La Gomera is a fascinating island, only 28 Km west of Tenerife. Famous as Columbus’s last stop before setting off to discover the Americas, the island is now known for its walking, nature and tranquil atmosphere. For a good overview of La Gomera, I recommend you visit the Cabildo (Island Government) website

The main way is to Tenerife South Airport, ferry to La Gomera then road to Valle Gran Rey (or Garajonay Expres all the way round).

Direct scheduled flights from the UK to Tenerife are with Monarch Airlines 08700 40 50 40  from Luton, Birmingham or Manchester

and Globespan, from  Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Durham. 

Ryanair  fly from Liverpool and East Midlands.

There are also plenty of charter flights from most regional airports.

All ferries leave from the port at Los Cristianos. A taxi from the airport should cost around 20 – 25 euros and take around 15 minutes. You can hire a car, but check that they allow you to take the car off Tenerife. We have used Cicar , who also have offices on La Gomera, including the port.

There is a bus (number 487) from the airport approximately every hour, but you may have to walk through the centre to the port, as not all buses stop there.

Ferries (see photos)

There are currently three lines to La Gomera:

Fred Olsen 

Fast trimaran built in 2005 takes only 45 minutes to La Gomera’s capital, San Sebastian. A very large, impressive vessel that takes vehicles and over a thousand passengers travelling at up to 50 m.p.h.  Large catamaran sometime runs instead, still very impressive.

Garajonay Express 

Much smaller catamaran (268 passengers) and cheaper than the Fred Olsen, but takes the same 45 minutes to cross to San Sebastian. The only ferry to continue on to Valle Gran Rey (total 90 minutes). Doesn’t take vehicles, but offers car rental deals on La Gomera.  Can be cancelled without notice in poor sea conditions.

Armas (only booking part in English)

Very large, new fast-ferry to San Sebastian.  Very comfortable, with plenty of outside space on three decks.  Cheaper than Fred Olsen and a very pleasant,stable way to cross to San Sebastian, with or without a vehicle.  Three sailings a day.

Car hire is available at the port and it’s a good idea to pre-book. The journey across the island is a stunning drive that takes around an hour, Valle Gran Rey is clearly signposted all the way. Parking space can be limited within the immediate vicinity of El Picacho, but there’s always space within a short walk.

Public transport is very limited on La Gomera, so we do not recommend this option.  There are three buses a day from San Sebastian to Valle Gran Rey, taking one hour and forty five minutes.

If you’ve taken the Garajonay Expres all the way, we recommend getting a taxi (5 mins), unless you are collecting a hire car at the port.

Both flats are well equipped (see photos ). The kitchens have lovely granite worktops, and everything you need to rustle up a meal. Cooking is by electric hot plates. All bed linen (100% cotton sheets) and towels are supplied. Solar panels on the roof provide plenty of hot water for the bath/shower. The balconies are spacious.

There is a small supermarket five minutes walk down the hill and many more dotted around the valley.

There are several options in La Calera, where El Picacho is and plenty more as you walk towards the sea, including Italian, Chinese and Moroccan.   Prices will seem good value, compared to the U.K..  Dining is very informal.

Spanish, of course! Much of the tourist infrastructure speaks some English and menus are often in several languages. Listen out for Silbo, the unique Gomeran whistling language, which is being revived by being taught in schools. Some English language press and books are available in Valle Gran Rey and San Sebastian.

There are various beaches within 15 – 30 minutes walk of El Picacho, all with black, volcanic sand of varying quality. The sheltered beach at Vueltas is best for swimming, El Charco is good for kids, others may have strong currents. Bathing costume optional at Playa del Inglés.  See link on menu bar.

La Gomera has some fantastic walking. The best idea is to invest in a decent map, several of which are readily available on the island. Many of the walks are now clearly marked, which helps. There really is something for everyone, from gentle strolls to ‘proper hiking’, just choose what suits you. Organised walks, with a guide, are also available.  Various La Gomera walking books are available, both from DWG and for an alternative view, the Nicholas Albery Foundation

La Calera has a small language school which offers courses in Spanish to foreigners.

Gomeran cooking is simple but tasty. The best dishes usually use local ingredients. Here are a few examples:

Sopa de berros - Watercress soup

Almogrote - A kind of cheese paté, eaten on bread as a starter

Garbanzas - Chickpea stew with pieces of meat/chorizo

Atún a la plancha - Grilled Fresh Tuna

Leche Asada - Baked Canaries egg custard, served with:

Fresh fruit juices are widely available in bars, milkshakes are also made using fresh fruit. Feel free to mix and match. Not surprisingly, the banana milkshakes can be sublime.

Local (try the DOC Garajonay white) and mainland wines are good value.

If you want to try the local firewater, it’s called Parra, but check your insurance first.  Gomerón is parra mixed with miel de palma.

Boat trip

Two operators offer daily trips around the island to see 'Los Organos' (a basalt , similar to the Giant's Causeway).  The trip costs around 35 euros, including lunch, see http://www.excursiones-tina.com/ .  M/Y Siron also offers trips.

Plenty of places offer a range of treatments and therapies, including Argayall. 

Cheap and cheerful! The motorbikes have seen better days, so make sure you’re happy with what you’re getting. Mopeds, scooters and bikes up to 650cc singles are available. Don’t forget that it gets cooler the higher you go, so a light jacket might be an idea.

Mountain bikes are also available, if you’re feeling fit, along with excursions into the mountains where they bus you and the bike up the hill.

With its fantastic scenery and vegetation, La Gomera is a photographer’s dream. You don’t have to be a pro to capture some great shots, just use your eyes.

We hope this gives you an idea of the place and whets your appetite! Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions, or suggestions for this factsheet at info@elpicacho.com

© Tim Flinders   All information supplied in good faith. No liability can be accepted for any decisions based on this factsheet.    Version 6 – April 2007