20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LA GOMERA: A GUIDE TO LA GOMERA, THE ISLAND PARADISE.
La Gomera, a tiny island in the Atlantic ocean, is located close to Tenerife but could not be more different. Often overshadowed by the larger islands, La Gomera offers travellers a quiet, relaxing and authentic Canaries experience.
We were completely taken aback by the beauty of La Gomera. It may sound trite but the tropical plants, mountains and volcanic beaches are breathtaking. La Gomera was more modern, with better gastronomy and infrastructure than we expected. The island maintains it’s history and culture, but it was different to what we expected – certainly locals we met were not using the whistling language that is oft referred to in reports about La Gomera.
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil escape to relax, or outdoor adventure, La Gomera has a lot to offer. This blog post provides all you need to know to visit the island, including the 20 best things to do in La Gomera.
Short of time?
La Gomera top picks 😍
Short on time? Some of our top recommendations for La Gomera are:
Accommodation 🏨
MID-RANGE: Hotel Torre Del Conde
LUXURY: Parador de La Gomera
Tours/Activities 🎫
Transport 🚌
Book ferries in advance from Tenerife to La Gomera.
Is there much to do in La Gomera?
In short, there is loads to see and do in La Gomera. La Gomera is often described as a peaceful, quiet and even sleepy island. Whilst La Gomera is beautiful, and certainly tranquil, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty to do.
It is true that mass tourism hasn’t hit it yet, but there is a steady stream of visitors. As more visitors arrive, there is a wider range of more interesting and informative travel experiences on La Gomera. In our list of 20 amazing things to do in La Gomera, you’ll find wine tasting, cooking courses and boat tours.
As well as these tours & activities, La Gomera has so much natural beauty – with national parks, incredible beaches and quaint mountain villages to explore.
20 best things to do in La Gomera
Read on to find our guide to the best 20 things to do in La Gomera.
1/ Wine tasting in La Gomera
La Gomera boasts several local vineyards that capitalize on the volcanic soil to produce distinct wines.
A visit to Niray Winery offers an intimate tasting experience where you can learn about the winemaking process and sample local La Gomera wines. La Gomera is known for it’s fresh aromatic white wine, which tends to be made from the Forastera Gomera grape.
With a wine tasting tour, you can take a tour of Niray Winery before tasting the wine with some tapas.
2/ Roque de Agando
La Gomera has a number of “Roques”, these are geological features that have been formed from volcanic activity. The Roques are a distinctive feature of the La Gomera landscape.
One of the most iconic is Roque de Agando, which stands proud. Locals believe that the Roque de Agando is a lucky stone. We hiked the GR131 trail which had excellent views of the Roque, but you can also drive to see it from the Mirador Roque de Agando.
3/ Taste local cheese at a mountain restaurant
Throughout the Canary Islands there are many farms producing goat cheese. La Gomera is no different, with local goat cheese produced by small outlets around the island.
We recommend heading inland to a beautiful restaurant Dejavu in the mountains, in the village of Pavon. Here you enjoy a cheese platter alongside a glass of wine. To work up an appetite, hike in the Senal de Sendero area before lunch.
4/ Visit the village of Agulo
Agulo, often referred to as the “green balcony” of La Gomera, is arguably one of the island’s most picturesque villages. Found between majestic mountains and the vast Atlantic, Agulo offers breathtaking views that make it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Agulo is characterized by its well-preserved colonial architecture and narrow, winding streets that exude a step-back-in-time feel. Stop by for a coffee and a wander for an hour or so, before visiting nearby Hermigua.
5/ Visit Miradors around the island
One of the best things to do in La Gomera, especially if you’re looking for a spot of romance, is to visit the Miradors around the island. Miradors are view points, in La Gomera the Miradors are simply spectacular, offering views over the ocean or the lush landscape.
From the panoramic views at Mirador de Abrante, where you can gaze down from a glass skywalk, to the serene overlook at Mirador del Santo, each spot offers a unique perspective of the island’s lush landscapes and rugged coastline
6/ Walk in the rain forest
Garajonay National Park is one of the most famous areas of La Gomera. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect place for an enchanting wander. We walked through it on the GR131 footpath, but there are numerous trails running through the park. Garajonay is referred to as a “rain forest”, because the mist falls like rain at certain times of the year.
You can also book a hiking guide to help you navigate through the Laurel forests, without getting lost! Find more details on hiking tours in Garajonay National Park here.
