The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands

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Presentation

General presentation
La Gomera is probably the island of the Canary archipelago most exotic with lush vegetation with moisture.

Etymology and toponymy

La Gomera is called “Isla Colombina” (Island of Columbus).

La Gomera was once named Gomère in French.

Situation

La Gomera is located to the southwest of the island of Tenerife.

History, geography, arts, traditions, flora ...

Geography

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. physical map of the island of La Gomera. Click to enlarge the image.

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Satellite Photo of the island of La Gomera. Click to enlarge the image.

After the island of El Hierro, the island of La Gomera is the smallest island of the Canary archipelago, with an area of 372 square kilometers, of which approximately 10% are covered by the National Park Garajonay, declared heritage of humanity by UNESCO.

Almost round (25 km long and wide from 24), this island in steep terrain rises to Garajonay at an altitude of 1 487 m, a dome around which radiate 38 deep barrancos (gullies) flowing into the sea between cliffs vertical. There is no coastal plain: the island is surrounded by steep cliffs and remotely resembling a real stronghold.

History

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Flag Island of La Gomera. Click to enlarge the image.

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Santa Maria, Columbus' ship. Click to enlarge the image.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus stopped over on La Gomera and revictualled its water vessel and food before starting his journey into the unknown.

Economy

Populated by only 30 000, La Gomera lives mainly on its agriculture: bananas, tomatoes, grapes, potatoes and commerce.

Traditions

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Silbo Gomero, the whistle of La Gomera. Click to enlarge the image.

The Silbo Gomero (whistling La Gomera), a traditional form of language among the inhabitants of this island, that communicates mountain or mountain to mountain to the valley about 3 or 4 km.

The silbo was made compulsory in schools by the government.

Gastronomy

The almogrote: La Gomera has a wide culinary tradition. The products supplied by the sea that surrounds it, exotic cultures and the spirit of indigenous, soft and elegant, combine to give the often unfamiliar specialties. Among them, almogrote specialty par excellence of La Gomera, is a former sauce that dates back to the Middle Ages, made with hard cheese, pepper, oil and tomato. It is a cream with a touch of spice, spreads or served with papas (potatoes). The cheese of La Gomera, prepared the traditional way with milk of three indigenous goat breeds, mixed or not with sheep’s milk, is considered by some connoisseurs as the best cheese in the world.

Practical information

Useful information

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. South Coast of the island of La Gomera. Click to enlarge the image.

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Map of the island of La Gomera (Canary Tourism Office author). Click to enlarge the image.

La Gomera is unaffected by the sedentary tourism. It is most often visited by daytrip from Tenerife, especially where the center is located National Park Garajonay.

Also, the black sand beaches they remain relatively intact; and those of Santiago, Las Rosas and Valle Gran Rey, those of La Rajita and La Calera south or Agulo and La Caleta north.

Climate
The climate is comparable to that of Tenerife with a humid and fertile north coast subjected to the action of the trade winds, and warm south coast. Clouds are often so numerous that the north and center of the island are immersed in thick fog accompanied by drizzle which maintains lush vegetation.
Weather and forecasts
Weather in La Gomera right now

The tourism office

Jet lag
See page Tourist information on the Canaries.
Formalities
See page Tourist information on the Canaries.
Currency
See page Tourist information on the Canaries.
Electricity
See page Tourist information on the Canaries.
Phone
See page Tourist information on the Canaries.
Administrative information
La Gomera is part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is divided into six municipalities: Agulo, Alajeró, Hermigua, San Sebastián de la Gomera (capital), Valle Gran Rey and Vallehermoso.

Air transport

The island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. the island of La Gomera Airport. Click to enlarge the image.

The island is accessible by air from an airport was built there in 2005 close to Alajero, but access to La Gomera is mainly through the airport Reina Sofía de Tenerife (Tenerife Sur) and then through sea from the maritime Station Los Cristianos 12 km away.

A regular bus TITSA the company can reach the Harbour Station from Tenerife South Airport.

Ferries

The island of La Gomera is mainly served by sea from the port of Los Cristianos (southern island of Tenerife). It is also accessible from Valverde (island of El Hierro) or La Palma.

La Gomera is 40 minutes by hovercraft from Los Cristianos and 90 minutes by ferry from Santa Cruz.

Road transport

Other topics

Filiation of the topics

Canary Islands > La Gomera

More detailed topics

Interactive map of the island of La Gomera
The Garajonay National Park in La Gomera
The Majona Natural Park in La Gomera
The town of Agulo in La Gomera
The town of Vallehermoso in La Gomera
The town of Hermigua in La Gomera
The town of Valle Gran Rey in La Gomera
The town of San Sebastián in La Gomera
The town of Alajeró in La Gomera
The flora and fauna of the island of La Gomera
The island of La Gomera - OTC Brochure (PDF)

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