Lilies of the valley of La Gomera

If someone would like to see lilies of the valley not as small, timid flowers, but trees, he should get to know laurel forests. They grow up over La Gomera, an island where people communicate by whistling.

La Gomera is one of the most beautiful sisters of the Canary Islands archipelago. You can get there by ferry from Tenerife, and there are three bus lines (four times a day) on the island itself. Lovers of long walks will love it - there are dozens of km of trails and over 30 viewpoints to climb.

Stop on the way to America

The capital of the island is San Sebastian , a city known as the Northern Pearl. It is the main port of La Gomera, from which ferries depart for El Hierro, La Palma and Tenerife.

In the past, the island was a stopping point for sailors. One of the most famous is Christopher Columbus, who gathered strength for further journeys - those during which he managed to discover America. His house, standing in the heart of the island, has been preserved to this day. Nowadays, there are no virgin places in La Gomera where a human foot has not stood, but you will certainly find tropics and palm trees, black beaches and crystal clear waters. Plus a regional delicacy, honey from date palms (miel de palma).

In the land of moss and ferns

One of the highlights of this beautiful island is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Garajonay National Park . It is a nature reserve, occupying the central and northern part of La Gomera. It is inhabited by many species of animals, and the main advantage of the park is the famous ancient laurel (laurel) forest.

In the past, laurel trees covered hectares of the European continent, and over time they were shattered by the axes of Portuguese colonialists who used wood to build new ships. The laurel forest has a unique climate, known species of flora such as lily of the valley or heather grow into large trees, and the air is filled with the aroma of herbs.

The intangible heritage of UNESCO that we can see on the island is the language of whistles, el silbo or silbo gomero (from the Spanish silbar, meaning to whistle). The inhabitants of La Gomera communicated with it over long distances in ravines and mountain valleys - and you must know that there are dozens of ravines on the island. At the end of the 20th century, by the decision of the local authorities, el silbo education appeared in primary and secondary schools. Thanks to this, the language of the whistles will not die out.

Los Órganos - sea organ

Tourists who decide to take a cruise around the island will see an amazing work of nature. On the northwest edge of La Gomera, the sea has carved huge columns into the rocks. They are 80 meters high and 200 meters wide, and their name is Los Órganos . The giant organ stretches along the sea, descending into it over a jagged cliff.

As the guides on cruise ships explain, Los Órganos is magma that cooled down quickly, unable to reach the surface. The rest was completed by the sea, which slapped against her until she was satisfied with the shape she had obtained.

Camping in La Gomera

In La Gomera you cannot crash "wild", there are severe penalties for doing so. If anyone is caught camping in Garajonay National Park, local authorities will be remembered. The only place where you can legally pitch a tent is the campsite "La Vista" in El Cedro. There is also a restaurant on site. Apart from it, there are several other campsites on the island, but they are not officially dedicated to tourists.

The beauty of La Gomera is most clearly seen from the vantage point that is also the symbol of the island - Los Roques. These are the five boulders that, like enormous guards, guard the gate to Garajonay. As we stand at the top and admire the scenery, we will understand that it was a great idea to come here.