Free walking tours in La Gomera and what to see

Must-sees

La Gomera is a small, mountainous island, cut by deep ravines that run from the centre down to the sea. At the heart of the island is Garajonay National Park, a World Heritage Site, with one of the best laurel forests in the Canaries. Its trails lead to Alto de Garajonay, the highest point. Nearby you can see Roque de Agando, one of the island’s great volcanic rocks.

The capital, San Sebastián de La Gomera, keeps the Torre del Conde, the church of La Asunción and the house linked to Christopher Columbus, who stopped here before his first voyage. To the north are Hermigua, Agulo, with the Abrante viewpoint, and Vallehermoso, next to Roque Cano. To the west, Valle Gran Rey runs down between farming terraces to the sea. The island keeps alive silbo gomero, a whistled language recognised by UNESCO.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours are not common in La Gomera, apart from the odd walk around San Sebastián. Guided visits and full-day trips are the norm, many from Tenerife by ferry. They usually include Garajonay, several viewpoints, a northern village and sometimes a demonstration of silbo. Guided hikes through the laurel forest and boat trips to see Los Órganos, a cliff of basalt columns, and watch whales and dolphins are worthwhile.

How long to spend

On a day trip from Tenerife you will see the essentials, but in a rush. Three or four days are recommended. A day for Garajonay and its trails, another for the north with Hermigua, Agulo and Vallehermoso, another for Valle Gran Rey and the west coast, and a few hours for San Sebastián. The roads have lots of bends, so allow plenty of time.

Where to stay

San Sebastián is practical if you arrive by ferry and want to get around by public transport. Valle Gran Rey has more places to stay and restaurants, beaches and good weather, although it is far from the port. Hermigua and Agulo are quieter, with rural houses, and close to Garajonay. Playa Santiago, in the south, is another sunny base. To explore the island freely it is worth hiring a car, as distances are short but slow.