While it’s one of the smallest Canary Islands, there are so many interesting things to do in La Gomera. It’s one of the quietest islands in the entire Canary archipelago, so although there are few tourists, there are lots of beautiful things to see. In fact, many consider it the best Canary Island, so you don’t want to miss it!
Most visitors to La Gomera see the island during a full-day tour from Tenerife like this one. That said, there are many lovely attractions in La Gomera, so I recommend spending at least one night here.
One of the top things to see in La Gomera are the forests, which are full of trails and scenic viewpoints. This island doesn’t have large hotels or a vibrant nightlife scene, but there is plenty of nature and tranquility.
Also, besides the capital city of San Sebastián de La Gomera, all the urban centers on this island are small towns that have preserved their traditional Canarian charm, so it’s worth visiting them!
1. Visit Garajonay National Park, the best thing to do in La Gomera
Garajonay National Park is considered the best natural park in La Gomera. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, since 2021, it’s been a designated Biosphere Reserve, along with the rest of the island.
Garajonay contains a laurel forest that serves as a habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, so it looks like something out of a fairytale. For this reason alone, it’s one of the most beautiful natural spaces and attractions in La Gomera, and all of the Canary Islands.
1. Visit Garajonay National Park, the best thing to do in La Gomera
At the park’s Visitor Center, you can find all the information you need to enjoy your visit, although you might find this guided excursion to be an easier way to explore the forest. Moreover, you can learn more about the different trails and areas in the park. That said, I also suggest doing the route that takes you to El Cedro, which is one of the best places to visit in La Gomera. The 3.7-mile walking trail goes through the laurel forest, passes through a hermitage, and reaches a 490-ft waterfall.
Garajonay also has the Roque de Agando, a volcanic geological formation that’s 4,100 feet high and has become one of the most popular sights in La Gomera. Many legends and stories revolve around this natural monument, and some even believe that it’s a magical place.
2. San Sebastián de La Gomera, another must-see in La Gomera
The capital city of San Sebastián de La Gomera is one of the most important urban centers on the island. While you won’t find large resort chains or shopping centers here, there is lots of history and tranquility. Without a doubt, it’s one of La Gomera’s top 10 places to visit.
One of the best things to see in La Gomera is right in the capital city. The Casa de la Aguada has an exhibit about Columbus’ travels to America, and it’s believed that he took water from La Gomera and used it to bless the New World.
2. San Sebastián de La Gomera, another must-see in La Gomera
Another interesting thing to do in La Gomera’s capital city is visiting the Archaeological Museum of La Gomera, where you can learn about the cultural, historical, and archaeological aspects of the island. Also, to understand the geological origin of La Gomera, I recommend visiting the Casa de Bencomo.
In this city, you’ll also find some historical buildings like the Hermitage of San Sebastián and the Torre del Conde, as well as traditional farmhouses like La Laja, Vegaypala, and Tejiade. There are also lots of beaches, and while some of them are quite wild and difficult to access, they’re gorgeous.
3. Valle Gran Rey, another place to visit in La Gomera, Spain
The Valle Gran Rey is one of the most spectacular towns to see in La Gomera, as well as one of the quietest. In fact, it’s a favorite among locals when they want to take a vacation and spend some peaceful time in nature.
In the Valle Gran Rey, you’ll find some of the top beaches on the island, like Playa del Inglés, which I’ll talk about later, and the Charco del Conde, a must-see in la Gomera for families, among others.
3. Valle Gran Rey, another place to visit in La Gomera, Spain
You’ll also find awesome lookout points here, like the Curva del Queso viewpoint, from which you can get beautiful views of the valley’s ravines. There is also the Mirador de El Palmarejo, which was designed by architect César Manrique and offers stunning views.
Also, one of the top attractions in La Gomera, the Organos National Monument, is in the Valle Gran Rey. This geological formation is one of the most iconic volcanic landscapes in La Gomera and even the entire Canary archipelago.
To better experience the landscapes of Gran Rey, I recommend taking this tour, which teaches you how to do the shepherd’s jump, which was how the shepherds of La Gomera traditionally got around the island.
4. Playa del Inglés and other beaches in La Gomera
Playa del Inglés is said to be one of the best beaches in La Gomera. Located in the Valle Gran Rey in the western part of the island, the beach is clothing-optional. That said, it’s a relaxing place for the whole family, thanks to its calm waters. Moreover, this part of the valley has many other pristine beaches, although some of them are difficult to access and require a boat.
