THINGS TO DO

 

This is a completely different world – somewhat a dreamlike and peaceful place where relaxation is of great focus. If hiking is your thing, La Gomera will make you happy. 257 different hiking trails on such a small island that covers about 370 square kilometers equals a lot of trails! Here is our guide to La Gomera.

There is so much to do in La Gomera. With more than 600 kilometers of hiking trails, this is a real walking and hiking paradise. But there is also more to do. Here is a list of things that you shouldn’t miss out on while visiting this magical island. My guide to La Gomera focuses on what to do on the island but you will also get some information on where to stay and what to eat while visiting La Gomera. I hope that you like my guide to La Gomera.

Did you know that La Gomera has been declared a Biosphere Reserve?

Take a walk in San Sebastian de La Gomera.

he island’s capital has about 8 700 people that live in the city. Almost half of the population lives in the capital. That is not much but this city can still become pretty crowded. This is because a lot of tourists come from Tenerife on day trips. Then they all offload in San Sebastian and walk around there during the day. But even if it becomes crowded, it’s still a really nice place that should not be missed. And the city offers some great sights and activities. Each day, there are about five to ten busses coming from Tenerife.

San Sebastian de La Gomera has four hotels and two main walking streets. The streets were built about eight years ago so they are still pretty new. This town is beautiful but it is also often quite windy here. There is a really nice beach with dark sand here and the closeness to the city center is really awesome! Do some shopping in the morning and visit the beach in the evening.

Visit Torre del Conde in San Sebastian

Torre del Conde was a defending tower. What’s impressive with it is that it’s mostly still original and it was built in 1477. To this day, the tower is considered to be one of the Canary Islands’ most important examples of military architecture. It is said that you can get inside the tower but the opening hours are very tricky (and almost non-existing) so if you get to go inside – be considered to be a lucky one.

It’s quite small and cute and not that impressive. But at the same time, it’s an important culture mark and heritage that is worth seeing. It lays open in a park. When it was built, it was a lot closer to the sea, but over the centuries, the land has grown (with the help of people of course) and today it looks really cute, lying there in the middle of the park – looking for attention.

Find the statue and hear the story.

Ok, so while being in San Sebastian, be on the lookout for a statue of Columbus. It’s not a big statue, but the people here are very proud of it. The story is that Columbus came to La Gomera three times. At first, it was because he needed water and it was the “last port of call”. But there are also other stories that say that the reason he stayed for three weeks the first time he came was due to love!

If the rumors are true, we don’t know. But we still feel that it’s a quick photo stop by the statue. If you don’t believe the story – see the statue as a reminder of how important water is!

Whale and dolphin watching in Valle Gran Ray.

Whale and dolphin watching in Valle Gran Ray (La Gomera) is a great experience and pleasure. Within four hours you will enjoy the sights of whales, dolphins, birds, and turtles if you’re lucky. There are several different tour operators that will take you whale watching from Valle Gran Rey in the western part of the island.   

Excursiones Tina – whale watching company.

The Excursiones Tina is well established in La Gomera and they also arrange tours from Playa de Santiago. They are part of ATUSOS, an organization that works with sustainable tourism.

And at Excursiones Tina, eco-tourism and sustainability seems to be a priority. The company has been up and running for over 20 years now and they are still thriving. The excursions they offer are mostly four hour trips with lunch and a stop for a swim included. The price for such a tour is 40 euros per adult.

 

Information about Whale and dolphin watching

Company: There are several but we can recommend Excursiones Tina for your trip.

Address: The harbor in Valle Gran Rey.

Website: www.excursiones-tina.com