7/Hike in Valle Gran Rey
Valle Gran Rey is one of the largest towns on the island, surrounded by beautiful hiking spaces. Known for its terraced landscapes and palm-filled valleys. It offers a variety of trails that provide both challenging hikes and leisurely walks.
One of the most popular hikes in the area is Baranco de Arure, a 3.5km out and back trail. Find more details here.
If you’d rather not hike independently, you can also book a hiking tour from Valle Gran Rey.
8/ Explore San Sebastian de La Gomera
The historical capital, San Sebastian de La Gomera, is rich in history. It was the last port that Christopher Columbus visited before his voyage across the Atlantic.
Explore sites like Torre del Conde, a well-preserved medieval fort, drink wine as you watch the sun go down and dine at the excellent restaurants in town.
For a special treat, head to the Restaurant of the Parador in San Sebastian La Gomera. Set high on the cliff tops above the city, it has excellent views and a formal but warm atmosphere.
9/ Whale and Dolphin Watching
The waters around La Gomera are a sanctuary for various species of whales and dolphins. Numerous boat tours offer the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close.
This whale watching tour in La Gomera, lasts around 3-4 hours and is on a comfortable and fun vintage boat. The tour also includes snacks and drinks. We think it’s a pretty good value tour!
10/ Visit Hermigua
Hermigua is a town on the island of La Gomera, and in our view one of the prettiest. It has a very local feel, with football pitches, bars with packed terraces and the buzz of comings and goings around town.
We found a wonderful spot to eat called Tasca Telemaco in Hermigua, which serves modern dishes and has a white washed terrace, with good music and a relaxed vibe.
Whilst you are in the area, walk or drive down to Santa Catalina bay, a few minutes from Hermigua.
11/ Relax at Playa Santiago
This quieter beach is perfect for those looking to unwind. Playa Santiago is a quaint beach town, reminiscent of “old school” Spanish fishing towns from days gone by.
If you’d rather something more active, you can try kayaking and paddle boarding on the water of Playa Santiago. Blissful on a hot day.
We enjoyed a few relaxing days in Playa Santiago, lazing on the beach by day and visiting wine bars and restaurants in the evening. One thing to note, if you do visit Playa Santiago, is the restaurants get booked up in advance. This took us by surprise, as it’s a quiet town, but many of the eateries are top rated and thus popular.
If you can get a booking at Restaurante Pizzeria La Marea or Restaurante La Cuevita, both are top notch.
12/ Learn to make Mojo at a cooking class
Mojo, either Mojo Rojo or Mojo Verde (Red or Green) is a pepper based sauce, with a hint of spice and vinegar. You’ll see it everywhere in the Canaries.
In La Gomera, you can take a cooking class to learn how to make Mojo so you can take the recipe home with you. I have to be honest, food in the Canaries wasn’t our favourite, but we did both love the Mojo sauce!
The workshop lasts around 3.5 hours and the host can speak multiple languages.
13/ Hike around the coast on the GR132
The GR132 trail encircles La Gomera, offering hikers stunning views of the coastline and access to remote parts of the island. It’s perfect for those who enjoy long-distance trekking. But, it is a tough hike!
If you don’t have time to do the whole thing, you could pick a one day stretch, such as from Playa Santiago along the coast.
Find more information on our guide to the GR132 here.
14/ Hike across the island on the GR131
For a more challenging endeavor, the GR131 crosses La Gomera and involves high elevation changes, providing dramatic views over the island and beyond. This route is recommended for experienced hikers and takes two to three days to do the whole thing.
Find our guide to the GR131 in La Gomera here.
15/ Go stargazing
La Gomera is a stargzer’s paradise, thanks to the pristine skies that are free from light pollution. There are various points around the island that are known for stargazing – Alto de Garajonay (the highest point of La Gomera), Mirador de los Roques and Medio Beach. But, we saw spectacular stars from just about everywhere on the island at night. It is something that we will remember forever.
16/ Swim in a tidal pool
Although the sea around La Gomera is quite calm, especially in San Sebastian and Playa Santiago, families visiting La Gomera may wish to head to the tidal pool in Valle Gran Rey. Charco del Conde is a natural swimming pool, formed by volcanic rock which offers a uniquely relaxing swimming experience in La Gomera.
17/ Learn the art of basket weaving
Basket weaving is an ancient craft on the island. Participate in a workshop to learn this traditional skill from local artisans. Not only will you learn to make a basket from Palm Broom, but you’ll also take a walk with a local who will teach you all about the culture of La Gomera.
