La Gomera is one of the smaller Canary Islands, but it's full of charm and natural beauty. Located just west of Tenerife, this quiet island is a world away from busy tourist spots. With its rugged mountains, deep valleys and black sand beaches, La Gomera feels wild and untouched.
At the heart of the island is Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is famous for its mysterious laurel forests, often covered in mist. Walking through them feels like stepping into another world.
One of the most fascinating things about La Gomera is Silbo Gomero—a traditional whistled language that locals have used for centuries to communicate across the island’s steep terrain. It's so important to the island’s culture that children now learn it in school to keep the tradition alive.
La Gomera is also known for its peaceful villages, narrow winding roads and friendly people. Life moves slowly here, making it the perfect place to relax, hike and enjoy nature.
Interestingly, Christopher Columbus stopped on La Gomera before his journey to the Americas in 1492. So, despite its small size, the island has played a part in global history.
Photography: Walter E. L. Somers
