LA GOMERA, PRACTICAL INFORMATION: WHEN TO GO, TRANSPORT, ACCOMMODATION

Updated December 7, 2018

WHEN TO GO

Any time of the year is suitable to visit the Canary Islands. Probably the worst time to go is in summer given the bunch of tourists and that the heat, usually moderate, may worsen; maximum temperatures are usually 29 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 20. In midwinter, daytime temperature rarely falls below 20 degrees and is around 15 degrees at night. It rains 5 or 6 days a month in winter and sea temperature is above 18 degrees all year long.

HOW TO GET THERE

Airplains performs the functions that a bus would fulfill on route between municipalities. There are only direct flights to and from Tenerife, and the only company is Binter Canarias. They cost from € 40 one way. There are two to three flights per day depending on the time of the year. Prices have become lower to compete to ferries.

Most passengers use the ferry as it is cheaper, although is not such a better deal nowadays. You can only go to the other three islands that belong to the Province of Tenerife. It sails from San Sebastián de La Gomera for Los Cristianos (Tenerife, 7 per day) and Santa Cruz de La Palma (two daily). There are also ferries from Playa Santiago and Valle Gran Rey connecting each other and San Sebastián de La Gomera. It costs from 36 € (adult price without vehicle) depending on the company and time you choose.

GETTING AROUND

Apart from taxis, there are public buses to move around the island, but certainly the best way to get around is with a rental car:

We recommend the company CICAR (Canary Islands Car). Our experience is that even being a small company, is the cheapest one and is very reliable. A small car costs about 25 € a day including fully comprehensive insurance and additional driver. In the main villages there are offices of international companies. Take into account that gasoline is approximately 10% cheaper than in Peninsular Spain.
Bus (guagua). There are 8 lines to navigate the island. Prices differ according to origin and destination. They can be very full in the morning and the last ones in the afternoon, coinciding with hikers beginning and ending their day. Tickets are purchased from the driver. For detailed information on itineraries, rates and schedules see the official La Gomera bus website (only in spanish).
Taxis. They can be taken in the main urban areas or can be ordered by phone. The localities are very small, so it is not worth using them, and the transfer between towns can be very expensive.
By December 2018, Uber is not available in La Gomera.

WHERE TO STAY

In La Gomera there is not much accommodation as most tourists visit the island on day trips from Tenerife. Hermigua is highly recommended as it is close to the Garajonay National Park and the Hermigua Valley. We stayed in apartments Los Telares and would repeat.