Canary Islands:
Beach Holidays to La Gomera + Walking + Diving
DETAILED ITINERARY
La Gomera is the second smallest of the main Canary Islands and much less visited. As a result, this beautiful island is not commercialised and offers a quieter and more authentic experience. Access to the island is by catamaran or ferry from Tenerife, with crossing times varying from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Due to the limited number of taxis on the island, at times you may need to share rides.
The island is alternately lush and dry, with dramatic valleys and plunging ravines, marked by craggy volcanic mountains crisscrossed with hiking trails. The centre of the island is dominated by the laurel forests of Garajonay National Park, which can be explored by bicycle or on foot. At higher altitudes and surrounded by mist, dense subtropical forests of ferns and moss-covered trees grow here, providing sanctuary to numerous reptiles, amphibians and birds, many of which are endemic. Roque de Agando, a prominent volcanic rock formation, can also be found here towering towards the sky.
The small capital of San Sebastian on the east coast is home to numerous bars, restaurants, shops and the Church of the Assumption. Christopher Columbus stopped here before his voyage to the Americas.
The charming village of Playa de Santiago in the south offers stunning clifftop views, a wonderful beach and calm waters perfect for swimming. Golf and diving are available from here, as well as dolphin & whale watching boat trips searching for pilot whales, sperm whales, rorquals and more.
In the north you can visit the Mirador de Abrante glass ‘skywalk’, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the pretty village of Agulo. You can also see the Los Organos rock formation, which resembles organ pipes and can only be viewed by boat.
With 90 km of coastline, the island has many other secluded volcanic black sand beaches, including those of the Valle Gran Rey canyon in the west, reached by driving through the whitewashed cliffside village of La Calera. You can also listen to the traditional Silbo ‘whistling’ language of La Gomera.
The local white wines are excellent, mostly produced from the Forastera grape. As the vines are cultivated on steep terraces which cascade down the hillside, all grapes are harvested by hand. Canarian food is simply delicious, so if you are looking for a relaxing holiday coupled with some gentle exploration, this unspoilt island could be for you.
PRICING
Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Flights from London Gatwick are included, with other regional departures on request. Tenerife airport transfers, ferry crossings to La Gomera (with optional Gold Service upgrade) and local hotel transfers are also included. Car hire is available on request.
We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.
It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, and an appropriate driving licence if you intend to hire a car. The FCO should also be consulted.