Overview of La Gomera
- La Gomera is the second smallest of the
Canary Islands and is dome shaped containing a sunken central plateau.
The island like all of its near neighbours is of volcanic origin and
rises to nearly 5000 feee at the central peak of Garajonay. It is 23Km
by 25Km at its widest points but the roads can be tricky and
circumnavigating it can be difficult. La Gomera is characterized by
its deep ravines or barrancos. There is hardly any coastal flat land
on this island and this has helped it escape the mass tourist
industry.
Holiday Home ownership is not that
evident on this island although there is some property that can be
rented for holiday purposes and there are two recognized resorts on
the island as well as some fine hotels The island has a tiny airport
that communicates with Tenerife but most persons arriving from
Northern Europe on charter flights will land at Tenerife South and
then take the 40 minute ferry trip to La Gomera. If you take the
ferry, you will arrive at San Sebastian and unlike El Hierro, there is
documented evidence that Columbus stopped here in 1492 to visit the
church Iglesia de la Asuncion.
Anyone that has visited La Gomera will tell you that it really is an
undiscovered gem, although much of the island is barren volcanic rock, south of
the capital San Sebastian you will find some of the most beautiful valleys to be
found in all of the Canary Islands, the scenary here is truly breathtaking. The
weather on La Gomera is pleasant all the year around and it exudes a friendly
relaxed atmosphere and although there is little in the form of historical sites
it has a loyal following of visitors that come back year after year.
There are some 18000 local people that live on this island, most are
employed in the agricultural industry and the wonderful climate helps farming by
enabling crops to be grown all year round. There is an abundance of vegetables
and citrus fruits and the valleys are filled with banana plantations. For some
reason, La Gomera seems to be the world capital of Palm Tree growth and there
are in excess of 100,000 which as you can appreciate fairly dominate the
landscape.
La Gomera experiences some real extreme climatic conditions, the north
of the island is green and lush but is practically always covered in mist, this
area the Parque Nacioal de Garajonay is approx 4000 hectares in size and
occupies the islands central plateau. It has a UNECO protection status and is
the largest example of a Laurasilva ecosystem left in the world. There are many
woodland paths in the park and it is very popular with walkers. The southern
part of the island is dryer and hotter and contains the two Holiday resort areas
This small green mountainous island is a paradise for walkers and
hikers. The terrain is difficult and can some times best be described as
challenging, this can lead to problems trying to circumnavigate the island thus
two days should be allowed to travel around it. However for those prepared to
make the effort you will be rewarded with views of many beautiful ravines,
lakes, waterfalls all of which can be enjoyed in peace and quiet.
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Guide
to La Gomera, Spain
