Island dream La Gomera: winter hiking with a difference

If there is one Canary Island that makes nature lovers go into raptures, it is La Gomera. Hikes take you to bizarre cliffs, gorges, valleys, waterfalls and enchanting little villages. Pristine cloud forests meet fertile plantations.

Idee für mich
via Sabrina
12/30/2016, 11:41
Farbenfroh: San Sebastián de la Gomera ist der Hauptort der Insel. Er liegt im Nordosten und hat knapp 7000 Einwohner© iStock
Colorful: San Sebastián de la Gomera is the capital of the island. It is located in the northeast and has just under 7,000 inhabitants.
Beeindruckend erhebt sich der Roque de Agando, ein vulkanischer Felsturm, auf der Kanareninsel.© iStock
The Roque de Agando, a volcanic rock tower, rises impressively on the Canary Island.
Malerisch ist der Blick auf das Dorf Agulo und den 3718 Meter hohen Berg Pico del Teide auf der Nachbarinsel Teneriffa.© iStock
The view of the village of Agulo and the 3718-metre-high Pico del Teide mountain on the neighboring island of Tenerife is picturesque.
Playa Santiago heißt ein hübscher kleiner Hafenort im sonnenverwöhnten Süden der Kanareninsel© iStock
Playa Santiago is the name of a pretty little harbor town in the sun-drenched south of the Canary Island.

La Gomera: Arrival from Tenerife or Gran Canaria

Most holidaymakers arrive from Tenerife by ferry (50 min.) on the east coast of La Gomera in the capital San Sebastián. The small island airport is only served by flights from Tenerife (35 min.) and Gran Canaria (45 min.).

Holidaymakers who take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the tranquil metropolis love the shady squares and the houses with their typical Canarian wooden balconies.

Travel tips for La Gomera: sunsets and quaint mountain villages

When hiking on La Gomera, terraced slopes and extensive palm groves beckon in the west in the Valle Gran Rey (Valley of the Great King). With its wild mountains and green valleys where mangos, bananas, avocados and oranges thrive, this region is a favorite for sun-loving nature lovers. The sunsets are also spectacular.

The small mountain villages, such as the traditional pottery village of El Cercado, can be reached via paths that farmers and traders have always used to transport goods. In the center of the island, the Alto de Garajonay mountain (1487 m) in the national park attracts many hikers. In the middle of the laurel forest lies the settlement of El Cedro with its natural stone houses.

Happiness in love

A swim at Vallehermoso beach (north of the island) is a welcome way to cool off. There you have the choice between a sea swimming pool or a pebble beach with Atlantic surf. Afterwards, the route winds its way up to the "Epina" viewpoint. The water from the springs at the nearby picnic area is said to have magical powers and bring good luck in love when drunk in the right order. It is also said to help against witchcraft, illness and jealousy. Perhaps another reason to pay La Gomera a visit.