Is La Gomera Worth Visiting? (Honest Opinion)
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La Gomera is one of the smallest and perhaps most overlooked of the Canary Islands. Many people become curious about visiting simply because they’ve spotted its dramatic silhouette from the shores of Tenerife, while others are just looking for a truly unique island escape, but both are often unsure of what to expect.
As someone born in the Canary Islands, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to La Gomera multiple times. That’s why in this blog, I’ll be sharing my completely honest opinion on what this island is really like, who will love it, and who should probably skip it, along with additional crucial information to help you plan your trip.
Views over mountain valley in La Gomera of the ocean
In a hurry? Plan your trip to La Gomera now!
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Historic luxury: Parador de La Gomera (8.7/10)
- Prime ocean views: Bancal Hotel and Spa (9.1/10)
- Beachfront: Hotel Playa Calera (8.6/10)
Is La Gomera worth visiting? (the short answer)
Yes, La Gomera is absolutely worth visiting, but only if you are looking for nature, hiking, and total tranquillity. If your idea of a perfect holiday involves long stretches of golden sand, lively beach bars, and all-inclusive luxury resorts, you will likely be disappointed. La Gomera is raw, quiet, and very mountainous. It is a haven for hikers, slow travellers, and anyone wanting to disconnect from the crowds.
Why La Gomera is absolutely worth it (the pros)
Here are just some of the main reasons that make this island incredibly special:
A hiker’s paradise
The crown jewel of the island is Garajonay National Park, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its dense, misty laurel forests feels exactly like stepping onto the set of Jurassic Park. Because of how the island is laid out, it is incredibly easy to park your car and hit the trails, or even start a hike directly from one of the local villages.
Truly uncrowded
The moment you step off the ferry, you notice the silence. There are no massive mega-hotels, no traffic jams, and no crowds. Even in popular spots like Garajonay National Park or San Sebastián de La Gomera, you will often find yourself among just a handful of other visitors enjoying the island.
Breathtaking viewpoints
Because the island is shaped like a giant dome with deep ravines, the views are jaw-dropping. Driving here means stopping every ten minutes at a viewpoint to stare at dramatic cliffs, terraced valleys, and Mount Teide over the ocean in the distance.
The downsides: Who should skip La Gomera? (the cons)
To keep this guide truly honest, we need to talk about the things corporate travel brochures won't tell you. La Gomera isn't perfect for everyone.
The driving is intense: If you get car sick or hate heights, you might struggle here. The roads are impeccably maintained, but they are a non-stop, tight switchbacks and hairpin turns next to cliff edges.
Mountain and curvy roads in La Gomera
The beaches are rocky and black: You won’t find white sand beaches here. Most beaches are pebbly or have dark volcanic sand with strong Atlantic currents that can make swimming dangerous. Even the island's famous natural volcanic pools, like the one in La Hermigua, can become incredibly dangerous to swim in when the tide is high or the currents are strong. One notable exception is the main beach in San Sebastián de La Gomera, which features a man-made breakwater that blocks the heavy waves, making it calm and completely suitable for families with kids.
Agitated water at Pescante de Hermigua
No nightlife: If you want to party past 10:00 PM, this is the wrong island. Evening entertainment here usually consists of a quiet glass of local wine at a family-run tavern. For us, this is a major plus, but it's definitely something to keep in mind if you're looking for a lively scene!
Is a day trip to La Gomera from Tenerife enough?
Most people visit La Gomera on an organised day trip from Los Cristianos in Tenerife. This makes total sense, as it saves you hours of planning and can often be more budget-friendly overall. However, is one day really enough? Honestly, it’s a mixed opinion.
A day trip is perfectly fine if you want a quick taster. You can take the 50-minute morning ferry, drive up to the misty forests of Garajonay, look at a few stunning ravines, eat a traditional lunch, and catch the evening ferry back.
However, a day trip forces you to rush through an island that is designed for slow exploration. To truly experience the magic of the trails and landscapes, staying at least 2 to 3 nights is highly recommended.
Where to stay: The best areas in La Gomera
We have written a dedicated guide on this topic, which you can read for more details. However, the most convenient base with the best hotels (in our opinion) is San Sebastián de La Gomera. Two hotels we highly recommend are:
Parador de La Gomera: This is where we stayed. It’s a mix of a high-end traditional/historic hotel with incredible ocean views.
Bancal Hotel and Spa: It’s slightly outside the city, and combines modern facilities and rooms with spectacular ocean views (as well as a cheeky spa).
How to get to La Gomera?
Getting to the island is surprisingly straightforward and quicker than people expect. Since there are no direct international flights to La Gomera's tiny regional airport, your best bet is taking the ferry from south Tenerife.
Where to catch it: Ferries depart daily from the port of Los Cristianos in south Tenerife.
The companies: Two main companies operate the route: Fred. Olsen (the fast catamaran, taking about 50 minutes) and Naviera Armas (a slightly larger and slower ship). To be able to compare the best ferry prices from different companies in one place and avoid hours of research, we recommend using Direct Ferries to buy your tickets.
Bringing a car: If you rent a car in Tenerife, you can easily drive it right onto the ferry. Just make sure to check with your car rental provider beforehand to ensure your insurance covers inter-island travel!
Planning a day trip? For exact ferry schedules, ticket booking tips, and advice on how to maximise your single day on the island, check out our complete step-by-step guide: How to Take a Day Trip from Tenerife to La Gomera.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog, and if you have additional questions about La Gomera, do not hesitate to drop them in the comments section below!
