La Gomera - History

HISTORY:  Inhabited by ‘Guanches’ of Berber origin until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the 15th century, La Gomera is famous for being the final stop Christopher Columbus made to rest and take on supplies before discovering America. Ever since, the constant flow of emigration to the new world, especially to Cuba and Venezuela, has given the island a distinctly Latin American feel. It has a population of 17,000 many of whom farm the ingeniously terraced slopes of the greener and more fertile north producing fabulous crops of vegetables, citrus and tropical fruits. The valley floors are often covered with banana plantations and there are palm trees everywhere, more here, we are told, than in all the other Canary islands put together.

La Gomera appeals most of all to those who wish for a relaxing holiday in the sun where they can enjoy what nature offers, be it sunbathing or swimming in the sea at any time of year, walking or hiking around its stunning interior or enjoying a simple meal of freshly caught fish washed down with local wine.

This spectacular island is crowned by the renowned ‘laurisilva’ forest and has been declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO. La Gomera’s highest point is the Alto de Garajonay at 1485 metres (5000 ft approx). In fact, the island has hardly any flat land at all, making it seem much larger than it is and ruling out the viability of high rise tourist developments. Deep ravines cut into the island from the centre to the perimeter. Each ravine or ‘barranco’ is a world of its own, cut off from its neighbours by the steep slopes of the valley sides. Ancient goat paths and tracks criss-cross the countryside, making it a walker’s paradise. For the more adventurous, scuba diving and mountain biking can also be enjoyed as well as boat trips to see round the island or watch the dolphins and whales that congregate off shore.

The Gomeran people realise thy live in a special place and are keen to preserve the natural beauty of the island and their tradtional way of life. You may be lucky enough to experience a local fiesta and dance the night away to live latin music in the village square, to join in a religious procession accompanied by musicians playing their traditional intruments, the 'tambor' and 'chacaras'. or even to hear the Gomerans comminicating in their unique whistling language "el silbo".  Whatver your activity you will be made welcome by the easy-going Gomerans.