18/ Farm shops and coffees in Vallehermoso
Vallehermoso, in the northern part of the island, is known for its rich agricultural products. Visit local farm shops to taste and buy organic products, and enjoy freshly brewed local coffee in the town square.
A few kilometers away is Playa de Vallehermoso, a pretty beach. Unfortunately the tidal pool is closed, but the beach is still very pleasant. You can also hike up the cliff to the right of the beach for very special views (and a workout!)
19/ Visit mountain village Chipude
Chipude is one of the oldest villages in La Gomera, offering spectacular mountain views and unique cultural insights. The village is famous for its pottery and traditional Gomeran architecture. There are also some delightful bars, perfect for a small beer in the afternoon.
20/ Learn about bee keeping on the island
Beekeeping is an essential part of rural life in La Gomera. Join a beekeeping tour to see how local honey is made and learn about the importance of bees in the ecosystem.
This three hour tour, styled as “De Flor en Flor” (from flower to flower) will allow you to see La Gomera’s natural environment. You’ll even get to wear a bee keeping suit and finish with a honey tasting.
All your questions about visiting La Gomera answered
Is La Gomera worth visiting for a day?
Personally, I would recommend spending at least three days in La Gomera to truly appreciate the beauty of the whole island. However, I do understand that not everyone has time to do this.
It is possible to get from Tenerife to La Gomera by taking a short ferry ride (around 30-40 minutes), thus it is possible to visit La Gomera from Tenerife for one day. If you do this, I would recommend booking a tour to ensure that you can see as much of the island as possible with ease.
There are many tours available, but this tour includes the transport from Tenerife to La Gomera, as well as a full tour around the island. If I was travelling to La Gomera for a day, I would choose something like this to make the day as relaxing as possible.
How many days should you spend in La Gomera?
Ideally, I would suggest at least three days if you want to see the whole island and get a good sense of La Gomera. If you only had two days, or 48 hours, you could see the capital and take in a few sights around the island.
If you had longer in La Gomera, perhaps a week, this would be a perfect amount of time to sight see and have some time to relax on the beach.
Where is the best place to stay in La Gomera
If you are planning to use public transport, or you only have a few days in La Gomera, we recommend staying in San Sebastian La Gomera.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Torre Del Conde is a centrally located hotel in San Sebastian la Gomera. A three star hotel, with great views of the ocean.
LUXURY: For luxury, Parador de La Gomera is the best place to stay in San Sebastian La Gomera. Part of the prestigious Parador hotel chain, this place has incredible views and upscale design.
If you have longer to spend in La Gomera, you could consider staying in Hermigua, Playa Santiago or Valle Gran Rey.
Best time of year to visit La Gomera
On paper, the best time to visit La Gomera is between April and October when temperatures are higher, but it really depends what you hope to do during your visit to the island. We visited in January/ February, predominately to hike and this was ideal!
Here’s an overview of the best time of year to visit La Gomera.
Spring (March-May): Experience comfortable temperatures with blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds, ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Autumn (September-November): Enjoy warm weather with lower humidity and perfect conditions for hiking. This is also prime whale watching season.
How to get to La Gomera
La Gomera is accessible by ferry from Tenerife, the closest major island with an international airport. The ferry ride from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to San Sebastián de La Gomera takes about an hour, offering beautiful views along the way. We recommend booking your ferry in advance as they can get quite busy – especially with tour groups.
It is also possible to fly from Tenerife to La Gomera.
Do you need a car to get around La Gomera?
Generally, it is advised to rent a car if you plan to travel extensively around the island. However, you don’t need to do in order to explore La Gomera.
If you don’t fancy hiring a car, or you are on a budget, we would recommend using local buses to get around the island.
Unfortunately, the timetables aren’t available on Google Maps, but you can find up to date bus schedules on the bus company website and in bus stops. Our experience of using the buses was good – they were generally reliable, on time and comfortable. Find Gua Gua Bus website here.
Another handy option is to use the small ferry that runs between San Sebastian, Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago. The ferry is a little over priced (in my view), but can cut down on travel times and is useful if you don’t have a car. Book tickets and find more information here.
Finally, there are many tours around the island that you can take, to avoid having to drive and take public transport. For example, this
If you want to hire a car you can either do so in La Gomera, or hire one in Tenerife and drive across on the ferry. We recommend Discover Cars, a company that we have used when we travel.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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