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Seven wonders that make a visit to Spain's La Gomera worth it

Alex Dunham
Alex Dunham - [email protected]
Seven wonders that make a visit to Spain's La Gomera worth it
La Gomera is a peaceful paradise loved by nature lovers. Photo: Jörg Bergmann/Flickr

To mark Canary Islands Day (May 30th), we celebrate the lesser-known island of La Gomera. It may not be easy to reach but it rewards visitors with a feast of scenic and peaceful beauty that’s hard to come by in busy Spain.

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With a population of just 20,000 people and a landmass of only 114 square kilometres, the third smallest of Spain’s eight Canary Islands rarely makes it into Spanish newspapers or into tourists’ itineraries. 

There are in fact no direct flights to the island from any other part of Spain or Europe except for its bigger and busier brothers Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

All this has fortunately served to maintain La Gomera’s charm and splendour, ensuring it remains a hidden treasure for hikers, nature lovers and peace-seekers.

La Gomera does however have one celebrity holidaymaker - former German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits the island on an almost yearly basis.

Photo: Nasa/Wikimedia Commons

La Gomera is after all a rugged natural paradise steeped in organ-shaped cliffs, sweeping ravines and dense greenery (forests cover a third of the island).

If you’re still not convinced, these seven wonders in La Gomera may literally send you packing. 

Garajonay National Park

La Gomera’s National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is packed full of laurel forests, with trails for both hikers and cyclists. A must. 

Photo: Guillaume Baviere/Flickr

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Los Órganos

La Gomera’s imposing cliffscape has this church organ-shaped rock formation as its masterpiece. Catch the boat from Valle Gran Rey to reach this natural sculpture.

Photo: Wikimedia

Vallehermoso

As its Spanish name suggests, this is a truly beautiful valley and village in which to stay in La Gomera, especially if you want to sleep over in a more rustic setting than the sleepy capital San Sebastían. Not too far is Hermigua, an equally picturesque village. 

Photo: Jörg Bergmann/Flickr

Castillo del Mar

This former banana loading station in Vallehermoso has a Game of Thrones aura to it, a medieval-like castle surrounded by the Atlantic blue and dramatic cliffs.

Photo: Castillo del Mar/Deposit Photos

 

 

Roque Agando

Deep in the forests of La Gomera’s interior lies this majestic rock formation. A sea of cloud often builds around Roque Agando, with majestic Mount Teide in next-door Tenerife adding the finishing touch to a spectacular view. Rock climbers welcome.

Photo: Ingo Ronner/Flickr

Photo: Jörg Bergmann/Flickr

 

Valle Gran Rey 

This steep, green gorge offers scenic views all the way down to La Gomera’s longest beach.

Photos: Jörg Bergmann/Flickr

Mirador del Santo 

Head to this lookout point in the quaint mountain village of Taguluche at sunset to catch a view that sums up why La Gomera is so special.

Photo: Jörg Bergmann/Flickr

 

 

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