La Gomera

Day 1: San Sebastián and the sunny south

Ease into La Gomera with a warm coastal day: a taste of the island’s capital, a wild beach hike, and the sunniest south coast. Pack layers even if it’s bright at sea level—conditions flip fast as you gain height.

• Morning: Arrive in San Sebastián, stroll the old centre and beach for coffee and supplies, and download the Info La Gomera app for live trail status. Pick up a hire car (most flexible) or check bus timetables at the station; carry at least 1.5L water per person.
• Midday: Hike the coastal path to Playa de la Guancha (steep, exposed, ~1.5 hrs each way). Swim only if conditions are calm; wear sun protection—south-facing rock radiates heat even in winter.
• Afternoon: Drive to Playa de Santiago via the panoramic GM-3 for a swim or snorkel in the sheltered bay. Optional: rent an e‑bike for an easy out-and-back towards Alajeró on quiet roads—stick to roads and designated pistas, never hiking trails.
• Evening: Seafront dinner in Playa de Santiago; if skies are clear, head up to the Mirador del Santo for star‑gazing (wrap up—nights at altitude are cool). Night driving tip: glare can be severe at sunset on winding descents—clean windscreen and unhurried pace.

Day 2: Garajonay’s laurel forest and island high point

Step into the UNESCO laurisilva: cool, misty, and ancient, with views “above the clouds” when the trade winds build the mar de nubes. This is the island’s mythic heart—home to the tale of Gara and Jonay.

• Morning: Early start for the Pajarito car park and the short hike to Alto de Garajonay (1,487 m) for 360° views to Tenerife and La Palma if clear. Bring a warm layer and waterproof—mist, drizzle and wind are common even on sunny coast days.
• Midday: Drive to Contadero and descend through El Cedro’s deep, humid forest to the chapel and stream (routes 2/10; poles helpful on slippery leaf‑litter). Picnic by the water or eat at El Cedro if open; respect waterways—no washing in channels.
• Afternoon: Stop at Los Roques viewpoints (Roque de Agando) for photos, then stretch your legs on the easy Las Creces woodland loop. Check the app for any post‑storm closures or fire alerts before committing to longer circuits.
• Evening: Country dinner in Chipude or El Cercado (try potaje de berros or goat stew). If winds are light and you’re comfortable with a short scramble, time a quick up‑and‑down of Fortaleza de Chipude for late light; drive cautiously—fog can roll in fast.

Day 3: Valle Gran Rey—whales, terraces and a sunset ridge

Finish in the west’s sun trap: palm-filled ravines, terraced slopes and a lively harbour. Plan around the sea state—calmer mornings suit boat trips—and avoid the valley’s midday heat on uphill hikes.

• Morning: Whale and dolphin watching from Vueltas harbour (choose a certified “Blue Boat”; success is high year‑round). If seas are rough, swap for a top‑down gorge walk from Arure into La Calera using pre‑booked taxi/bus logistics.
• Midday: Harbour lunch and a siesta on La Playa or Playa del Inglés. Rockfall does occur beneath cliffs—sit well back; reapply sunscreen (UV can be extreme even in winter).
• Afternoon: Hike from La Calera to the Ermita de los Reyes ridge for sweeping ocean views, or climb to the La Mérica plateau for a golden‑hour panorama (carry 2–3L water in warm months). Cyclists: a steady e‑bike climb to Arure on the GM‑1 rewards with a superb descent—use lights in tunnels and expect hairpins.
• Evening: Sunset on Playa del Inglés, then tapas in La Puntilla or Vueltas. If you’re based elsewhere, allow 60–90 minutes for the mountain drive back and watch for glare on west‑facing bends.

By Air

• La Gomera Airport (GMZ), near Playa Santiago, handles inter‑island flights (primarily Binter Canarias).
  • Tenerife North (TFN) ↔ GMZ: approx. 30 minutes; multiple daily flights.
  • Occasional/seasonal direct services to Gran Canaria (LPA); otherwise connect via TFN.
• Nearest international gateway: Tenerife South (TFS).
  • TFS → Los Cristianos ferry port: 15–20 minutes by taxi/car via TF‑1.
  • TFS ↔ TFN: 60–75 minutes by road (direct buses operate; allow 1–1.5 hours).

By Ferry

• Tenerife (Los Cristianos) ↔ San Sebastián de La Gomera:
  • Operators: Fred. Olsen Express, Naviera Armas.
  • Crossing time: 50–60 minutes; several sailings daily.
  • Foot passengers and vehicles; pre‑book in peak periods. Check‑in typically 30–60 minutes before departure.
• Local coastal link (check current schedules): San Sebastián ↔ Playa Santiago ↔ Valle Gran Rey (fast catamaran; useful for onward transfers on La Gomera).
• Inter‑island connections: Services/routes via Tenerife also link La Gomera with La Palma and El Hierro (direct or with easy connections).

By Train

• No rail service to La Gomera or Tenerife. Rail travellers should connect to flights into TFS/TFN, then continue by road/ferry.

By Bus

• On Tenerife, TITSA buses serve Los Cristianos (for the ferry):
  • From TFS, TFN, Santa Cruz and Costa Adeje with frequent services.
  • Los Cristianos bus station is about a 10–15 minute walk from the ferry terminals.

By Car

• Driving to the ferry (Tenerife): TF‑1 motorway to Los Cristianos; follow signs to “Puerto de Los Cristianos.”
  • Ferries carry vehicles; reserve car spaces in advance.
  • Many hire companies do not allow taking rental cars on inter‑island ferries—check your contract.
• On La Gomera (arrival at San Sebastián):
  • GM‑2 is the main cross‑island road.
  • Typical drives: San Sebastián → Valle Gran Rey 60–90 minutes; → Playa Santiago 35–45 minutes.