Santiago Beach is another lovely place to visit in La Gomera. The waters here are very serene, so it’s considered one of the best beaches on the island. There are also several caves and an intricate seabed, so it’s the perfect place to go diving or snorkeling. Kayaking is also popular here, so if you want to try, you can rent a kayak and all the necessary equipment here.
4. Playa del Inglés and other beaches in La Gomera
Some other beaches that you must see in La Gomera are Avalo Beach, which has a calm surf and volcanic black sand; Black Beach, which requires a bit of a walk to get to; and La Calera, which is popular among families with kids, thanks to its pleasant waters and amenities.
As you can see, the island offers plenty of beautiful beaches, so you’ll have no trouble finding a great place to swim, surf, or sunbathe!
5. Mirador de Abrante and other scenic viewpoints in La Gomera, Canary Islands
In addition to the Curva del Queso viewpoint and El Palmarejo viewpoint, which are in the Valle Gran Rey and offer beautiful panoramic views, there are other lookout points that I recommend. For example, the Abrante viewpoint is in the north part of the island and has become a popular tourist attraction in La Gomera thanks to its glass-floored walkway. If you’re not afraid of heights, be sure to check it out; it’s like being suspended in the air over the amazing island landscape.
Moreover, the Morro de Agando viewpoint is another overlook to visit, and it’s considered one of the best because it’s surrounded by other La Gomera attractions such as Garajonay, Los Roques Natural Monument, and Benchijigua Integral Natural Reserve.
5. Mirador de Abrante and other scenic viewpoints in La Gomera, Canary Islands
Another viewpoint that I recommend is the Fortress of Chipude, especially since the walk to reach it is quite gorgeous in itself. The Mirador de la Punta is also stunning and offers lovely views of the mouth of the Hemigua valley and the sea. On a clear day, you can even see Tenerife in the distance.
You’ll also get striking views from the Mirador de los Roques, which is located within Garajonay National Park; and from the Mirador de la Orilla, which overlooks the ocean.
6. Vallehermoso, a town you must see in La Gomera, Spain
Vallehermoso is one of the island’s most charming towns, so it’s a top place to visit in La Gomera. It’s in the northern part of the island, just a few miles from Garajonay National Park.
This town has an interesting historic center, and its centerpiece is the Plaza de la Constitución, which contains the Town Hall. Surrounding this square, you’ll find numerous bars, restaurants, and great people-watching.
6. Vallehermoso, a town you must see in La Gomera, Spain
There are several things to see in Vallehermoso, although the botanical garden is one of the best. It encompasses about 4 acres and has plants from all over the world, although the collection from the Americas is the most remarkable.
Another place you should go to is Roque Cano, a rock formation that stands over 820 feet tall. You can find trails from Vallehermoso that lead to this natural monument, so if you like hiking, it’s one of the best things to do in La Gomera.
If you have time, I also recommend visiting the Castillo del Mar, one of the most iconic buildings in Vallehermoso. Besides the historical architecture, you’ll get amazing views of the island with Tenerife in the background.
7. El Pescante de Hermigua, an unforgettable place to go in La Gomera
El Pescante de Hermigua is one of the points of interest in La Gomera that you shouldn’t miss. This site explains part of La Gomera’s history, and it is here that the inhabitants built davits, suspension equipment that helped them load and unload boats that were too big to bring onshore.
These days, the davits are no longer in use, but when you visit El Pescante de Hermigua, you can learn about these structures and enjoy the natural pools nearby.
7. El Pescante de Hermigua, an unforgettable place to go in La Gomera
If you decide to visit this attraction in La Gomera, you’ll see four columns rising above the great cliff. There has been talk of restructuring this area to preserve the historical heritage of this place, but for now, it’s a simple bathing area where you can refresh yourself. In any case, it’s a cool site if you’d like to see a bit more history of La Gomera.
8. Fortress of Chipude, an extraordinary place to visit in La Gomera
Climbing up to the Fortress of Chipude is one of the top activities in La Gomera. The volcanic mountain was once considered a sacred place by many of the islanders.
Today, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in La Gomera among nature lovers and hikers. The summit is about 4,000 feet above sea level, so it’s visible from practically anywhere on the island. To get there, you’ll have to trek through a narrow crevasse, which is why it was a fortress back in the day.
8. Fortress of Chipude, an extraordinary place to visit in La Gomera
The trail to the summit begins in Chipude, and from there, you must follow the signs along the stony pathway. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy incredible views of the island, and even La Palma and Tenerife. The route itself isn’t complicated, although it requires a basic fitness level and appropriate footwear.
The hike is about 1.3 miles round-trip, so you’ll need about 2 hours to complete it.
