As small as it may seem, the island of La Gomera has many places of tourist interest to visit and it will take you a few days, even weeks, to get to know it in depth. However, the distribution of its villages and the good condition of its roads makes it possible to make different circular routes for those visitors who do not have much time.
Here are three road routes that you can do in a single day, so that you do not miss the most outstanding sites of the island. Take note!
Route 1: The Jewels of the North of La Gomera from San Sebastian.
This route begins in San Sebastián de La Gomera, capital of the island. It is highly recommended to visit the Tourist Office to make sure you don’t miss anything in the historic center of the city... And after touring the center and visiting the most interesting places from the tourist point of view, such as La Torre del Conde or the Casa de Colón, it will be time to take the car and head for the neighboring municipality of Hermigua, on the GM-1.
In just half an hour of road between incredible landscapes, we arrive at the municipality of Hermigua. Here, the places to visit that you should include in your list are the Ethnographic Museum of La Gomera, the Los Telares Ethnographic Park and, of course, if the weather is good, you cannot miss a swim in the natural pools located in the famous and imposing Pescante de Hermigua.
The route through the north of the island continues in the municipality of Agulo, the “bonbon” of La Gomera, a few minutes’ drive from the municipality of Hermigua. It will be time to park the car and let yourself become lost while strolling through its colorful cobblestone streets.
From Agulo we will leave towards the hamlet of Las Rosas, still on the GM-1. At this point, there are different options to enjoy a delicious lunch typical of the island. This place has become a must for visitors, and it is the only glass-floored lookout in La Gomera that, more than 600 meters high, allows you to get the best views of Agulo. Very close to the viewpoint, it is also possible to access the spectacular Juego de Bolas Visitor Center.
This is an architectural space that combines an exhibition hall, an auditorium, an ethnographic museum, craft workshops and a botanical garden. Designed for understanding the traditional Gomeran culture and all the keys for understanding the unspoiled nature of Garajonay National Park, the Visitor Center is a must-see place on the island of La Gomera. Inside, the reconstruction of a traditional house with its wine press, a press tool used to make wine, stands out.
The route continues through a large part of Garajonay National Park, along the road that connects Juego de Bolas and Laguna Grande. A tour in which to observe in first person the majesty of the laurel forest.
Once we reach GM-2 it will be time to return to San Sebastian, but not before making a stop on the way to observe the incredible formations of the Roques de Agando Natural Monument, with its imposing volcanic domes.
Route 2: Villages in the midlands from Valle Gran Rey.
This route begins in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey, heading to the village of El Cercado. During the journey to the upper part of the municipality of Valle Gran Rey, it will be the ideal time to make a stop or two to take pictures of the landscape full of palm trees and terraces. It is essential, in this sense, to stop at the Mirador del Palmarejo, designed by the famous Canarian artist César Manrique, the strategic point from where to be amazed by the palm grove of Valle Gran Rey.
Leaving behind the neighborhoods of Arure and Las Hayas, you will arrive at El Cercado, where you can visit the different traditional pottery workshops, as well as the Loceras Interpretation Center, where you can learn much more about this primitive technique, which was already practiced by the aboriginal Gomeros who inhabited the island before the arrival of the Castilian conquerors. The potters have been able to maintain the legacy of their ancestors, keeping a tradition with unique pieces, made meticulously by hand, without the aid of a potter’s wheel or mold.
The village of Chipude is only fifteen minutes away by car. It will be the moment to make a stop to taste a delicious typical lunch in one of the restaurants, located in the town square, and to observe the Natural Monument of La Fortaleza or the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria from the sixteenth century, before continuing to the Mirador de Igualero.
From the Mirador de Igualero you will have another perspective of the fortress and you will be able to observe the incredible monument dedicated to the Silbo Gomero, which is located in this unique location.
On the way back to Valle Gran Rey, crossing the Laurisilva mountain by the GM-2, you will arrive at Arure to visit the Mirador del Santo. From here you can see the hamlet of Taguluche at the bottom of the ravine, while enjoying one of the best sunsets on the island.
Route 3: Visit to Playa de Santiago from San Sebastian.
The third route starts in San Sebastian, heading toward Playa de Santiago, on the GM-2. In Playa de Santiago you can spend the day on the beach or strolling along its promenade, enjoying the warm climate of the south of the island and tasting the best fish in its restaurants with terraces.
The route back to San Sebastián passes through the center of the municipality of Alajeró to reach the incorporation to the GM-2 toward the capital of the island, crossing part of Garajonay National Park and making a mandatory stop at the Roques de Agando to enjoy the views.
