What a fantastic island!  La Gomera is the second smallest of the seven Canaries and, while only 17 km in diameter, its highest point is 1487m, topping Ben Nevis by 140m. The island has been likened to a giant lemon squeezer with vast canyons running from the centre in all directions to the sea.  This model in the national park’s visitors’ centre does a good job of showing the island’s craggy relief.

Although volcanic in origin the last volcanic activity was two million years ago. As a consequence, and in contrast with the other islands, the landscape owes more to water and weather erosion and there is an abundance of vegetation from banana plantations, date palms and cacti at sea level with grasses, shrubs and grape vines at the mid level and an evergreen forest in the mist and clouds at the top. Agriculture is being replaced by tourism as the main industry and the centuries old terraced fields are falling into disuse and disrepair.

La Gomera is an island of stunning scenery and dramatic views. It has a well maintained network of trails based on ancient path ways that make it a popular destination for hillwalkers. The island has no beaches to speak of and as a result no large resorts and related trappings, just small apartment blocks, hostels and rural hotels.  The island has a very relaxed feel to it and we certainly plan to return, to explore it on foot rather than by car.

The middle and lower reaches of Valle Gran Rey.