Those enjoying their holiday in Tenerife can easily discover things to do in La Gomera with just a short ferry ride. This nearby island offers a completely different experience—lush, wild, and rich in culture—perfect for a day trip or a few days of pure nature and relaxation.
La Gomera, the second smallest island in the Canary archipelago, radiates a unique charm with its untouched nature and deep-rooted traditions.
At the heart of the island lies Garajonay National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. This laurel forest is one of the last of its kind, a misty and magical ecosystem filled with rare flora and fauna. Winding trails lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking green canopies and the Atlantic Ocean.
The island is also known for its Silbo Gomero, an ancestral whistled language used to communicate across ravines. Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009, it’s still taught and used today—an amazing example of living tradition that adds even more depth to the island’s identity.
Things to Do in La Gomera: 1–3 Day Itineraries
Whether the plan is a quick visit or a full three-day escape, this itinerary includes ideas for all types of travellers. If you are wondering what to do in La Gomera, the route is flexible and ideal for adapting to different travel times.
These are the 12 places that make up the route, from the old town of the capital to the ravines of the south-west:
- Torre del Conde and the old town of San Sebastián
- Casa de Colón Museum
- Mirador El Parador
- Playa La Cueva
- Garajonay National Park
- Alto de Garajonay
- La Encantadora reservoir
- Mirador de Abrante
- Agulo
- Playa de la Caleta
- Valle Gran Rey
- Roque de Agando
Day 1: San Sebastián Highlights — what to do in La Gomera
Old Town and Torre del Conde
The journey begins in the island’s capital. Stroll through the old town and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the peaceful Torre del Conde Park, home to a 15th-century fortress built to protect the island.
Casa de Colón Museum and viewpoints
Nearby, the Casa de Colón Museum explores the link between Christopher Columbus and La Gomera. A short drive or walk from the centre, the Mirador El Parador offers fantastic views of San Sebastián, the port and, on clear days, Tenerife and Mount Teide.
La Gomera: day trip from south Tenerife with ferry and lunch
A full day on La Gomera from south Tenerife: ferry, Garajonay National Park, Roque de Agando, the whistling language and lunch included.
- La Gomera
3.5(174) reviews
Playa La Cueva
The afternoon is ideal for a swim at Playa La Cueva. This quiet beach, with dark volcanic sand and calm waters, is perfect to unwind after a day of history and scenery.
Day 2: Garajonay National Park — things to do in La Gomera
Visitor Centre and tips
This day is dedicated to exploring Garajonay National Park. The visitor centre offers useful insights on biodiversity and routes. Trails are clearly marked and QR-code signs provide extra details along the way.
Recommended trails
- Ermita de Lourdes – Easy, 40 minutes. Map
- La Laguna Grande I – Easy, circular, 20 minutes. Map
- Los Barranquillos – Easy, 20 minutes. Map
- Bailadero – Medium, 30 minutes. Map
- Contadero – Alto de Garajonay – Medium, 1 hour round trip. Map
- Agando – La Laja – Agando – High difficulty, 3h 15min. Map
Day 3: Viewpoints, Villages and Beaches — what to do in La Gomera
La Encantadora Reservoir
The final day starts at the impressive La Encantadora Reservoir, surrounded by nature and birdsong. A peaceful spot for a relaxed morning outdoors.
Mirador de Abrante
Next, the Mirador de Abrante offers a thrilling glass platform suspended 7 metres above the ground with open views over Agulo and, on clear days, across to Tenerife and Mount Teide.
Agulo and surroundings
In Agulo, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, cobbled streets and information panels guide visitors through local highlights. The Church of San Marcos stands out for its white domes and panoramic backdrop of cliffs and ocean.
La Caleta Beach
Finish the day at La Caleta Beach. With calm water, volcanic sand, picnic tables and nearby services, it’s an ideal place to wrap up a trip full of nature, culture and sea views.
La Gomera: day trip from Puerto de la Cruz
Full-day trip to La Gomera picking up in Puerto de la Cruz: ferry, Garajonay National Park, Roque de Agando and lunch included.
- La Gomera
- 3.5(174) reviews
More places to see in La Gomera and how to get there
La Gomera offers dozens of viewpoints, scenic drives across volcanic landscapes and authentic experiences. Its proximity makes it an easy escape from Tenerife. For more ideas and hidden gems in the Canary Islands, visit our Travel Blog.
How to Get to La Gomera from Tenerife
The easiest way is the ferry from Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, to San Sebastián de La Gomera: Fred. Olsen Express takes around 50 minutes and Naviera Armas about 1 hour, with several daily departures each way. You can bring a car on board or cross on foot and explore the island on an organised day trip to La Gomera from south Tenerife with transport and guide included — the most convenient option if you only have one day. If you are staying in the north, the same trip departs from Puerto de la Cruz.
If You Have More Time: Valle Gran Rey and the South
With an extra day, head southwest to Valle Gran Rey, a dramatic ravine that opens onto black-sand beaches and some of the best sunsets in the Canaries. On the way, stop at Roque de Agando, one of the island’s geological icons, and finish in Playa de Santiago, a fishing village with the sunniest weather on La Gomera. Boat trips leave its harbour for Los Órganos, a cliff of basalt columns that can only be seen from the sea.
