What to see in La Gomera: a complete guide with routes and itinerary

In this article we tell you what to see in La Gomera with the eyes of someone who has known her all their life. My mother is from here and we visit her every yearSo what you'll find in this guide doesn't come from a Google search, but from years of exploring it from end to end. In June 2026 we did another complete circuit of the island and recorded everything on video so you can see it at the end of this post. Is La Gomera worth a visit? Absolutely. This island is possibly the most authentic of the Canary Islands, and here's why.

What to see and do in La Gomera: the must-sees

These are the Must-see places in La GomeraThese are the must-sees on your first visit. We've organized them by area to make planning your route easier.

1) Garajonay National Park: the must-see in La Gomera

If you could only do one thing in La Gomera, let it be this. Garajonay National Park It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the largest mass of laurel forest on the planet: more than 3.984 hectares of a forest that doesn't drink from the rain, but from the clouds or the mist, as we say in the Canary IslandsThe water condenses on the leaves and falls to the ground on its own.That's why it's always cool in this areaThe mosses you see hanging from the branches are an indicator that this forest has been untouched for hundreds of years. Here are several plans we recommend you try.

✅ Trail to Alto del Garajonay

El highest point on the island at 1.487 mFrom here, on clear days, you can see Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and even Gran Canaria. The shortest trail starts from the parking lot at the Pajarito crossroads. Is Approximately 1 km per route with about 120 meters of elevation gainIt took us almost 1 hour to go there and back, including a stop for photos.

✅ Trail through El Cedro to the legendary watercress stew at Camping Las Vistas

The most photogenic section of the forest: mosses, giant ferns, the Cedro stream and a white hermitage hidden among the laurel forest (My parents got married here, dressed in traditional Canarian attire). From the chapel, the path continues to the hamlet of El Cedro, where the island's most famous watercress and gofio stew awaits. Bar Camping Las Vistas.

If you want to do the trail on your own, here's the circular track we used: less than 5 km and approximately 1,5 hours of travel. This is a less strenuous alternative to the legendary R-18, the nearly 10 km circular route designed for experienced hikers.

€1,99 – Buy track Checkout Added to cart Including 7% tax

✅ Agando Hill Lookout

One of the The most spectacular viewpoints in La GomeraIt is accessed via a short 1 km trail (0,5 km each way) passing through a wooden bridge and then you reach a suspended walkway (We show it to you in the video at the end). From here, if you're lucky with the fog, you can see Tenerife in the background and the Roque de Agando on the other side. You can't miss it: there's parking right on the road.Note: there is another viewpoint overlooking Roque de Agando on the road, although it is not as beautiful and hidden as this one (enter "mirador Morro de Agando" into your GPS).

✅ Raso de la Bruma Trail → Risquillos de Corgo Viewpoint

A short and easy trail (1,2 km) that also takes you right into the heart of the laurel forest. If the fog allows, you'll have some beautiful views. HomePicnic area on the GM-2, about 2 km past the Laguna Grande junction. We recommend it. on the way to Valle Gran Rey: this makes the downhill road much less difficult and the change of scenery (cloud forest → palm grove) is brutal.

✅ La Laguna Grande Recreational Area

Perfect plan for families: wooden park with zip line, picnic area, barbecue, short trails and restaurant. Also highlights the Canary tagororA circular stone enclosure where the Aboriginal people used to meet. A few meters away are the famous wooden donkeys for the obligatory photo, and if you have any questions about the trails, there's a tourist information point here.

2) Valle Gran Rey: sunsets, palm groves and the hippie village

Valle Gran Rey is a favorite destination for visitors looking for sunsets, bohemian atmosphere and wild beachesThe boat trip to see Los Órganos also departs from here (when it runs). Before the arrival of the Castilians, the Guanches called it Oronewhich means "the great king". These are the must-sees of this stop.

• César Manrique Viewpoint / El Palmarejo: Panoramic view of valley of palm trees and the terraces built on the hillsideThe viewpoint building has been closed for years, but the viewpoint itself is still accessible.
• Charco del Conde: A natural volcanic lagoon where the water is trapped between rocks. The water is warm and sheltered from the waves. The name comes from the Count of La Gomera, the nobles who ruled the island after the 15th-century conquest.

