Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / La Gomera
 |  | Fact File : La Gomera |
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| | | La Gomera | | Did you know?
Nine million kilos of bananas were grown on the island in 1997.
Language
Spanish. Traditional Canarians also use some distinctive sounds, including whistles used to send messages across long distances without shouting.
Visas
Not needed by UK residents.
Getting there
Charter flights to Tenerife, followed by a boat ride.
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
Buses or guaguas run infrequently. Fuel is cheaper in the Canaries than in mainland Spain. Renting a car is usually cheaper than a moped or motorbike. Ferries leave La Gomera at least once a day heading for Tenerife. Hydrofoils also operate between the two islands.
Currency
Euro
Costs
A rough guide: litre of petrol 30p; bottle of beer from 80p; 36-exposure camera film £2.50; moderate restaurant meal £7; short taxi ride £6.
Weather
August temperatures reach 25-29C (76-84F), while in January they drop to 20-26C (69-79F). It rains so rarely that all drinking water here is desalinated seawater.
Time difference
Same as GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 34 922
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Like mainland Spain and the rest of continental Europe, the plugs have two round pins.
Opening hours
Shops and travel agencies Monday-Friday 9am-2pm and 4.30pm/5pm-8pm; Saturdays 9am-2pm. Banks: Monday-Friday 8.30am-2pm; some open Saturday 9am-1pm. Many government offices don't open in the afternoons.
Health - Before you go
No vaccinations required. Remember to take an EHIC form (available from UK post offices) so that you can claim back any medical costs you might run up.
Health - When you are there
The most important advice is to wear adequate sunscreen. The domestic tap water is safe to drink throughout the Canaries.
Warnings
Beware of petty theft and don't leave valuables in your hire car. Swimmers are advised to be cautious as currents off the island can be strong.
Emergency
Police 092; Medical 061. British Consulate, Plaza Weyler 8-1, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38003. Tel: (922) 28 68 63.
Customs
As in the rest of Spain, most shops and offices close from about 2pm to 5pm. In the evening, locals eat late - rarely before 10pm. Fiestas are wild affairs with fancy dress for all - the biggest one is in February.
Pets
You may take pets between the Canary Islands and the UK under the PETS travel scheme. Rabies vaccinations and blood tests are a prerequisite for the necessary documentation, and the entire process should start at least seven months prior to travel.
Tipping
Taxes and service charges are not advertised. A 5% tip is appreciated. Getting served at the bar will save you about 10-20% on the bill.
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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| |  | | Ondina C,Sea view house in Hermigua, La Gomera
Great house with valley and sea views in Hermigua, La Gomera
|  | | Sea view apartment with pool,Hermigua,La Gomera
Lovely and modern1 bedroom apartment with full ocean view in Hermigua.
|  | | VGR107Seaside apartment, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera
1 bedroom simple apartment in Valle Gran Rey Coast
|  | | OndinaB2, sea view property, Hermigua,La Gomera
Three bedrooms house with wide BBQ area and wonderful sea and valley views
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Holiday Rentals in La Gomera |
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