-storey mini-villas, a holiday in La Gomera is ideal for couples of all ages. Older couples can revel in the friendly atmosphere and peaceful surroundings while younger couples can enjoy a romantic escape while taking advantage of the regular ferries to more lively resorts on neighbouring Tenerife. With its sheer beauty, and shrouded by the mist of the mountains, La Gomera is a haven for romantics seeking rest and relaxation.
Despite its diminutive size there is much to discover on La Gomera, which remains warm and sunny all year round. The capital itself, San Sebastian, has enough entertainment for several visits and is blessed by a sandy beach, an array of shops and even an Oriental bazaar. This is certainly the busiest shopping area, but rather than bustling streets you are more likely to spot old folks enjoying a siesta. The city is famous as the last stopping point for Christopher Columbus before he set sail to America, and you can visit the house that he stayed at or climb the Count's Tower.
The island's main beach resorts are found on the west coast in Valle Gran Rey. There are a number of boat trips available from the area to see the marine mammals such as dolphins and whales, as well as diving trips. Even this area is quiet, making it the perfect setting for soaking up the sun on the black sand beaches. It's also well worth taking a bus ride between San Sebastian and Valle Gran Rey. Though it takes up to two hours, it is the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy the island's spectacular scenery.
Vueltas and La Playa are two of the more popular tourist areas. La Playa has grown rapidly in recent years with a range of restaurants, bars and supermarkets while Vueltas is particularly popular among day-trippers. Both areas are ideal for sampling some of the island's specialities such as berros, watercress soup, freshly caught tuna, or Gomeron - a distilled 55 percent proof palm honey rum.
Elsewhere, there is a popular beach for nudists at Playa del Ingles and the borough of Alajero on the south west of the island is one of the cultural highlights with the church of El Salvador del Mundo containing the beautiful statue of Christ dating from the seventeenth century.
The village of Agulo is another historic delight with numerous examples of traditional Gomeran architecture. Agula comprises the quarters of El Charco, Las Casas and La Montañeta and the view of Abrante, with Mount Teide in the background, provides the perfect photo opportunity.