• Playa del Inglés: Wild black sand beach nestled between cliffs. Strong waves, spectacular for photos and walks. Swimming only with caution. An icon of the hippie movement since the 70s.
• La Calera Beach and Vueltas Beach: The most tranquil beaches in the area, with calm waters and a maritime atmosphere. Recommended for families.
• Playa de las Arenas (Playa de los Hippies): South of the Vueltas pass, accessible by a short path from La Playa. Black sand surrounded by cliffs and the most authentic and alternative corner of Valle Gran Rey: since the 70s it has been a haven for hippies seeking what mass tourism doesn't offer. At night, guitars and drums bid farewell to the sun. ⚠️ Access has been affected by landslides for some time. Check before going whether the path is open.

???? ️ Valle Gran Rey Restaurants: Casa Ciro (Charco del Conde Restaurant), we recommend Grilled snapper with wrinkled potatoes, octopus salad and some of their Asian specialties. For dessert, the legendary baked milk from La Gomera with palm honeyNote the opening hours, because it's closed on Sundays.

3) Playa Santiago: the best base for exploring the island

Santiago Beach It's the perfect starting point if you're arriving by plane: it's 10 minutes from the airport, It boasts the best dining options in the south and a guaranteed sunny climate.Furthermore, Santiago Beach is the The only one with a blue flag in La GomeraThis is where my family is from and where we spend our summers every year. Also, just a 5-minute drive away you'll find the beaches of Tapahuga, El Medio and Chinguarime (The latter is only accessible on foot via a trail from El Medio). Another point to note is that there is a ferry connecting San Sebastián with Playa Santiago and Valle Gran Rey, perfect if you want to avoid the road someday.

???? ️ Santiago Beach Restaurants: Tasca Enyesque, Kuss, La Chalana, Taskita Las Eras (Tecina) and Mimila to try the famous Gomera bun and the curd cake (San Juanito).

4) San Sebastián de La Gomera: the Columbus route

The island's capital, known as La Villa. Christopher Columbus was here before crossing the Atlantic in 1492, and every corner of the old town is a reminder of that. The entire route can be done in just under two hours on foot.

• Count's Tower: The only 15th-century fortress still standing in the Canary Islands. It is said that Columbus stayed here before setting sail.
• Church of the Assumption: Where Columbus prayed before departing on September 6, 1492.
• Pozo de la Aguada: "The water that baptized America." The caravels took on water here before crossing the Atlantic.
• Cave Beach: A short walk from the town center, next to the port. Quiet, with a staircase/viewpoint and a view of Mount Teide.
• Municipal Market + Calle Real: The best place to buy palm honey, almogrote, gofio and some Gomera sweets.
• Christ's Lookout (El Machal): On the hill above the city is "El Cristo" (Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus) to have a panoramic view of the entire town.

???? ️ Restaurants in San Sebastián: Ambigú Restaurant (toasted bread roll, kid goat, and watercress stew). My parents also go to Inta a lot, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

5) Northern route: Hermigua, Agulo, Vallehermoso and Chorros de Epina

El The north of La Gomera is almost always cloudy due to the northeast trade windsThis gives it a green and fresh character, very different from the south. Three towns worth visiting together in a single day.

✅ Hermigua

Valley of palm groves and banana plantations. Don't miss the Hermigua davit (crane on the cliff): In 1907 they built the first one to export bananas to Europe and it was for many years the only way in and out of Hermigua until the road came. The four concrete pillars you see in the sea today are the remains of a second 150-meter crane that was never finishedRight next to it, a natural pool nestled among volcanic rocks, perfect for bathing.

El Los Telares Ethnographic Park (PEG) It's a museum, eco-farm, restaurant, and shop all in one place. A perfect stop for lunch, perhaps enjoying gnocchi with almogrote or their famous "causa gomera." It was one of our favorite restaurants in La Gomera. From here you can see perfectly the Roques de Pedro and PetraTwo volcanic formations that rise from the valley are another of Hermigua's iconic landmarks. And if you visit the museum, there are binoculars available from which you can even see the Cedar Stream, a spectacular waterfall on the hillside.

