Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / La Gomera
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| | | Rare rainforest |  | Why go on holiday to La Gomera?
To see rural Spain and climb through the clouds to a rainforest, one of the few in Europe.
How much does it cost?
Flights to Tenerife are from £100 though late deals can be even cheaper. Ferries go from Los Cristianos to La Gomera (about 45 minutes) for around £20 at time of writing.
A week's stay is from £250 for a two-bedroom self-catering apartment. A week's half-board in a four-star hotel is from £600. It's not usually as cheap as the other Canary Islands, but it still pays to shop around.
When should I go?
If you like crowds then August is for you. Most rainfall is recorded between November and February. The islands are pleasant at most times of the year.
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| | | Explore ancient land | | What should I do when I'm there?
The outstanding natural attraction is Parque Nacional de Garajonay, 4,000 hectares of the planet's most ancient forest land, with as many as 400 species of flora.
The Valle Gran Rey, an amazing deep river valley, with stunning scenery, terracing, palm trees and banana plantations. Its popularity with German tourists has influenced the culture, so you can get specialty German bread and some signs are in German.
What should I wear?
Both cold and warm gear is advisable if you are going to do some walking. Up in the rainforest it can be chilly as you go in and out of the clouds. Waterproofs are advised.
What are the beaches like?
Visitors to La Gomera don't go for the sunbathing. Beaches are pebbly and the sea can be dangerous. Walking or boating is more the order of the day.
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| | | Cuban cuisine | | Where's good for nightlife?
La Gomera is not a mass-market destination. People who go there want to get away from the crowds often found on other islands like Tenerife. So there's little nightlife. There are a few bars at San Sebastian and Hermigua and a disco in San Sebastian.
What's the food like?
There is a Latin American influence, as many Gomerans have emigrated to that region. There are Cuban cafes as well as local Canarian restaurants. Canarian specialities include mojo - a spicy chilli sauce.
Two regional soups are potaje de berros (watercress) and the hearty noodle, meat and potato-based ranchos canario. Also, try conejo en salmorejo (marinated rabbit) or sancocho canario, a salted-fish dish with mojo.
What should I buy?
Basketware (fashioned from palm leaves, reeds, wicker or banana leaves) is something of a fine art on Gomera. Also look for pretty, simple ceramics. The villages of Chipude and El Cercado are particularly well-known for this.
What is there for children to do?
Sorry, kids - there's not much in the way of specific entertainment for you. Apart from children's activities at the hotels, they may enjoy a dolphin or whale-spotting trip on a boat excursion from Valle de Gran Rey.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel. 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in La Gomera |
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