The untouched Canary Island with empty beaches, stunning rainforest and £2.50 beers
OFTEN overlooked and maybe even forgotten by many, La Gomera is a Canary Island that’s just as beautiful as its neighbouring islands.
La Gomera is much cheaper than its sister islands, providing a different, more relaxed vibe.
Why La Gomera?
La Gomera is the third-smallest island of the Canaries, but it’s just a short flight or ferry ride from Tenerife.
The island is perfect for those who are looking for a quieter and more authentic island experience.
To locals, La Gomera is known for its black sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, pleasant temperatures all year round, and the charming city of San Sebastian de la Gomera.
According to the local tourism board, San Sebastian de la Gomera was where Christopher Columbus restocked his supplies before setting sail on his first voyage to the Americas in the 15th Century.
The island’s affordability is a significant draw for tourists. Due to their popularity, Tenerife and Gran Canaria can be more expensive, but La Gomera is still reasonably priced — even during summer.
Since accommodations and eating out are less expensive, they are appealing options for budget-conscious Brits who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
For example, a meal should set you back about €10–15 (£8 to £13), while a pint of beer costs around €3 (£2.55).
What to do in La Gomera?
The island’s centre is occupied by its untouched Garajonay National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site since the 1980s.
The park covers approximately 11 per cent of the island and is home to Laurel Forest, which has been defined as “geographically unique” by Unesco.
Holidaymakers are encouraged to visit the national park, which has multiple entry points and well-kept roads for easy exploration.
Organised excursions are said to be one of the best ways to visit it. Your guide will take you through the hike, ensuring you see all the park’s highlights without getting lost in its trails.
Whale watching is also a must in La Gomera, as the marine life surrounding the island is said to be spectacular.
In fact, a few tours are available almost every day for up-close whale and dolphin watching.
“Mirador de Abrante” offers breathtaking views of the neighbouring islands, the Agulo Valley, and the ocean.
The viewpoint has an all-glass observation platform suspended at 2,050 feet high. During the summer, it’s open until 7 p.m.
There’s also a restaurant, so you could eat and enjoy some of the island’s “most stunning views”.
Although La Gomera isn’t your typical destination for a beach holiday, there are still a few spots to enjoy the beach and sunbathing.
Most beaches here have volcanic black sand, so the scenery is quite different from the other Canaries.
One of the residents’ favourites is Playa de Santiago. It has calmer waves and a more laid-back vibe than the busier, more well-known beaches.
Once you’ve ticked all the touristy things off your list, you could visit La Rajita, a deserted village that feels like you’re stepping into the past.
You’ll find an abandoned pebble beach with calm waters and a hidden cove, which can be accessed by boat or on foot – however, the hike there is quite long and rocky.
You could also visit the smaller towns with picturesque streets and older architecture, like Hermigua and Agulo.
The typical Gomeran cuisine is also available in family-run restaurants dotted along the island. Here, you can try staple dishes such as “almogrote,” a paste made from hard cheese, peppers, olive oil, and garlic.
Nightlife isn’t one of La Gomera’s strongest suits. However, you should find some bars in the harbour area of Valle Gran Rey and San Sebastián.
When is the best time to visit La Gomera?
La Gomera’s weather is pleasant most of the year, so it’s often described as an all-year-round destination.
If you fancy fewer crowds and milder weather, the shoulder season between March and early June and September to November might be your safest bet.
However, those looking for a proper summer holiday with temperatures reaching highs of 27C might prefer to visit between June and August.
Winter visits can also be quite enjoyable with temperatures in the low teens, especially if you’re trying to escape the British weather.
The only thing to remember is that some attractions might close earlier during winter.
What are the best deals to visit La Gomera?
The easiest way to reach La Gomera is by flying to Tenerife South Airport and catching a ferry from the nearby port.
Family-run B&Bs and small hotels are the norm in La Gomera, so you won’t find any chains.
Return flights cost £186pp, while hotel rooms are available from just £30 per night.
There are quite a few Airbnb too, with prices starting from £20 per night.
Here are a few package holidays we’ve spotted to stay in La Gomera:
- 7 nights b&b at Gran Rey Hotel in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera, Spain – from £502pp
- 7 nights b&b at Hotel Playa Calera in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera, Spain – from £574pp
If you fancy visiting La Gomera as a day trip only, we have also rounded up some options for package holidays to Tenerife:
- 7 nights all-inclusive at Be Live Adults Only Tenerife in Tenerife – from £446pp
- 7 nights self-catering at Hollywood Mirage, Los Cristianos in Tenerife – from £344pp
- 7 nights b&b at Blue Sea Puerto Resort, Puerto De La Cruz in Tenerife – from £344pp
- 7 nights b&b at Sol Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife in Tenerife – from £368pp
- 7 nights self-catering at TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical in Puerto de Santiago in Tenerife – from £385pp
What else should I know about La Gomera?
The official language is Spanish, specifically Canarian Spanish. However, staff at hotels and popular attractions will speak English.
There is no time difference between La Gomera and the UK; the local currency is the euro.
There are no entry requirements for Brits visiting La Gomera.
However, your passport must have a “date of issue” less than ten years before the date you arrive and an “expiry date” at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
Visitors can spend up to 90 days in La Gomera without requiring a visa.
For more holiday inspiration, we also revealed the underrated Greek island that has surprisingly cheap package holidays this summer.
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