Highlights of La Gomera

The second-smallest island of the Canaries, La Gomera has many qualities which make it a must-see island to visit. Its authentic villages, beautiful beaches, stunning gorges, and welcoming locals are just a few reasons to see the island. Perhaps the landscape, culture and history of La Gomera can best be reflected in La Gomera's special whistling language, known as 'El Silbo'. This, the only means of communication like it on the planet, has been written about since Roman times, and helped the natives defy the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century. It was adopted by the settlers though, and since the turn of the century has been on the primary school syllabus. For La Gomera's 20,000 inhabitants and their forefathers, such a language would have been crucial in order to negotiate the island's circular landmass, cut through by deep ravines (or barrancos) and valleys. Be it the weather, marriage, new life, death or the price of a goat, they had whistled words to describe it. That very same landmass is now an adventure playground for walkers. From the 1,487 metre high of Garajonay mountain, which wears a permanent headband of cloud and mist, to the national park surrounding it, there are many hiking trails of varying length and difficulty. The jungle-like expanse near the top which catches the moisture from the trade winds juxtaposes the heat of the cliffs towards the ocean. This Atlantic island, which still remains largely unaffected by tourism, is a true paradise for active and sporty holidaymakers. Fascinating dive trips, spectacular mountain bike tours, and excellent beaches around the island make La Gomera an ideal holiday destination. You won't be limited to just the summer seasons, as temperatures in the Canaries are mild all year round. The tourist haven Valle Gran Rey, the capital San Sebastián, the fishing village Playa de Santiago, and the northerly region of Vallehermoso are just some of the recommended destinations while travelling around the island. Altogether, La Gomera is an unspoilt and authentic Canary island appealing to those who want to relax, as well as those who seek a more active holiday. Families, couples, and single travellers in search of an untouched piece of nature will also enjoy the island.

How to get there:

As it sits in Tenerife's shadow, a majority of visits to La Gomera are via a 40-minute ferry ride from the larger island. La Gomera, along with El Hierro, doesn't accommodate flights from mainland Europe but just a few from within the Canary Islands. Arriving by boat and not commercial aircraft helps retain the sense of mystery you'll undoubtedly feel when setting foot on La Gomera; the slow swagger of life will stay with you even when on hikes or drives.