Very close by, the Beach of the Cove and the Sugar Trail: the historic path used by the inhabitants of La Gomera to transport sugarcane down to the dock in the 16th century, with wooden walkways attached to the cliff and views of Mount Teide.

✅ Agulo, one of the most beautiful villages to see in La Gomera

"The jewel of La Gomera": a circular village built between cliffs and the sea. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Did you know that Agulo also has its own fishing pier? You can see it from the village if you walk a little way towards the coast.

About 15 minutes by car you'll reach the Abrante viewpointA 7-meter glass walkway with Mount Teide in the background. Although currently closed, the area is accessible for stunning views of the Agulo coast.

A 5-minute drive away (on your way to the viewpoint), you'll come across the Ball Game Visitor CenterAdmission is free, and it features a botanical garden with endemic species, as well as an exhibit on the whistling language of La Gomera. Note that it closes at 16:30 PM.

✅ Vallehermoso

Dominated by Roque CanoA volcanic monolith over 250 meters high, which appears on the municipality's coat of arms. Here we highlight the Almendrillo viewpoint overlooking the entire valley and the Church of San Juan.

✅ Jets of Epina

Just a few minutes' drive from the village of Vallehermoso you can visit the Chorros de Epina: a sacred spring whose water emerges on its own due to volcanic geology since pre-Hispanic timesIt has seven spouts: the first two for health, the middle two for love, and the last two for fortune. Legend says that if you drink from all seven spouts, you'll get married within a year.

???? ️ Restaurants in the north: Los Telares Ethnographic Park (Hermigua, ⭐ 4,7, recommended booking, 922 88 07 81) and Las Chácaras (Hermigua).

6) Los Órganos Natural Monument: boat trip

A formation of basalt columns of 80 meters high and 200 meters wide on the northwest coast of the island. Only visible from the sea. It is one of the most impressive geological sights in the Canary Islands. Along the way, it is also possible to see... pilot whales and dolphinsThe coast of La Gomera is one of the most reliable whale-watching spots in the Atlantic. If Los Órganos doesn't work, companies like Oceano Whale Watching La Gomera o Yani Excursions They do whale watching from Valle Gran Rey.

More places to see in La Gomera

La Gomera is too vast to explore in a single visit. If you have more time or want to delve deeper into the island, here are some more places worth discovering:

• Mirador del Santo (Arure): Considered one of the best viewpoints on the island, overlooking the Taguluche Valley as it plunges into the sea. Especially magical at sunset. ⚠️ Currently closed due to landslides.
• Palm Honey Interpretation Centre (Alojera): Guided tour with tasting of guarapo and palm honey, La Gomera's most iconic product. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30 (please confirm before visiting).
• Chipude Fortress: A volcanic mesa in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey offers 360° views over the center of the island. It is one of La Gomera's most impressive geological formations and a sacred site for the Guanches. It can be seen from Alto del Garajonay.
• The Enclosure: A small village near Chipude where potters work clay without a potter's wheel, using the same technique that the Guanches used before the conquest.
• Alojera Beach: At the foot of a cliff overlooking El Hierro and La Palma. No sand, just rocks, but with one of the wildest sunsets on the island. At the end of a dead-end road in the northwest.
• La Rajita Beach (La Dama, Vallehermoso): One of the most beautiful and least known beaches in the south. Next door is La Negra, accessible only by footpath from La Rajita.

Where to stay in La Gomera

The island's hotel options are limited; don't look for large chains or resorts. Without a doubt, the best area to stay in La Gomera is... Santiago Beach: close to the airport, connected to San Sebastián and Valle Gran Rey by ferry, best climate on the island and the only blue flag beach on the island, with a very good selection of restaurants. This last time we chose the iconic Hotel Jardin Tecina.

🗺️ Map of places to see in La Gomera

To help you plan your route at a glance, here's a Map with all the places to see in La Gomera that we mention in this guide: the must-sees, the viewpoints, the beaches, and restaurants. This way you can see everything at a glance. where each place is and better plan your days on the island.

