Canary Islands Holiday photos and travel information about La Gomera	La Gomera	Submit your holiday photos
Home \| Submit Photos \| Canary Islands Map

Canary Islands

Holiday photos and travel information about La Gomera

La Gomera

Submit your holiday photos

Home | Submit Photos | Canary Islands Map


La Gomera Click on the map to see our photo gallery for La Gomera. The map requested shows only a limited number of the resorts on the island, if the resort you are looking for is not indicated on the map, please don't give up. If you are looking for a specific resort or place, you may find by browsing through our image gallery that you will find the location you are looking for and a brief summary of the place or image submitted. We hope to give you a good idea about the location, hotels and places of interest to help you make your mind up and find the perfect holiday destination for you. Click HERE to see our image gallery of the island you have chosen. If you find the holiday destination you are looking for, why not submit your favourite holiday photos and help others in there quest to find their perfect holiday destination. About La Gomera La Gomera is the second smallest island of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is located at 28°06′N 17°08′W. The island is of volcanic origin and roughly circular, about 15 miles in diameter and rising to nearly 5000 feet at the central peak of Garajonay. It is shaped rather like half of a peeled orange from which the segments have been parted, leaving deep ravines or barrancos which are coated, like icing, with laurisilva - or laurel rain forest. The upper reaches of this densely wooded region are almost permanently shrouded in cloud and swirling mist, which has created lush and diverse vegetation. This is the Garajonay National Park which enjoys UNESCO recognition and protection of the environment. The slopes are criss-crossed by paths, presenting varying levels of challenge to walkers, and stunning views to reward the energetic. The central mountains catch the moisture from the trade wind clouds and create a jungle climate rich in vegetation high in the cooler air, which contrasts with the warmer sun-baked cliffs near sea level. Between these extremes is a fascinating range of vegetation, and the Gomerans have for centuries farmed the lower levels, channeling water for the irrigation of their vines, fruits and vegetables, such as bananas. In 2003, some 19,580 people lived on La Gomera. The local wine is distinctive, and complements a tapa (snack) of Gomerian cheese, roasted pork or goat meat. The Gomerans have a unique way of communicating across the barrancos (valleys) by an amazing kind of whistled speech called Silbo. Invented by the original inhabitants of the island, the Guanches, Silbo was adopted by the Spanish settlers in the 16th century and survived after the extinction of the Guanches. When this unique medium of communication was about to die out early in the 21st century, the local government required all children to learn it in school. Christopher Columbus made La Gomera his last port of call before crossing the Atlantic in 1492. The house in San Sebastián in which he stayed is now a tourist attraction.
Around the Island The island is not well known for its beaches, in fact most visitors to La Gomera come for the peace and quite and natural beauty of the countryside. The beaches tend to be very choppy with large waves and a strong back current, ok for the experienced surfer but the average swimmer needs to take care. La Gomera is more favoured for its walking holidays, the steep valleys and high mountains make this area one of the most attractive area in the Canary Islands. There are also many other sporting activities on the island as well as some first class accommodation to be had. Daily boat excursions from one of the little ports are well worth going on to see the local coast line and if your lucky the dolphins that are seen on a regular basis. San Sebastian de la Gomera The islands capital is San Sebastian has a little dark sand and some times stoney beach. The beach is in the centre of the resort near the port from where you can get a ferry to and from Los Cristianos Tenerife. The beach has a number of facilities and is also surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. Tourists wandering through the resort will invariably end up in the centre of the town at the Plaza de America. Playa Santiago The little harbour at Playa santiago protects the beach and make it ideal for families. The beach is a mixture of sane and stone and has crystal clear waters that make this beach one of the few beaches on the island where you can snorkel. Playa Caleta Playa Caleta is sheltered cove made up from black sand and pebbles and ideal for bathing and snorkeling. The beach has become more and more popular with the tourists and some facilities are available. Valle Gran Rey (Vueltas & El Charco) Valle Gran Rey is located up against a very steep hilly back drop on the south west coast of the island. The village is built into the terraced landscape and is one of the most picturesque parts of the island. The valley descends towards the sea where you will find the two resorts of Vueltas and El Charco. The sandy beaches on this coast can be a little calmer than the rest of the island but beware the currents are still strong in this area. Playa del Ingles Playa del Ingles is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The dark sandy beach is ideal but beware the currents are quite strong here and the volcanic rocks can catch you out in the water if you are not careful. Santa Catalina A beautiful stretch of black sandy beach used predominantly by surfers who make the most of the high waves. There are facilities on this beach and you will find restaurants and bars in the resort. Other Information about La Gomera (Wikitravel.org) Beaches There are beaches at the end of most valleys, of varying quality. Valle Gran Rey has safe sandy beaches at Vueltas and El Charco (literally 'The Puddle'). Swimming can be challenging and even dangerous on the open beaches around the island. Playa la Caleta, near Hermigua, has a bar/restaurant on the beach. There is a semi-nude beach (clothing is optional) called Playa del Ingles behind La Playa in Valle Gran Rey. However, it's rocky and very dangerous for swimming especially when the sea is rough. There is a warning sign on the beach saying that the latest (fatal?) accident happened in the end of 2005, so keep this in mind if you think about taking a dip there. Walking Most visitors come for the top class walking. There are many paths all over the island, from gentle strolls through the rainforest to all day treks. Several firms offer guided walks, which can be useful if you don't have transport or want to do a point to point walk. One of these companies is Timah. They offer guided walks at around 30 EUR each (including the transportation to the starting point of the walk as well as the trip back) with English and German speaking guides. Another company offering walks is Viajes Temocoda. Temocoda's walks are a little bit more expensive but lunch is included in the price. Visit the tourist office in Valle Gran Rey (Calle Lepanto, s/n. La Playa) or the various travel agencies in Valle Gran Rey for information about other providers of walks. Agencies can usually make the booking for you, but at least Timah has an office in Valle Gran Rey (La Puntilla) and you can book your walk there as well. Guided walks can be recommended not only because they include transportation and free you from the infrequent bus service, but the guides will tell you all sorts of interesting tidbits about the island. However, if you decide to set out on your own, get a book which offers detailed descriptions of available routes such The Landscapes of Southern Tenerife and La Gomera by Sunflower Books. A good map in addition to guidebooks is also handy - at least Kompass and Freydag & Berndt offer maps of La Gomera. Normal precautions regarding walking on your own apply on La Gomera, too. Always make sure that somebody knows where you are headed and when you can be expected to return. Pack rain and windproof warm clothing in your day pack even it it's nice and sunny when you leave. Also, don't forget to take a cell phone and a torch with you, drinking water and something to eat. Walking in heavy rain might be dangerous due to rock falls and landslides. Mountain biking The Bike Station at Gomera offers guided mountain biking tours of varied difficulty. They also rent bikes and offer a shuttle service up to Laguna Grande in Garajonay national park from where you can ride down on your own. Be careful when riding down as the roads are steep and have tight bends. There are also two tunnels when coming down to Valle Gran Rey. The second and longer one can be circumvented by using the old road instead which goes by the mountain side (it starts on the right hand side of the tunnel entrance). However, extreme care is required as the railings on the old road are not in top notch condition anymore and there are also plenty of big rocks and other debris on the road. When you drive in the tunnels make sure you have a headlight and a back light (or at least a red reflector) so that cars can see you well ahead. Never ride without a helmet.
Top of Page ©Copyright http://www.holidayphotosite.co.uk All rights reserved.

