Roque de Agando - a column of lava which never escaped, now exposed by erosion

In the northwest, the town of Villahermoso and it's surroundings are particularly green and beautiful.  And the national park of Garajonay in the centre of the island is very special, being untouched rainforest and vital for the supply of water on the island.

Villahermoso valley, falling towards the north coast

We also enjoyed the archaeological museum in San Sebastian which explains what is known about the original inhabitants of La Gomera, who arrived around 2,000 years ago from North Africa.  One fascinating aspect of their culture is the development of Silbo, which survives to this day as a means of communication across the steep valleys.  It was in the ethnographic museum we saw an excellent video explaining how it worked and showing examples of both men and women using it.  Silbo is now taught in La Gomera schools to ensure it won't die out.

When the skies cleared we drove back to the centre of the island and walked up to the highest point, Alto de Garajonay.  From there you can see all the neighbouring islands: Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and even Gran Canaria on a good day.

Almost clear; 2 days later we could see El Hierro from the highest point on La Gomera

and Tenerife

and Roque de Agando again, this time on a clear day