How many days to visit La Gomera? 4-5 day itinerary

Despite being a small island (370 km²), its rugged terrain and lack of highways mean that exploring it takes longer than you might expect. The roads are narrow, with sharp curves and many mountainous sections: going from Playa Santiago to Valle Gran Rey is only 25 km, but almost an hour's drive. Our recommendation is a minimum of 4 full days To see the must-sees. This is the itinerary we followed, which we explain in detail in the video below.

• Day 1 (arrival): Arrival at the airport and check-in at the hotel. Stroll along the Playa Santiago promenade at sunset. Dinner at Tasca Enyesque (reservation essential).
• Day 2 — West + Great King Valley: Hearty breakfast in Mimila. Raso de la Bruma Trail (1,2 km). César Manrique viewpoint. Late lunch in Valle Gran Rey (Casa Ciro, Saturdays only). Playa del Inglés, Charco del Conde and return with a stop at Chorros de Epina.
• Day 3 — Garajonay: Early departure. Ascent to Alto del Garajonay, stop at the Mirador del Morro de Agando and Laguna Grande. Trail through El Cedro → hermitage → Las Vistas campsite with watercress stew.
• Day 4 — North: Ascent via GM-1. La Caleta Beach → Hermigua Fishing Wharf. Lunch at Los Telares (reservation recommended) and visit to the Ethnographic Center. Agulo + Abrante Viewpoint + Bowls Game. Vallehermoso and Roque Cano. Return via the summit (GM-2).
• Day 5 (departure) — San Sebastián: Torre del Conde → Church of the Assumption → Pozo de la Aguada → Playa de la Cueva → Municipal Market (souvenirs). Lunch at Ambigú (order paella the day before). Airport.

🎥 Video guide to La Gomera: our last trip around the island (June 2026)

In the following video of our YouTube channel you have our Complete guide to La Gomera recorded in June 2026Garajonay National Park, Valle Gran Rey, the northern villages, the Hermigua fishing pier, the Abrante viewpoint, and much more. This is exactly the itinerary we followed in the video. Subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the videos from the island.

How to get to La Gomera

The island only has direct flights with North Tenerife and Gran Canaria (Binter, 2 daily flights from GC). From Madrid or any other airport there is always a layover. The alternative is the ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) with Fred Olsen or Naviera Armas, which allows you to bring your car.

💡 Curiosity: La Gomera airport's design is modeled after the Church of the Assumption in San Sebastián, where Columbus prayed before setting sail. It's one of the most unique runways in Spain.

How to get around La Gomera: is it necessary to rent a car?

The short answer: Yes, rent a carThe public transport network is very limited and the frequencies make it impossible to visit the island comfortably without your own vehicle. Don't delay your booking because the fleet is small. The best option is to pick up the car at the airport itself.

Practical tips before traveling to La Gomera

• (I.e. Gas stations are scarce: There are few gas stations on the island. Check your fuel level carefully before heading into the mountains or north.
• ???? Pharmacies and medication: La Gomera has a small hospital and a very limited number of pharmacies. Bring all the medication you need from home.
• 🕐 Restaurant hours: Many are closed one or two days a week, and some are only open at lunchtime. Always confirm before you go.
• 🌡️ Microclimates: South coast (Playa Santiago, Alajeró): the warmest and sunniest. North (Hermigua, Agulo, Vallehermoso): almost always cloudy due to the trade winds. Garajonay: 5-10 degrees cooler than the coast. Always bring an extra layer.
• 🥾 Footwear: The trails in the north and the forest are damp. Don't go out in flip-flops. Also, bring plenty of water.
• 📱 Forest cover: Cell phone coverage is very unreliable within Garajonay National Park. Download the GPS tracks before you leave.
• 🚗 Mountain roads: Narrow, with sharp curves, and in the National Park area they are often wet from fog.

🛡️ Travel insurance for La Gomera (5% discount)

La Gomera has a small hospital and a very limited selection of private doctors. If you take regular medication, bring enough from home. When traveling, we always feel more at ease with IATIespecially the backpacker policy, which covers potential accidents while doing adventure activities like hiking. You have a 5% off Thank you for being our reader:

If you found this guide helpful and you love to travel, in our Instagram @welovegrancanaria find More content about La Gomera, Gran Canaria (where we live) and all our trips. To continue exploring the Canary Islands, here are the rest of our guides: