Where to Stay on the Island of La Gomera

A Canary Island Paradise of Tranquility and Nature

Aug 28, 2009

The Canary Islands' 2nd smallest island is called the land of nature and magic. Its charm is guaranteed to enchant visitors, as long as they know the best places to stay.

Lying just off the coast of Africa, the tiny Canary Island of La Gomera, known also as ‘Isla Colombina’, is famous for being Christopher Columbus’ final port of call before his voyage into the unknown and the discovery of the Americas.

Its rugged shape has to a large extent kept the developers away. Whereas most other Canary Islands have seen swathes of their southern coastal areas transformed into tourist playgrounds, La Gomera has stayed relatively undeveloped and tourism remains a low key affair.

A dramatic coastline of sheer cliff faces and deep ravines makes navigating La Gomera’s roads akin to tracing the legs of a starfish. In some places it can be as quick to walk from village to village than to drive. Although the landscape can be harsh and uncompromising, it is breathtakingly beautiful with sweeping valleys and ancient laurel forests.

Choosing the most appropriate place to stay on La Gomera depends on whether visitors are searching for local culture, tranquility and rural scenery or sun, sea and scrumptious restaurants.

La Gomera’s Main Towns and Resorts

San Sebastián has more of the air of a small town than the capital of an island. Its sheltered harbour links La Gomera with Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro and ferries carry visitors and commuters between the islands daily. The town doesn’t have the same degree of colonial architecture as the bigger islands, but there are some interesting curios like the Torre del Conde, built to protect its aristocratic inhabitants from local uprisings and pirate attacks. The town has a laid back atmosphere and there is a good selection of traditional Canarian restaurants. The best supermarket on the island is found here, so it's a good place to stock up on supplies.

Hotel Choice: The Parador is a beautiful traditional colonial hotel overlooking the town with stunning views across to Tenerife and Mount Teide.

The ‘Valley of the Great King’ is La Gomera’s main tourist resort even though there are only a handful of places to stay. The resort stretches from the harbour at Vueltas, along a coastline dotted with sheltered coves and beaches, to La Calera where most shops and bars are located. Whilst the coast is attractive, the views of emerald terraces and palm groves from the upper valley are stunning. Valle Gran Rey enjoys the distinction of having some of the best and most sophisticated restaurants on the island with a culinary choice ranging from vegetarian to Turkish to Malaysian to traditional Canarian.

Hotel Choice: The Hotel Gran Rey is a 4 star eco-hotel located opposite some sheltered coves midway between the harbour and the town.

A good base for walkers, some claim Hermigua has the best climate in the world. It’s a grand claim, although it is perfect for agricultural purposes and crops from sugar cane to bananas have been cultivated here. There are a few restaurants and a couple of bars – Café Creativa is a popular meeting point, but there isn’t the same choice as the coast resorts. However, it is an authentic Gomeran town rather than a resort and ideal for visitors wishing to experience local culture to the full.

Hotel Choice: The Iba Afaro Hotel Rural is a rustic and cosy renovated mansion located on the verdant slopes above the town.

This former fishing village has become popular with British visitors over recent years, many of whom stay at the hotels on the cliffs which bookend the resort. It isn’t the prettiest location on La Gomera and its beaches are pebbly, but it does enjoy the most hours of sunshine on the island and La Gomera’s small airport lies a short distance outside the town. Although Playa Santiago has grown over the last few years, it is still an intimate resort with a handful of good fish restaurants and a couple of bars.

Hotel Choice: The Hotel Jardín Tecina is probably the grandest hotel on La Gomera, but in many ways it feels out of place with the rest of the island.

The ‘Beautiful Valley’ is well named lying as it does in a charming location. Another walker’s paradise, Vallehermoso epitomises the real spirit of the island. With its interesting parks and gardens, enchanted lake and lush scenery it is a rural idyll far from the madding crowd. There are only a few restaurants and a handful of shops, some with chillies hanging in strings over their entrances; it’s absolutely perfect for an authentic Gomeran experience.

Hotel Choice: The Hotel Rural Tamahuche is a lovely 19th century manor house which lies under the gaze of Roque Cano near the centre of town.

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