La Gomera

La Gomera is far from the first option that springs to mind when booking a break in the Canary Islands, but it provides an alternative option to the likes of Gran Canaria and Tenerife for those looking for a break in the sun.

It’s not the place to go if you are looking for mile after mile of golden sandy beaches and also doesn’t feature the busy nightlife of some of its sister islands, but instead offers the chance to embrace local life and to marvel at the beauty of an island sculpted by ancient volcanic activity.

Home to the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is best known for its impressive mountains and forests; a wide area that covers a large part of the island interior and is certainly worth exploring.

As well as the Garajonay rock formation, which is the high point of the island, you can explore a range of other formations that are regarded as sacred by islanders and seek out the endemic flora and fauna of the Canaries as you journey across a network of walking trails.

Whilst there are beaches to be found on the island, a more popular activity for those heading to the coast is the chance to go diving on coral reefs, while traditional towns and villages feature a more laidback atmosphere that you will experience elsewhere in the archipelago, with a small range of dining and shopping options.