La Gomera

Click on the map to see our photo gallery for La Gomera.

The map requested shows only a limited number of the resorts on the island, if the resort you are looking for is not indicated on the map, please don't give up. If you are looking for a specific resort or place, you may find by browsing through our image gallery that you will find the location you are looking for and a brief summary of the place or image submitted.

We hope to give you a good idea about the location, hotels and places of interest to help you make your mind up and find the perfect holiday destination for you.

Click HERE to see our image gallery of the island you have chosen.

If you find the holiday destination you are looking for, why not submit your favourite holiday photos and help others in there quest to find their perfect holiday destination.

About La Gomera

La Gomera is the second smallest island of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is located at 28°06′N 17°08′W.

The island is of volcanic origin and roughly circular, about 15 miles in diameter and rising to nearly 5000 feet at the central peak of Garajonay. It is shaped rather like half of a peeled orange from which the segments have been parted, leaving deep ravines or barrancos which are coated, like icing, with laurisilva - or laurel rain forest.
The upper reaches of this densely wooded region are almost permanently shrouded in cloud and swirling mist, which has created lush and diverse vegetation. This is the Garajonay National Park which enjoys UNESCO recognition and protection of the environment. The slopes are criss-crossed by paths, presenting varying levels of challenge to walkers, and stunning views to reward the energetic.
The central mountains catch the moisture from the trade wind clouds and create a jungle climate rich in vegetation high in the cooler air, which contrasts with the warmer sun-baked cliffs near sea level.
Between these extremes is a fascinating range of vegetation, and the Gomerans have for centuries farmed the lower levels, channeling water for the irrigation of their vines, fruits and vegetables, such as bananas.

In 2003, some 19,580 people lived on La Gomera.
The local wine is distinctive, and complements a tapa (snack) of Gomerian cheese, roasted pork or goat meat.
The Gomerans have a unique way of communicating across the barrancos (valleys) by an amazing kind of whistled speech called Silbo. Invented by the original inhabitants of the island, the Guanches, Silbo was adopted by the Spanish settlers in the 16th century and survived after the extinction of the Guanches. When this unique medium of communication was about to die out early in the 21st century, the local government required all children to learn it in school.
Christopher Columbus made La Gomera his last port of call before crossing the Atlantic in 1492. The house in San Sebastián in which he stayed is now a tourist attraction.