9. Barranco de Arure, one of the best hikes in La Gomera, Canary Islands
Visiting Barranco de Arure is another fun thing to do in La Gomera because you can enjoy one of the most beautiful walks on the island.
This route takes you to the Arure waterfall, which cascades down the ravine of the same name. It’s not a challenging trail, although you must be careful since there are sections that are slippery. It’ll take about an hour to complete, and there are signs leading the way.
9. Barranco de Arure, one of the best hikes in La Gomera, Canary Islands
The trail begins in Guro, a traditional hamlet on the island. The path leads to the ravine, where you can look up and see three streams that converge into the famous waterfall. I’m certain that it’ll be one of your favorite things to see in la Gomera, especially since it’s an unexpected sight among the twisting stone walls of the ravine.
10. La Gomera Ethnographic Park, a great way to get to know La Gomera
If you’re wondering what to do in la Gomera and you want to learn more about its history, visit La Gomera Ethnographic Park.
This park has a farm, a botanical garden, a mill, and a collection of important artifacts related to agriculture, the main driver of the island’s economy.
10. La Gomera Ethnographic Park, a great way to get to know La Gomera
Visiting the park is one of the best ways to learn about how traditional Canarian foods are grown, and you can also see some ancient looms that were used to create textiles. As for the botanical garden, it’s full of the diverse flora found throughout the Canary Islands, and visiting it is a great thing to do in La Gomera with kids.
I recommend taking this guided tour, which explores different areas of the park and includes a tasting of local Gomeran cuisine.
Best accommodations in La Gomera, Canary Islands
If you’re going to stay overnight or spend several days on the island, one of the best hotels is the Parador de La Gomera (one of the best paradores of Spain). It’s located in the capital city, San Sebastián de La Gomera, so it’ll be easy for you to reach practically any point on the island. That said, if you’re looking for something cheaper but you still want to stay in the capital, I recommend the Hostal Colón.
Best accommodations in La Gomera, Canary Islands
Another option is the Los Telares apartments, located in Hermigua. If you stay here, you’ll be very close to Garajonay National Park and other tourist attractions in La Gomera. I also recommend the Charco del Conde apartments, which are in the Valle Gran Rey.
There aren’t as many accommodations in la Gomera as there are in other parts of the Canary Islands, so I recommend booking in advance.
La Gomera visitor information
To help you organize your trip to La Gomera, here are some other things you should know.
How to get to La Gomera
La Gomera Airport was one of the last airports to be built in the Canary Islands, although flights aren’t too frequent, and they only connect with the other islands. As such, more travelers prefer to arrive at La Gomera by ferry from Tenerife. If you do want to fly, I always recommend using the Kiwi and Skyscanner websites to check flight schedules and prices.
That said, I think the best option to get to La Gomera is by taking the ferry from Tenerife. The boat leaves from Los Cristianos, so the closest airport is Tenerife South. You can check schedules and rates here.
Moreover, many visitors opt for a day tour from Tenerife to La Gomera. In this case, I recommend this day trip that starts from the south or this one that starts from the north. Both tours include round-trip transportation from Tenerife, a guide, and transfers in La Gomera.
How to get around La Gomera
The best way to get around the island is by rental car, as it’s the only way to have total freedom in where you go. We always reserve rental vehicles through the DiscoverCars website, which finds the best deals and prices.
If you don’t have a license or don’t want to drive, La Gomera has a good public transportation system. There are taxis, tours, and buses; you can check schedules and routes here.
Where to eat in La Gomera
In La Gomera, you’ll find lots of restaurants where you can dine on traditional Canarian dishes. My favorite place to eat is Tasca Telémaco, which is in Hermigua and has a varied menu with fairly affordable prices. Plus, all of their products are of the freshest and highest quality.
If you’re looking for a restaurant in San Sebastián de La Gomera, I recommend Ágape Bistro. It serves delicious dishes, many of them vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for all types of travelers.
I also recommend eating at Laguna Grande, which is near Garajonay National Park. It’s one of the best restaurants in La Gomera, but it can get crowded, so I don’t recommend going during the lunch or dinner rush.
I’m sure you won’t have any problems finding a place to eat in La Gomera, no matter where you go. The island’s eateries are full of different types of cuisine and prices!
Map of La Gomera
Now that you have all the information you need to visit this island, here is a map with all the restaurants, hotels, and points of interest in La Gomera that I mentioned. I suggest keeping this map of La Gomera handy, as it will help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Finally, I wish you a safe trip to La Gomera, Canary Islands!
