La Gomera’s 378 square kilometers are a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and has more than 600 kilometers of hiking trails, as well as 80 kilometers of bicycle routes. It has 17 Protected Natural Areas including Garajonay National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the Gomeran whistled language has also been declared an Intangible Cultural World Heritage of Humanity. Along its 90 kilometers of beautiful coasts and coves we will have free access to swim below the sun in the Atlantic Ocean thanks to the good weather of La Gomera. And the island is surrounded by Europe’s first Whale Heritage marine strip, declared by the World Cetacean Alliance. The experience will be complete if you take into account these 10 tips:
1. La Gomera with a Heart: Trail App
La Gomera is almost round, so it is a privilege to walk its well-marked trails included in the Network of Natural Trails of National Interest in Spain. To plan the routes in detail, we can download the Info La Gomera App, which also includes the network of trails of extraordinary beauty. The download of the mobile application is active in the Play Store.
2. Ascent and Descent Facing the Sea: GPS, Backpack and Trekking Poles
Basic trekking equipment is especially important. This also goes for GPS, a backpack with the appropriate weight for the march and, given the verticality of some trails, suitable poles. They will be useful in the most difficult routes.
3. Up to 600 Kilometers of Trails: Abundant Water and Snacks
We must keep in mind that when hiking routes we may be alone with the mountain, so it is advisable to carry water to hydrate well and something to snack on, such as nuts and bananas from the Canary Islands, very rich in potassium.
4. To Reach the Heart of the Island: Raincoat and Hiking Boots
Garajonay National Park is one of the few places on the planet with laurel forests, a humid place with species that have been alive since the Tertiary Era. Undoubtedly, its fairytale magic is best experienced with a raincoat that protects one from the humidity that keeps it wet and good footwear such as hiking boots.
5. Relax on Authentic Wild Beaches: Swimsuit, Towel and Sandals
90 kilometers of beautiful coasts and coves are open to us to enjoy a salty, curative and regenerating sea bath as a complement to the beauty of the mountains in La Gomera. It is a good idea to carry a swimsuit, towel and sandals in the trunk.
6. Views of Nature: Binoculars and Flashlight
You can also enjoy touring the 35 official lookouts of the Lookout Network of La Gomera, including the Palmarejo Lookout, located in Valle Gran Rey, designed by the international artist César Manrique. The experience can be more complete with binoculars and a flashlight, especially if we are going to see one of the incredible sunsets in Valle Gran Rey.
7. Whale Watching: Hat, Sunscreen and Sunglasses
More than 21 species of cetaceans have been documented in the waters surrounding La Gomera, an area that has just been declared a European Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance. So it is essential to bring a hat, plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses for this day at sea on one of the authorized sighting boats.
8. The Night is for Stargazing: a Map of the Solar System and a Good Camera
La Gomera’s natural treasures include the night sky, which can be nearly reached with your fingertips in municipalities such as Agulo, in the northeast of the island. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring a map of the constellations of the solar system and a good camera.
9. Authenticity is Also Manifested in the Whistled Language: Reserve Time for Culture
The whistled language of La Gomera, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is one of the facets of the island that should not be missed when traveling here. So it’s good to be aware of the cultural agenda through the calendar of events on the official website, to participate in the festivities of the municipalities of the island and its amazing traditions.
10. The Silence of the Seabed: Basic Snorkeling Equipment and Underwater Camera Protector
The south of the island has a seabed with authentic scuba diving treasures in La Gomera. So always have basic snorkeling equipment and a submersible camera protector on hand when touring the area.
