Excursion to La Gomera from Tenerife – The best inter island tours and ferries

Among the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, a hidden treasure awaits to be discovered: La Gomera. A jewel of the Canary Islands archipelago full of charm and mystery, with spectacular landscapes and a unique culture that will take you back in time.

If you are in Tenerife and want to embark on an adventure that will remain engraved in your heart, here are the best excursions to La Gomera from Tenerife.

Excursion to La Gomera from Tenerife South

Duration: 9 hours

The itinerary begins with a pick-up from your hotel and a ferry ride from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián de La Gomera. Once on the island, you’ll embark on a fascinating bus tour of the interior, where you’ll be able to contemplate the majestic Roque de Agando and enter the Garajonay National Park for a pleasant walk through its green forests.

You’ll continue exploring the northern area of La Gomera, visiting charming towns such as Hermigua and stopping in Agulo for a traditional lunch. During the after-dinner conversation, you’ll have the chance to witness a demonstration of silbo gomero, a unique language of the island.

The excursion will take you to the impressive viewpoint of Vallehermoso, from where you can admire spectacular views. Then you’ll head south to visit San Sebastián de La Gomera, where you’ll learn about the history of Christopher Columbus and explore the iconic Torre del Conde.

Finally, you will return to the port of San Sebastian to take the ferry back to Los Cristianos and then be transferred back to your hotel.

This 9-hour excursion gives you the opportunity to discover the natural and cultural treasures of La Gomera with a multilingual guide. In addition, lunch and a demonstration of the silbo gomero are included for an even more enriching experience.

Excursion to La Gomera from Tenerife North

Duration: 14-15 hours

The itinerary starts early in the morning, when you’ll be picked up at your meeting point in the north of Tenerife. From there we’ll head to the port of Los Cristianos, where we’ll board a ferry that will take you to La Gomera in just 45 minutes.

Once in La Gomera, we will go by bus to the beautiful valle de Hermigua, where we will make a stop for you to enjoy the breathtaking views and take pictures. You’ll see that the cliffs and terraced hillsides are captivatingly beautiful.

We will continue our journey to the picturesque caserío de Las Rosas, in the municipality of Agulo, where you will enjoy a lunch. You will have the chance to choose between two main courses, accompanied by dessert, bread, Canarian mojos and water or wine.

During lunch, you can watch a demonstration of the famous silbo gomero, a unique language that has been recognised as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This ancestral tradition is fascinating.

After recharging our batteries, we will enter the Garajonay National Park, where the laurel forests are the protagonists. We will make a stop at Laguna Grande, where we will visit the interpretation centre and discover the secrets of this fascinating forest. We will also learn some stories and legends about the place, such as the witches’ meeting that was said to take place there.

We will continue our tour to the imposing Roque de Agando, the island’s most emblematic natural monument. We will then head to San Sebastián de La Gomera, where we will explore the exterior of the Torre del Conde and the Casa Colón, discovering the fascinating stories that link the navigator with the Canary Islands archipelago.

Finally, we will embark back to Tenerife and you will be taken back to your starting point. The day will be full of adventure, breathtaking landscapes and cultural discoveries.

This full day tour, lasting approximately 14 to 15 hours, includes bus transport, ferry tickets, English speaking guide, food and drink. In addition, you will have the convenience of being picked up from your hotel or meeting point in the north of Tenerife.

Comparison of excursions

Excursion from South TenerifeExcursion from North Tenerife
Itinerary– Ferry from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián de La Gomera– Ferry from Los Cristianos to La Gomera
– Bus tour through the interior of La Gomera– Bus tour through Hermigua and Las Rosas
– Visit to Roque de Agando and Garajonay National Park– Visit to Garajonay National Park and Laguna Grande
– Stops in towns like Hermigua and Agulo– Visit to Roque de Agando and San Sebastián de La Gomera
DurationApproximately 9 hoursApproximately 14 to 15 hours
Meeting PointsPick-up at hotels in South TenerifePick-up at meeting points in North Tenerife
Guide LanguageMultilingualSpanish
IncludesLunch and demonstration of Gomeran whistlingFood and drinks
See priceSee price

Both excursions offer the opportunity to discover the charms of La Gomera from different starting points in Tenerife.

  • The excursion from the south of Tenerife has a shorter duration and focuses on exploring the interior of the island, visiting places such as Roque de Agando and the Garajonay National Park. It also includes a traditional lunch and a demonstration of the Gomeran whistle.
  • The excursion from the north of Tenerife has a longer duration and allows you to explore both the north and south of La Gomera. Highlights include a visit to the beautiful valley of Hermigua, a stop in Las Rosas for a delicious lunch and a visit to the Garajonay National Park and the Laguna Grande. You will also explore the exterior of the Torre del Conde and the Casa Colón in San Sebastián de La Gomera.

Both excursions include ferry and bus transport and are guided by experts. The choice between one or the other will depend on your personal preferences, the length of the excursion and the starting point in Tenerife.

How to get from Tenerife to La Gomera on your own: all the options

These are the different options if you prefer to do the excursion to La Gomera from Tenerife on your own:

1. Ferry Tenerife – La Gomera

One of the most popular and convenient ways to get to La Gomera from Tenerife is by boat. This option offers comfort and, in most cases, cheaper prices. The island has three ports: San Sebastián de La Gomera, Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago. However, the most common and fastest route is from the port of Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife to the port of San Sebastián on La Gomera.

