"Walking away from the crowd" Top 5 Page for this destination Isla de la Gomera by DWARF-2

Isla de la Gomera Travel Guide: 145 reviews and 326 photos

La Playa/La Calera (Valle Gran Rey) - Isla de la Gomera

Accessibility - accommodation

This island is still relatively remote, although the airport has been massively upgraded - the terminal building is way out of keeping with the nature of the island. There are currently two flights (from Gran Canaria and Tenerife) in and out daily. The main links are by ferry from Los Cristianos on Tenerife. The catamarans are fast, taking about 45 minutes. The smaller one, run by Garajonay, also serves, conditions permitting, Playa Santiago and Valle Gran Rey.
Accommodation is mainly in small hotels, guest houses and self-catering apartments, although there are one or two larger complexes. There are still those sleeping rough. Further construction is taking place just west of Playa Santiago. There didn't seem to be much elsewhere.

"Winter" on the beach

La Calera - Valle Gran Rey

For many Europeans the conditions in "Winter" are suitable for sunbathing and swimming. Indeed it can be too hot for some and the sun is strong even at this time of year.
The beaches are typically stony - relatively large stones - with small stretches of black sand, as in this picture, though it is difficult to make out. To the east - away to the right of the view shown - towards Vueltas there is a small well-protected sandy beach suitable for small children and an Italian-style ice-cream parlour.

Playa Santiago

Formerly a fishing village, but no longer with any significant commercial activity. The ferry between San Sebastian and Valle Gran Rey calls. A few smaller craft, including a dive boat, moor in the harbour, where fairly large vessels can be lifted onto dry stands.
Stony beach with a little of the island's typical black sand at the harbour end. The beaches are usually stonier in winter and sandier in summer.
There are holiday property developments on both headlands - best known Hotel "Jardin Tecina" to the east.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Quiet - rugged - sub-tropical
Cons:Quiet - rugged - sub-tropical
In a nutshell:Still a place to go to get away.

Last visit to Isla de la Gomera: Jan 2006
Intro Updated Jan 29, 2006
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Reviews (9)

Useful walking guide Favorites (1)

Walking the wilder parts. My memories of La Gomera are a conglomerate of fine views, walking through splendid scenery,... more travel advice

Visit the airport Transportation (3)

The airport is worth a visit - there are more sightseers than passengers! more travel advice

Derek, Stewart, Katriona and Barbara - Isla de la Gomera

German influence on Gomeran cuisine Restaurants (2)

Tasty snacks and home-made cake during the day, also restaurant. Enjoy the view across the valley. Some go for "Kaffee... more travel advice

Playa Santiago - flood water under new main square - Isla de la Gomera

Barrancos in flood Things to Do (1)

Sneaky this one, because it can't be planned and it is rather rare. During our visit La Gomera experienced one of the... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Mountain-biking and diving - golf, even

Off The Beaten Path (1)
La Gomera is still off the beaten track

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (7)

zweiblumen Sep 24, 2006 at 12:47 PM Report Abuse

I'm off to La Gomera six weeks today for a two week walking holiday of the island (plus El Hierro). Loved the photos, good practical info too. Cheers!
scottishvisitor May 3, 2005 at 1:42 PM Report Abuse

Would love to go back with my hiking boots Good page
Don12 Mar 26, 2005 at 5:00 PM Report Abuse

I was drawn to your Gomera pages as we travelled there to Playa Santiago last year (stayed at the HPB)...very nice pages...I also hope to add more myself soon
sandysmith Mar 18, 2005 at 12:09 AM Report Abuse

great hiking info, thanks
bianchis Feb 20, 2005 at 11:50 PM Report Abuse

Sounds like a great place to get away from the crowds. Must try it someday. Thanks for the info.
pepples46 Feb 16, 2005 at 12:05 AM Report Abuse

been to the other Islands, see what I missed out on....excellent intro pic, gosh, realy inviting. good page Derek
CoAir13 Feb 7, 2005 at 5:47 PM Report Abuse

What a fantastic destination! GREAT pics and info! Jen