La Gomera: tips for the quiet island

In short: La Gomera is the opposite of mass tourism: deep ravines, terraced fields and, at its centre, one of the oldest laurel forests in Europe. From Tenerife you are there by ferry in under an hour. A day trip is possible, two to three days are much better.

What are the most beautiful places on La Gomera?

The island is almost round, and all the valleys run like spokes from the forest in the middle down to the coast. That is why every drive from one place to another first goes up and then back down.

• Garajonay National Park: a cloud forest of laurel and tree heath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trunks are covered in moss and lichen, and mist often hangs between the trees.
• Valle Gran Rey: the valley of the great king in the west, with palm trees, terraces and dark beaches. A meeting place for dropouts since the seventies, in the evening people gather on the beach for the sunset.
• Hermigua and Agulo: the green north coast with banana plantations. Agulo is considered one of the most beautiful villages on the island.
• Mirador de Abrante: a viewpoint with a glass platform high above Agulo, with views of Teide on clear days.
• Los Órganos: basalt columns on the north coast that look like organ pipes. They can only be seen from a boat, and the tours run when the sea is calm.
• San Sebastián de La Gomera: the small capital by the harbour. Columbus stopped here in 1492 before sailing across the Atlantic.

How do you hike in Garajonay?

The national park covers the highest part of the island. The trails are well marked and range from a half-hour stroll to a full-day hike.

• Alto de Garajonay: the highest point of the island. A short climb from the car park, and from the top on a clear day you can see Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro.
• La Laguna Grande: a clearing with a picnic area and easy circular trails, a good starting point for families.
• El Cedro: a path along a stream through the densest part of the forest.

What is the Silbo Gomero?

The Silbo is a whistled language that the inhabitants once used to communicate across the ravines. Instead of shouting words, you whistle them, and the sound carries for several kilometres. The Silbo is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is taught in the island’s schools today. There are demonstrations in some restaurants and at viewpoints, ask at the tourist information office about current dates.

What do people eat on La Gomera?

The cuisine is simple and hearty. There are three things you should try.

• Almogrote: a spicy paste made from aged goat’s cheese, peppers, garlic and oil, spread on bread.
• Miel de palma: a dark syrup made from the sap of the Canary Island date palm, good with cheese and desserts.
• Potaje de berros: a watercress stew, traditionally eaten with gofio (toasted grain flour).

More dishes from the islands are in Canarian food.

How do you get there and how long should you stay?

Most people come by ferry from Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife to San Sebastián. On the island, a Fred. Olsen coastal line also connects San Sebastián, Playa de Santiago and Valle Gran Rey. There is also a small airport with inter-island flights. Prices and departures are listed by the ferry companies.

• Day trip: doable with an early ferry and a rental car. Realistically you can fit in a walk in Garajonay and Agulo. Valle Gran Rey will not fit in as well.
• Three days: day 1 forest and north, day 2 Valle Gran Rey with a boat trip, day 3 a longer hike.

La Gomera is easy to add to a holiday on Tenerife, the sights there are in Tenerife sights. If you want to go further west, you will find routes in Island hopping and an impression of the neighbouring island in El Hierro. Many people also spend the cold months in Valle Gran Rey, more in Wintering in the Canary Islands.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.

Cover image: Diego Delso · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0