La Gomera is the second smallest island of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. The island is of volcanic source and jaggedly circular, about 15 miles in diameter and rising to nearly 5000 feet at the central peak of Garajonay. There are some 20,000 people who live on La Gomera. This island is known because Christopher Columbus made La Gomera his last port of call before crossing the Atlantic in 1492. The house in San Sebastian in which he lived is now a tourist attraction. The central mountains grab hold of the humidity from the trade wind clouds and produce a jungle climate rich in vegetation high in the cooler air, which contrasts with the warmer sun-baked cliffs near sea level. Between these extremes is a fascinating range of vegetation, and the Gomerans have for centuries farmed the lower levels, channeling water for the irrigation of their vines, fruits and vegetables, such as bananas.
Take a trip to the Garajonay National Park and
see a true rain forest that is perfect for taking that romantic hike. If that is
not enough hiking for you then go to Cumbre de Chijere and take a mountainous
hike, be careful.
If you just want to relax then go to one of the beaches. Go to the Valle Gran
Rey or the Puerto de Santiago and soak up some rays.