Source: Diego Delso
One of the best in Spain’s Canary Islands chain, La Gomera is a land of thousand experiences where you can feel the magic in the air the moment you lay foot on its modest territory. Located off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, the island is an impenetrable archipelago fortified with soaring rock walls and rough volcanic terrains. This is one of the seven islands of the Canary but remains relatively obscured by the charm of its immediate neighbor – Tenerife.
1. Experience the Rugged Coastline
Source: Diego Delso
With the rugged coastline completed with black-sand beaches and nature’s enclave, La Gomera is definitely an ecological treasure of Spain with a diverse landscape that makes it virtually irresistible. The second smallest of the Canary Islands shares a varied contrast of the wild mountainous landscape which packs everything from huge canyons to the colorful palm-covered valleys. The gentle waters in the coastal areas are ideal for scuba diving, and the fascinating forests are beautifully crammed with lush vegetation.
2. Stroll Around Garajonay
Source: Diego Deslo
This UNESCO World Heritage Site blends in perfect harmony with the rest of the Canary Islands, thanks to its lush, virgin vegetation which makes its ancestral natural landscape a green paradise. It provides the best example of the Canarian laurisilva, a subtropical forest found in the high-humidity areas. Also, among the outstanding points of interest are the massive rock formations found along the island and a rich diversity of amazing flora and fauna, including a large number of endemic species.
Information
- Name: Garajonay Naional Park
- Address: 38830 La Palmita, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Phone: +34922800993
3. Feel the Magic in the Biosphere Reserve
Source: albertoamaretto
The virtually unspoilt of the Canary Islands is a paradise for the nature lovers and where nature calls the shots in its vast exceptional landscape with an area spanning 369 square kilometers. For a place that has everything from lush forests to mountainous terrains, thriving fishing villages to superb walking trails, it seems great the island hasn’t got its status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve until 2012. The moment you step foot in the island you’ll literally feel the magic in the air as the clouds touch the grounds revealing spectacular views of the island.
4. Enjoy the Contrast of Sea and Mountains
Source: TorstenL
You’d be blown away by the geographical diversity of this magnificent island destination – you can actually feel the contrasts in the many locations, and enjoy the sheer beauty and exuberance of the diverse landscape with the benefits of the sea. A wild excursion to watch the whales and the adorable dolphins in their natural habitat is one hell of an experience. The Mountains in the region are exceptional and steeply sloping, rising to almost 1,487 meters at the island’s highest peak, the Garajonay National Park.
5. Get Familiar with the Traditions
Museo Etnográfico de La Gomera is the best place to learn and understand the century-old traditions and ethnographic elements of the island. It covers the island’s ecosystems and natural resources in exhibits that include forestry, fishing, agriculture, and farming. A vast collection of handicrafts, furniture, and farming tools are beautifully preserved in the museum.
Information
- Name: Museo Etnográfico
- Address: Carretera General 97, Hermigua, Spain
- Phone: +34922881960
- Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 10:00 to 19:00, Sat-Sun 10:00 to 14:00
6. Discover the Heart of La Gomera
Source: Jennifer Smith
The best way to know a place is to get acquainted with the locals. When you’re close to the island, you can sometimes feel it – that touristy vibe, the Mediterranean flair – and that’s how you get to know the island. Get close to the people and understand their customs, traditions, their crafts and the techniques that have been passed on for generations. From the sophisticated crafting techniques to the stove baked traditional delicacies, you can actually taste the island’s glorious history that dates back to centuries.
7. Explore the Green La Gomera – Playa de Santiago
Source: Steffen 962
The largest of La Gomera, the Playa de Santiago is a quiet fishing town and one of the island’s most popular hotspots. This tranquil setting is a perfect base to explore the beautiful laurel forests and the volcanic mountain ranges but has its own fair share of peaceful restaurants along the water and a couple of fine bars and cafes.
8. The Tranquil Valle Gran Rey
Source: Pediant
Set in a large ravine blanketed in an exceptional beauty of the natural scenery and characterized by the lush green mountains with large palm trees, and the traditional white-washed houses, Valle Gran Rey is definitely one of the most appreciated tourist spots in the Canary Islands. This is also home to some of the best beaches in the island, famed for their aqua blue water and black sand. The lodging scene is outstanding with an excellent choice of budget hostels and upscale apartments, with a plethora of options to choose from on your leisure time.
9. Walk Around the Modest Chipude
Source: Javier Sánchez Portero
The oldest settlement on La Gomera, the modest village of Chipude houses almost a third of the World Heritage listed Garajonay National Park, and along with the parish church of La Candelaria and its fine set of traditional houses, you can take a walk along the farm of Ayala which is among the few preserved farms on La Gomera. It also preserves the dense forests of laurisilva, a key botanical treasure of the island. The municipality has several protected areas which are perfect for hiking and walking.
10. Communicate in the Whistled Language
The Silbo Gomera is a native tradition which involves communicating in a unique whistled language and it has been practiced in the island from immemorial times. The infamous whistled language is indigenous to the island and can be used to communicate over long distances using special techniques. The language is so unique that it can convey literally any message or even identify the whistler depending on the tone of the whistle. For such an unusual practice that dates back to the Roman times, it comes as a surprise that it’s still practiced by a large community of the Canary Islands.
Have a good trip and travel!
