How to Take a Day Trip from Tenerife to La Gomera
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If you’re soaking up the sunshine in Tenerife and fancy a change of scenery, how does hopping over to La Gomera sound?
Can you actually do it in a single day? Absolutely! Whether you’re chasing laurel forests, craving authentic Canarian food, or just curious to tick another island off your travel list, this quick escape is surprisingly easy to do. Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen.
Views of Tenerife and Mount Teide from La Gomera
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)
How to get from Tenerife to La Gomera
While you can fly, we highly recommend taking the ferry since it’s cheaper, more convenient, and adds only about 15 minutes to the trip.
We took the ferry from Los Cristianos, in southern Tenerife, to San Sebastián de La Gomera and paid around €80 per person for a return ticket, which we felt was good value. If the price you see looks significantly cheaper, it's likely because resident fares have been selected by default, but we'll explain this in more detail later in the guide.
San Sebastian de La Gomera port
You can purchase tickets from two different ferry companies: Fred. Olsen Express or Naviera Armas, but we highly recommend using Direct Ferries. It lets you compare prices from multiple ferry companies in one place, making it easier to find the best option. Ticket prices are also automatically set to "Non-Resident", helping you avoid an expensive mistake when booking.
Boarding the ferry as a foot passenger
It’s very straightforward. Ideally, arrive around 45 minutes prior and wait at the Capitánia Maritima. There are a few benches and cafés inside, so it's an easy place to relax before boarding. When boarding begins, head towards the gate and keep your passport or ID and ferry tickets ready, as staff will ask to see both before you board. A valid passport or ID is mandatory.
Planning your first trip to Tenerife? Check out 14 Best Things to Do in Tenerife, Spain | First Timers Guide.
Can you take a Tenerife rental car on the ferry?
The short answer is yes, but there’s a massive trap that catches many travellers off guard.
We had it super easy because we took our family’s car. However, if you are renting a car in Tenerife, you need to be aware that, under a typical car rental contract, you are not allowed to take the car to another island.
If you break the contract and come across any issues, you could be liable for hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
To avoid any surprises, always check directly with your rental company before your trip, as some do allow their vehicles to be taken between islands. If they do, adding a car to your ferry booking should only cost around €20 each way.
If you are wondering which is the best car rental company in Tenerife, read this guide Best Car Rentals in Tenerife (Without Getting Ripped Off).
How to get around La Gomera
If you’re deciding the best way to get around when visiting La Gomera, there are two excellent choices for exploring the island effectively:
Option A is renting a car at the port of San Sebastian de La Gomera.
Our best recommendation is to use QEEQ. QEEQ is the car rental company we always use, since they provide the best rates and have no hidden fees. Just make sure that when you are searching, you type in San Sebastian de La Gomera rather than just La Gomera.
If you’re not planning to rent a car, or you simply want a completely stress-free way to experience La Gomera, then option B is honestly your best option, booking a guided day trip.
This is the exact tour we recommend, and what makes it different from most others is that it’s done in 4x4 jeeps, not a large coach.
You’ll start the day in the south of Tenerife, where you’ll meet your group and take the fast ferry across to La Gomera. From there, you’ll explore the island by jeep, visiting some of its most spectacular locations, including Garajonay National Park, Hermigua, and iconic landmarks like Roque de Agando.
You’ll also stop in San Sebastián, but one of the standout moments of the day is the included traditional Canarian lunch, where you’ll also experience a live demonstration of El Silbo Gomero, the island’s unique whistling language.
If you think about it, this tour costs €150 per person, including transport, guides, ferry, food, and knowledge about the island. Going independently costs around €80 just for the ferry tickets, and then you need to account for all other expenses. This guided tour is a great option if you are looking for the best value for money.
One thing to avoid is relying on local public buses for a single-day trip. While La Gomera does have a public bus network, the routes connect rural villages and run only a few times a day, making it practically impossible to see multiple highlights in a day.
Where to stay in La Gomera
If you decide that a single-day trip is too rushed and you want to stay for a night or two, these are the three best areas depending on your travel style:
San Sebastian
This is where we stayed. It is the capital of La Gomera, so it’s a great place if you are looking for convenience. Here you have easy access to the port, restaurants, landmarks, ocean views, and it’s a great base for those exploration days.
Two hotels we recommend:
Parador de La Gomera: This is where we stayed. It’s a mix of a high-end traditional 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.
Need help with where to stay in Tenerife? Check out 5 Best Areas to Stay in Tenerife (Based on Travel Style).
Valle Gran Rey
This is the main holiday hub of the island. It has the best weather, beautiful black-sand beaches and spectacular sunset views.
Two hotels we recommend:
Playa Calera Hotel: Stunning hotel by the beach.
Residencial el Llano: Mainly apartments, making it ideal for families.
Agulo or Hermigua
These are two towns side-by-side on the northern side of the island. They are nestled within green agricultural valleys filled with banana plantations.
For even more accommodation options, we recommend using Vio. It compares hotel prices across multiple booking platforms, making it easy to find the best deal without having to search each website individually.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Gomera worth a visit?
Absolutely! Especially if you love nature, hiking, and getting away from giant tourist crowds. If you appreciate raw scenery and a slower pace of life, it is 100% worth at least a day trip.
Is La Gomera worth visiting for a day?
Yes, a day trip is totally worth it, provided you plan or book a guided tour. However, if you want to tackle long hiking trails or truly slow down, you will want to extend your visit to a few days.
Is La Gomera expensive?
No, La Gomera is generally very affordable and often cheaper than the main tourist hubs in Tenerife. Expect to pay around €8-€14 per person for a solid meal at a local village restaurant and around €100 per night for luxurious hotels.
How long to spend on La Gomera?
One full day is enough to see the main highlights, drive the scenic loops, and visit the national park. However, if you are an avid hiker or want to fully unplug in the quiet villages, plan for 3 to 4 days to explore the deeper trails without rushing.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog, and if you have additional questions about Tenerife or La Gomera, do not hesitate to drop them in the comments section below!
