Looking for more information about the small and mysterious island of La Gomera?
This beautiful volcanic outcrop is located a short 50-minute ferry ride from Tenerife and can even be seen from its eastern beaches. However, the two islands are worlds apart when it comes to culture, infrastructure, and raw natural beauty.
Here, you won’t find many nightclubs, water parks, or cafes touting a full English Breakfast. Instead, you will discover verdant valleys, soaring rock formations, stunning flora and fauna, and unspoilt local culture.
If you want to escape the hubbub of Tenerife for the day – or you simply prefer a less hectic and more authentic holiday – it is certainly worth hopping on the ferry to La Gomera.
Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about visiting this undiscovered Atlantic gem.
Weather in La Gomera
La Gomera has a beautiful climate and is perfect for that winter sun holiday. When the nights are drawing in at home, the days are still long and sunny in La Gomera.
The south coast is the most protected, with temperatures hovering comfortably above 18°C during the day for most of the winter months. In the summer, this can rise to an idyllic 26°C with rainy days a rare occurrence. It is also less windy than some other islands in the Canaries.
How to Get to La Gomera
Tenerife is the nearest island with a well-serviced international airport. There are two options to get to La Gomera from Tenerife: ferry or air.
Getting to La Gomera by Plane
If you want to fly, use Tenerife North airport then take the Binter Canarian Airlines flight to the small Gomerian airport just outside Playa Santiago.
There are two flights per day leaving at 09.30 and 17.00 and returning at 10.30 and 17.50.
The more affordable and most popular option is to fly into Tenerife South Airport and then take the ferry. Try to choose a flight that arrives early in the day for the best choice of ferries, and then take a short taxi ride to Los Cristiano port.
Ferries to La Gomera
The two companies which operate ferries to La Gomera from Tenerife are Fred Olsen and Armas. Both are fairly similar in terms of price and facilities aboard, so it really depends on your timings. Below is the timetable for both companies (last updated April 2024).
Ferries to La Gomera from Tenerife typically cost about €90 for a round-trip ticket.
Fred Olsen Mon – Sat
Tenerife to La Gomera: 09.30, 16.00, 20.00
La Gomera to Tenerife: 07.00, 14.00, 17.30
Fred Olsen Sunday
Tenerife to La Gomera: 09.30, 13.00, 16.00, 20.30
La Gomera to Tenerife: 08.00,14.30, 17.30
Armas Mon – Fri
Tenerife to La Gomera: 08.45, 15.00, 18.45
La Gomera to Tenerife: 7.15, 12.00, 17.00
Armas Saturday
Tenerife to La Gomera: 08.45, 14.30, 18.45
La Gomera to Tenerife: 07.15, 13.00, 17.00
Armas Sunday
Tenerife to La Gomera: 8.45, 14.30, 18.00, 21.00
La Gomera to Tenerife: 7.15, 13.00, 16.30, 19.45
There is a cafe at the port if you have to wait but there are also cafes onboard both lines serving sandwiches and Canarian-style food.
You can take cars on board both ferries, but be careful if you plan on hiring a car in Tenerife as most rental companies will not let you take the car off the island. A better plan is to get a taxi from the airport to the port, and this can be booked in advance by a reliable transfer company called Sun Transfers.
At the port, you can pop your luggage in the lockers on trailers at the quayside, which are then towed onto the ferry. Alternatively, you can carry your own luggage aboard.
You will arrive on La Gomera in San Sebastian – the largest town on the island and the main port. From there you have four options to get to your destination.
• Taxis: The port is well served by taxis but they are difficult to book in advance.
• Ferry: There is a further smaller Fred Olsen passenger ferry which will take you south around the coast to Playa Santiago or Valle Gran Rey.
• Bus: Bus routes go to most destinations on the island but are always busy and slow.
• Hire Car: This is the least advisable option if you have not visited the island before as whilst the roads are mostly double carriageway and well surfaced, the hairpin bends and vertical drops make for some heart-stopping moments. If you are undeterred by the roads, then try Cicar for your car rental in La Gomera.
Where to stay on La Gomera
PLaya Santiago
Playa Santiago has the accolade of being the sunniest spot in Europe, along with a striking stretch of volcanic sand backed by a charming, whitewashed town. Just outside the village is Hotel Jardin Tecina which has its own beach club with access to the pebble beach and a golf club (the only one on the island), tennis club as well as a lovely pool area.
Valle Gran Ray
Valle Gran Rey is another popular area on the south coast. This valley town is located in a spectacular ravine that meanders all the way down to the beach. Hotel Gran Rey is the largest in this resort with a lovely restaurant and pool overlooking the sea. The beach close by is volcanic sand and pebbles. This hotel also has a tennis court.
Vallehermoso
Vallehermoso on the north of the Island offers an authentic island experience. This town is slightly inland but has great excess to hiking in La Gomera’s National Park, Garajonay. The beach is a couple of miles away. There are a few pension-style hotels such as Hotel Rural Triana.
San Sebastian
San Sebastian is the main town on the Island and has more bars, restaurants, and shops but it very much serves the local community and only takes a day to explore. It is definitely worth visiting at the end of January when it comes to life as the locals converge from all corners of the island in traditional costumes for La Gomera’s Carnival. Set slightly above the town is the beautiful Parador de la Gomera, definitely worth staying at for a real treat.
What to do on La Gomera
Hiking
Hiking on La Gomera is simply spectacular. The ancient routes are well-marked and graded like ski slopes, crisscrossing the entire Island. They often have well-maintained stone steps and can rise and drop thousands of feet for the most spectacular views.
There are less challenging walks in the Garajonnay National Park at the centre of the Island, taking in rainforest villages and stunning views. The bus routes from most coastal areas take you to the highest point on the island where it is possible to descend all the way to the coast. Remember however to take a warm jacket and water as it can be a lot colder and more isolated in the rainforest.
Beaches
La Gomera beaches are generally very unspoilt and uncrowded. In the south, they often have large pebbles whilst further north they are striking black sand and shale. The crystal clear waters are abundant with marine life, and boat trips to spot several species of whale and dolphin are also available.
Swimming in the sea is to be undertaken with caution and not permitted at some times of the year as the waves are large and the undercurrent strong. As a result, at Vallehermoso there is a swimming pool next to the beach and most of the hotels have their own pool.
Golf
La Gomera golf is confined to one course but what a gem this is! Based at Tecina hotel but open to non-residents, the course boasts a view of Mount Teide on Tenerife from nearly every hole. Cut dramatically into the hillside, it winds its way down through amazing tropical plants and trees. It is hard enough to appeal to the low handicapper, but not so difficult that it would put off golfers of most other abilities.
So, there you have it! Small and unspoilt, La Gomera is the ideal choice for those who prefer to take the path less trodden, with truly inspiring views and colourful coastal towns to take in. Happy travelling!
Looking for more stunning spots in Europe? Check out this guide to the prettiest places to visit in Portugal!
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