Where is the best place to stay in La Gomera?
By Marissa McGarr. April 05, 2024
La Gomera is perhaps the most underrated of the Canaries. Many visitors skip it or treat it as a daytrip, so only the people who spend time on the island know how special this hidden gem really is. On La Gomera, you will find some of the best hiking trails in Spain within Garajonay National Park, quaint villages with locals that treat you like family, and even a language made up entirely of whistling.
Although this is a small island, there are many different areas with varying atmospheres. If you are an avid hiker coming to La Gomera, you should stay in the village of Hermigua. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, Vallehermoso or Agulo will be the best options for you.
As the capital and the biggest city on the island, San Sebastián is the best place to stay for history lovers and visitors who won’t have a car. If you are looking for a beachy resort escape, you can choose between Valle Gran Rey and Playa de Santiago. Valle Gran Rey is the more built up option and is the most touristy area on the island. Playa de Santiago is a small and more tranquil resort town and has the best beach in La Gomera.If you are interested in where to stay in La Gomera, you may also be interested in where to stay in Lanzarote, where to stay in Fuerteventura, where to stay in Gran Canaria and where to stay in Tenerife.
Best places to stay in La Gomera
Valle Gran Rey
Valle Gran Rey is a great place to stay for families and beach goers. It is the best destination for someone looking for a more traditional holiday as it is the most touristy area on La Gomera. There are plenty of options for restaurants, bars, and shops and a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts.
There are beautiful beaches in the area where you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming. Valle Gran Rey also has multiple hiking trails accessible from the town. This is the area that most tours set off from on the island as well, giving you easy access to excursions including whale watching and hiking tours.
Valle Gran Rey might not be the best choice for someone seeking the most authentic town in La Gomera. This is the closest thing the island has to a resort area and you will find a large amount of tourists throughout the town.
San Sebastián de la Gomera
Thanks to its proximity to the port and the public bus routes, San Sebastián de la Gomera is a great place to stay if you won’t have a car on the island. This is also a great spot to make your base if you are a history lover, as there are numerous historical landmarks (including the home Christopher Colombus stayed in!) around the city and walking tours you can join.
San Sebastián is the largest city on the island, although it is still quite small. You can easily access bars, restaurants, and shops and you will find that there is a lively atmosphere in the small town.
Compared to the other areas you can stay in throughout the island, San Sebastián does have limited access to hiking trails. Although you can still find accessible trails from the city, if you are coming to La Gomera to explore nature every day, you may want to consider staying in a different area.
Hotels in San Sebastián de la Gomera
Vallehermoso
If you’re searching for a tranquil village surrounded by natural beauty in La Gomera, Vallehermoso may be the best option for you. With access to the surrounding nature, there are plenty of hiking trails you can set off to from the town. Vallehermoso is a traditional town with Canarian culture so it will give you an authentic feel for the islands.
The peaceful atmosphere is an amazing escape for a serene getaway. You will find your stay in Vallehermoso very authentic, with traditional restaurants full of local people.
Vallehermoso does have fewer modern amenities than some of the surrounding areas, so it might not be the best choice for someone looking for a town with many bar and restaurant options. It also lacks sandy beaches, so if you’re looking for a beach holiday, you may want to plan to stay in a different area on La Gomera.
Hermigua
Hermigua is the best area on the island for travelers coming to spend their days hiking. The quaint town has the most access to hiking trails in walking distance and is only a 15 minute drive from Garanajay National Park. Although Hermigua is a small town, you can still find restaurants and supermarkets.
The town and surrounding areas of Hermigua are stunning, with views of banana plantations all around. Along with the gorgeous scenery, there is a real sense of community in the town. You will find friendly locals excited about sharing their town and culture with visitors.
Hermigua is a small village, so if you are looking for a touristic town with many attractions, this will not be the best fit for your stay. You may also struggle with public transportation in the more remote location, so renting a car is advised for those staying in Hermigua.
Playa de Santiago
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, Playa de Santiago is the best place to stay on La Gomera. There are 2 resort areas on the island, and Playa de Santiago is the smaller option behind Valle Gran Rey. Here you’ll find the best beach on the island, which makes the town ideal for beachgoers and people interested in water activities.
With a nice promenade along the sea with restaurants and shops, many people choose Playa de Santiago for a quiet resort feel. There are many tours and activities you can join from the town, including kayaking, SUP, and whale watching.
There are hiking trails accessible from here, but if you are visiting La Gomera for trekking, you may want to choose a town with better access to more trails. As Playa de Santiago is a growing resort town, it may not give you the most authentic feel for Canarian culture.
Agulo
With a true La Gomerian feel, Agulo is the best area for those looking to take in local culture. This small village gives a real feel for life on the island, with traditional homes and restaurants, as well as the friendliest locals. You will truly be able to unwind and relax if you’re spending some time in Agulo.
You will find stunning views of the jagged cliffs, the sparkling ocean, and Mount Teide on Tenerife if it’s a clear day. There are plenty of hiking trails from the town that showcase some of the best views on the island.
Agulo is a small village, so it is not the best place if you are looking for excitement or touristy amenities. While there is a bus stop here, you may find public transportation limited so renting a car is recommended for a stay in Agulo.
Our recommended hotels in La Gomera
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in La GomeraNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