Around the Island

The island is not well known for its beaches, in fact most visitors to La Gomera come for the peace and quite and natural beauty of the countryside. The beaches tend to be very choppy with large waves and a strong back current, ok for the experienced surfer but the average swimmer needs to take care.

La Gomera is more favoured for its walking holidays, the steep valleys and high mountains make this area one of the most attractive area in the Canary Islands. There are also many other sporting activities on the island as well as some first class accommodation to be had. Daily boat excursions from one of the little ports are well worth going on to see the local coast line and if your lucky the dolphins that are seen on a regular basis.

San Sebastian de la Gomera

The islands capital is San Sebastian has a little dark sand and some times stoney beach. The beach is in the centre of the resort near the port from where you can get a ferry to and from Los Cristianos Tenerife. The beach has a number of facilities and is also surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. Tourists wandering through the resort will invariably end up in the centre of the town at the Plaza de America.

Playa Santiago

The little harbour at Playa santiago protects the beach and make it ideal for families. The beach is a mixture of sane and stone and has crystal clear waters that make this beach one of the few beaches on the island where you can snorkel.

Playa Caleta

Playa Caleta is sheltered cove made up from black sand and pebbles and ideal for bathing and snorkeling. The beach has become more and more popular with the tourists and some facilities are available.

Valle Gran Rey (Vueltas & El Charco)

Valle Gran Rey is located up against a very steep hilly back drop on the south west coast of the island. The village is built into the terraced landscape and is one of the most picturesque parts of the island. The valley descends towards the sea where you will find the two resorts of Vueltas and El Charco. The sandy beaches on this coast can be a little calmer than the rest of the island but beware the currents are still strong in this area.

Playa del Ingles

Playa del Ingles is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The dark sandy beach is ideal but beware the currents are quite strong here and the volcanic rocks can catch you out in the water if you are not careful.

Santa Catalina

A beautiful stretch of black sandy beach used predominantly by surfers who make the most of the high waves. There are facilities on this beach and you will find restaurants and bars in the resort.

Other Information about La Gomera (Wikitravel.org)

Beaches

There are beaches at the end of most valleys, of varying quality. Valle Gran Rey has safe sandy beaches at Vueltas and El Charco (literally 'The Puddle'). Swimming can be challenging and even dangerous on the open beaches around the island. Playa la Caleta, near Hermigua, has a bar/restaurant on the beach. There is a semi-nude beach (clothing is optional) called Playa del Ingles behind La Playa in Valle Gran Rey. However, it's rocky and very dangerous for swimming especially when the sea is rough. There is a warning sign on the beach saying that the latest (fatal?) accident happened in the end of 2005, so keep this in mind if you think about taking a dip there.

Walking

Most visitors come for the top class walking. There are many paths all over the island, from gentle strolls through the rainforest to all day treks. Several firms offer guided walks, which can be useful if you don't have transport or want to do a point to point walk.

One of these companies is Timah. They offer guided walks at around 30 EUR each (including the transportation to the starting point of the walk as well as the trip back) with English and German speaking guides. Another company offering walks is Viajes Temocoda. Temocoda's walks are a little bit more expensive but lunch is included in the price.

Visit the tourist office in Valle Gran Rey (Calle Lepanto, s/n. La Playa) or the various travel agencies in Valle Gran Rey for information about other providers of walks. Agencies can usually make the booking for you, but at least Timah has an office in Valle Gran Rey (La Puntilla) and you can book your walk there as well.

Guided walks can be recommended not only because they include transportation and free you from the infrequent bus service, but the guides will tell you all sorts of interesting tidbits about the island.

However, if you decide to set out on your own, get a book which offers detailed descriptions of available routes such The Landscapes of Southern Tenerife and La Gomera by Sunflower Books. A good map in addition to guidebooks is also handy - at least Kompass and Freydag & Berndt offer maps of La Gomera.

Normal precautions regarding walking on your own apply on La Gomera, too. Always make sure that somebody knows where you are headed and when you can be expected to return. Pack rain and windproof warm clothing in your day pack even it it's nice and sunny when you leave. Also, don't forget to take a cell phone and a torch with you, drinking water and something to eat.

Walking in heavy rain might be dangerous due to rock falls and landslides.

Mountain biking

The Bike Station at Gomera offers guided mountain biking tours of varied difficulty. They also rent bikes and offer a shuttle service up to Laguna Grande in Garajonay national park from where you can ride down on your own.

Be careful when riding down as the roads are steep and have tight bends. There are also two tunnels when coming down to Valle Gran Rey. The second and longer one can be circumvented by using the old road instead which goes by the mountain side (it starts on the right hand side of the tunnel entrance). However, extreme care is required as the railings on the old road are not in top notch condition anymore and there are also plenty of big rocks and other debris on the road. When you drive in the tunnels make sure you have a headlight and a back light (or at least a red reflector) so that cars can see you well ahead. Never ride without a helmet.

Top of Page