Best Day Trips to La Gomera from Tenerife
La Gomera is an island of breathtaking wild and natural beauty: I tell you how to visit it from Tenerife and discover its rural charm.
Garajonay National Park | ©Lochabad
La Gomera is an island with landscapes that seem to be from another time and another place: wild vegetation, valleys covered with jungle and cliffs and views of the sea that transport you directly to infinity.
On your trip to Tenerife, you can take advantage of the opportunity to take a day trip to La Gomera to marvel at its incredible beauty and discover a unique ecosystem in the world and a World Heritage Site, the Canary laurel forest of the Garajonay National Park.
Gomera Day Trip from Tenerife
The best value for money day trip to La Gomera
The best option para aprovechar al máximo la jornada. Recorrerás los pueblos con más encanto de la isla y su parque nacional, el Garajonay, en autobús. Incluye también la comida y los traslados a y desde tu hotel.
On this excursion to La Gomera from Tenerife you will discover the most impressive natural surroundings of the island with a local guide, in an air-conditioned bus and with a typical lunch included. You will depart by boat from the south coast of Tenerife (pick up from your hotel) and head to San Sebastián de La Gomera.
Once you arrive there, you will begin the ascent to the Garajonay National Park. Inside you will discover the thousand-year-old laurel forest and the Degollada de Peraza viewpoint, which offers impressive views of the Barranco de la Laja ravine and the Chejelipes dams.
You will continue the route through La Palmita until you reach the villages of Las Rosas and Agulo, in the north of the island. There, you will enjoy a typical Canarian meal while watching a live demonstration of the silbo gomero, an ancient method of communication created by the aboriginal Canary Islanders and adapted to Spanish over time.
Why I like this option: This is the most complete option in terms of value for money. You will discover the Garajonay and the most charming villages on the island.
Recommended if... you want to make the most of a day of your trip to Tenerife without worrying about transfers or meals, just to enjoy yourself.
Is it worth visiting La Gomera with an excursion from Tenerife?
You'll save time and money
If you are in Tenerife because you are looking for a holiday of sun, beach and lots of relaxation, a full day trip to La Gomera is the perfect way to combine your trip. If you tried to do it on your own, it would be practically impossible to enjoy everything in one day: organising the day, driving from one place to another, etc. With an excursion, the local guide will make sure you don't miss the most spectacular spots. Also, if you visit the island on your own, it is important to have a car, and the cost of a car for 2 adults is approximately €185 return, which is more than the organised excursion.
You will have a local guide at your service
If you only have one day to visit La Gomera, time is precious and a local guide will make sure you get to know the must-see spots on the island. Let yourself be guided by their recommendations, take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, etc. If you also decide to take the Jeep tour, you will see a natural and wild perspective of the island in an almost private group that you could not get in any other way.
The ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera
The ferry for all excursions to La Gomera departs from Playa de los Cristianos in Tenerife. There are currently two companies operating this route: Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas. Both ferries are similar and make the journey in only 50 minutes. The ferries are very large and stable, with very comfortable padded seats.
If you want to go on your own, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. You can find their official websites here and here.
The cost of a return trip Tenerife - La Gomera for 2 adults and 1 car is around 185 €. Without a car, the price decreases significantly, but it limits the possibility of visiting the island so much that it is not worth it.
Practical tips to keep in mind during the excursion
- Don't forget your ID card or passport, as you will need it to board the ferry to La Gomera.
- In the case of the Jeep excursion, La Gomera harbour fees are not included in the price (10,50 € per person).
- If the weather is bad, the excursion will be postponed or cancelled, and your money will be refunded. Speaking of which, if for any reason you want to cancel the excursion, please do so at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What to see in La Gomera
Taking the ferry from Tenerife will take you to San Sebastián de La Gomera in about 50 minutes. You can visit some of its points of interest, such as the Casa de Colón Museum (in this small town, Columbus stopped before setting sail for the Americas) and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a beautiful church that will convey the rural charm of La Gomera.
- Torre del Conde: the most outstanding monument in San Sebastián de La Gomera. It is a very special 15th century fortress as it is the southernmost medieval (gothic) construction in the world! The Torre del Conde is a real eye-catcher against a backdrop of palm trees.
- Alojera: this beautiful village is off the beaten tourist track and to reach it you will have to cross roads along cliffs where you can stop to enjoy the views. The local product is palm syrup, a delicacy that you can try and even take back bottled as a souvenir.
- Garajonay National Park: the jewel of the island. Declared a World Heritage Site, it is a spectacular Biosphere Reserve along with the whole island. It is full of trails to walk and viewpoints with breathtaking views. It is a journey into the past of the planet because it has the best preserved laurel forest in Europe. This type of rainforest covered practically the whole of the Old Continent millions of years ago.
- Roque de Agando: If you're looking for photos of La Gomera, there's a good chance you'll see a rock formation that stands out among the greenery, clouds and palm trees: it's the Roque de Agando. A stop to immortalise the most emblematic spot on the island is a must on your excursion.
- Valle Gran Rey: lastly, the viewpoints on the way to Valle Gran Rey: the Ermita del Santo viewpoint offers spectacular views from a huge cliff where, on a clear day, you can see the islands of El Hierro and La Palma, and from the César Manrique viewpoint you cansee the valley in all its splendour.
Alex's Traveller Tip
There are some very nice souvenirs you can take back with you from La Gomera: a bottle of palm syrup, traditional pottery from El Cercado, or a jar of almogrote or mojo are perfect souvenirs of your trip.
What else can I see and do in Tenerife?
Tenerife is an island full of contrasts and places to discover, so don't worry, you'll never have too much time to spare. If you fancy enjoying the Atlantic waters, the best option is to go on a whale and dolphin watching boat trip, as Tenerife is one of the best places in the world to do so.
You can also go kayaking and snorkelling with turtles and of course, climb the Teide, the jewel of the island.