The companies Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen frequently operate this maritime route of approximately 47 kilometres, with a duration of around one hour. Both companies offer the possibility of boarding with vehicle, luggage and pets, providing flexibility to travellers. Prices may vary depending on the timetable and how far in advance you book, so we recommend you check your options on the Ferryhopper search engine, where you can find timetables, prices and availability for all companies in one search.

Key information about the boat trip:

  • Departure: from the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife
  • Journey time: 50 to 60 minutes
  • Cost: from approximately 35 euros one way
  • Daily departures throughout the year

In addition, it is also sometimes possible to find routes connecting the Port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife with the Port of Valle Gran Rey in the west of La Gomera. Although the duration of the boat trip is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, this option can be ideal if you wish to visit this coastal resort town and enjoy its magnificent climate.

If you are on other islands of the archipelago, such as La Palma, you also have the option of reaching La Gomera by boat from the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

2. Flight Tenerife – La Gomera

Another alternative for getting to La Gomera from Tenerife is by flight. This option is the quickest and allows you to land directly at La Gomera Airport, located in the south and close to the town of Playa de Santiago. The only company that operates flights between the two islands is Binter Canarias, with departures from Tenerife North Airport.

If you are travelling from mainland Spain or from other islands with flights to Tenerife North, this option may be ideal, as you can combine both flights and save time on your journey. It is important to note that we are referring to Tenerife North Airport, as there is another airport on the island called Tenerife South.

La Gomera Airport also offers direct connections to other islands such as Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma and El Hierro, with Binter Canarias being the company that covers these routes. To get the best combinations and prices, I recommend using the Skyscanner search engine, although it is always advisable to make final reservations directly with the airline.

3. Connections between ports on La Gomera

Once in La Gomera, there is a sea line operated by Fred Olsen that connects all the ports on the island. This option can be especially useful if you plan to spend several days in La Gomera and wish to explore different areas of the island. However, please note that this connection is only available during the summer and has two daily connections.

We recommend considering the option of renting a car if you plan to spend several days on the island, as it will give you greater flexibility and comfort to explore all its wonders. If you prefer not to drive or have a short break, this maritime connection can be an excellent alternative to get to know more of La Gomera.

What to see on your trip to La Gomera?

La Gomera is a jewel of the Canary Islands archipelago that offers a wide variety of landscapes and attractions to explore. If you are planning to visit this beautiful island, here is a list of places not to be missed:

Roque de Agando

This imposing volcanic monolith is one of the symbols of La Gomera.

Its characteristic shape and its location in the Garajonay National Park make it an essential place to visit.

Garajonay National Park

This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its laurel forests, a unique ecosystem in the world.

Here you can enjoy nature trails, waterfalls and a rich biodiversity.

San Sebastián de La Gomera

The island’s capital is a place full of historical charm.

Explore the Torre del Conde, a medieval castle, and the Casa Colón, where Christopher Columbus is said to have made his last stop before leaving for America.

Vallehermoso

This beautiful valley offers breathtaking scenery with mountains, cultivated terraces and lush vegetation.

You can also enjoy panoramic views from the Vallehermoso viewpoint.

Hermigua

Another charming valley of La Gomera, Hermigua is known for its banana plantations and its peaceful atmosphere.

Here you can stroll through its cobbled streets and enjoy the traditional Canarian architecture.

Agulo

Agulo Agulo is the most beautiful village in Spain according to The Times magazine, situated on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Don’t miss its main square and its colonial-style houses. You can also enjoy a demonstration of the silbo gomero, an ancestral whistled language.

These are just a few examples of the places you can discover in La Gomera. Remember that the island also has beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a rich gastronomy worth exploring.

Culture and traditions of La Gomera to explore

These are some of the highlights of Gomeran culture that you can enjoy on your excursion from Tenerife:

Silbo Gomero

Silbo gomero

One of the most distinctive features of La Gomera is the silbo gomero, a whistled language used by the island’s inhabitants to communicate over long distances in the mountainous terrain.

This form of communication has been recognised as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Witnessing a demonstration of the silbo gomero is a fascinating experience and a sample of the unique cultural legacy of La Gomera.

Traditional music and dance

Baile del Tambor

La Gomera is known for its traditional dances and songs, which reflect the cultural identity of the island.

The most famous dance is the “Baile del Tambor”, in which the dancers accompany the music with drums and castanets. You can also enjoy other traditional dances, such as the “Baile de las Islas” and the “Baile de las Cintas”.

Crafts

Cerámica de La Gomera

La Gomera has a rich tradition of craftsmanship, especially in the production of basketry and ceramics.

Local artisans create baskets, rugs and other hand-woven products using traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation. These crafts reflect the skill and creativity of the Gomeran community.

Gastronomy

Almogrote gomero

Gomeran cuisine is another highlight of its culture. Traditional dishes include almogrote, a cheese and garlic sauce served with bread, and the famous papas arrugadas con mojo, a delicious Canarian speciality.

In addition, the island produces unique wines and high quality bee honey, which are appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

Festivities and traditions

Bajada de la Virgen de Guadalupe en La Gomera

Throughout the year, La Gomera celebrates various festivities that reflect its cultural identity. These include the festivities in honour of the Virgen de Guadalupe, patron saint of the island, which are celebrated with processions, music, dances and fireworks.

Folklore events and traditional sports competitions are also held, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.

To explore the culture of La Gomera is to immerse yourself in a world of traditions, music, dances and unique flavours.

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