This ‘hidden gem’ in the Canary Islands is known for its year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and diverse volcanic landscapes that make it a perfect getaway
In 2024, the Canary Islands hit a tourism milestone, welcoming a staggering 18 million visitors, up two million more than the year before. The surge in numbers was largely thanks to an uptick in international tourists, with Brits making up the lion’s share of these overseas holidaymakers – and the reasons for their choice are clear.
With its perpetual sunshine, varied volcanic terrain, breath-taking beaches, and a unique mix of Spanish and local cultures, the islands offer a plethora of experiences. Tourists can indulge in everything from trekking and stargazing to sampling the local delicacies, revelling in vibrant Carnival festivities, and soaking up the relaxed vibe.
While many head to popular spots like Tenerife and Lanzarote, under-the-radar spot La Gomera is steadily gaining accolades as a stellar alternative. As the third smallest island in the archipelago, the destination offers a more serene and budget-friendly option compared to the bustling Tenerife, according to a report by the Express.
La Gomera is celebrated for its distinctive black sandy shores, rugged volcanic scenery, idyllic beaches, and warm temperatures that reach 26C in October, providing a perfect retreat from the chilly British autumn.
The island is home to San Sebastian, a place the travel platform Cosa Cruises mused about saying: “time seems to have stopped a hundred years ago.”
Built on volcanic rock, the town boasts connections to famous explorer Christopher Columbus, resulting in several memorials in his honour.
A beautiful Catholic chapel named Church of the Assumption offers a romantic and breath-taking setting thanks to charming stone archways and a bell tower, whilst a small stone watchtower — one of the few medieval defences that remains in the Canary Islands — known as Torre del Conde is well worth a visit.
For travellers seeking respite from the well-worn Canary Island hotspots, La Gomera offers serenity and the chance to engage in various hands-on pursuits, from trekking to scuba diving.
Beloved coastal resort Valle Gran Rey serves as an ideal location to explore the black sand shores, with magnificent gorges encircling the coastline and a favoured diving location near Hautacuperche beach.
Trekking enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO-designated ancient woodland that’s dramatically misty and humid. The reserve contains over 3,900 of the finest-preserved Laurel woodlands in the Canary Islands alongside numerous subtropical flora varieties.
Visitors might also savour the opportunity to discover the intriguing Silbo Gomero, a language indigenous to the island. This unique form of communication, which converts spoken Spanish into whistles, was developed for communication over long-distance across the island’s mountainous landscape.
While La Gomera does have an airport, it only caters to inter-island flights. You can reach La Gomera from Tenerife either by flight or ferry, with the latter offering a delightful journey of just under an hour.