A small, steep Canary Island of misty laurel forest, deep green valleys and quiet villages, a short ferry ride from Tenerife. Here's what La Gomera is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Fly to Tenerife South, then take the ferry from Los Cristianos. The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
La Gomera is mild all year, with highs around 20°C in winter and the mid-20s in summer. Spring and autumn are best for walking. Winter is good for gentle sun, though the forest is often cool and misty. Summer is hot and busier with Spanish visitors.
UNESCO-listed laurel forest in the island's misty centre, with marked trails and the island's highest peak.
A deep valley of terraces and palms that ends at black-sand beaches, popular for its sunsets.
Take a boat trip from Valle Gran Rey to see these cliffs of tall basalt columns, like organ pipes, only visible from the sea.
Boat trips look for pilot whales and dolphins in the waters between La Gomera and Tenerife.
Listen for the island's whistled language, used to talk across valleys and now taught in local schools.
A pretty village of cobbled lanes and white houses on the north coast, with a glass skywalk viewpoint nearby.
A tall volcanic rock tower beside the mountain road, with a viewpoint over the valleys.
Fly to Tenerife South, then take a taxi or bus to Los Cristianos and catch the ferry to San Sebastián de La Gomera, which takes about 50 minutes.
Yes, if you like walking, scenery and peace. It's far quieter than Tenerife, with no big resorts, and a great base for hiking.
Yes, by ferry or on an organised tour. But to walk in the forest and see the valleys properly, stay a few nights.
It helps, as the roads are winding and buses are infrequent. You can bring a hire car over on the ferry or rent one on the island.
Put La Gomera on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.