Things to do in  La Gomera

Off the west coast of Tenerife, the tiny island of La Gomera packs some dramatic scenery into its small landmass—think jagged sea cliffs fronting black-sand beaches, palm-fringed ravines surrounded by lush banana plantations, and volcanic peaks enveloped in cloud forest. 

Visitors come to La Gomera to explore the wild landscapes of Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit the historic capital of San Sebastian; and follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, who made his last port of call in La Gomera before sailing on to the Americas. The island is commonly visited on a day trip from Tenerife, and most tours include visits to landmarks such as the Los Roques overlook and Los Órganos Natural Monument. 

La Gomera is located off the southwest coast of Tenerife. Regular ferries run from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to San Sebastian de la Gomera, taking between 40 minutes and one hour. Alternatively, flights from Tenerife to La Gomera take around 30 minutes. 

Temperatures on La Gomera hover around 72°F (22°C) all year, making it a popular year-round destination. The busiest time to visit is in July and August, when the island resorts can fill up with day-trippers—be sure to book tours and tickets in advance, or opt for an overnight visit to escape the crowds.

The highlight of La Gomera for outdoor enthusiasts is Garajonay National Park, which has over 9,884 acres (4,000 hectares) of ancient laurel forests dotted with streams, subtropical plants, and mountain overlooks. A network of hiking trails run through the park, but most popular are the 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) route from El Contadero along the El Cedro stream and the more challenging 8-mile (12.7-kilometer) Pajaritos trail, which encircles the park.