La Gomera Island life
Redefining the concept of 'virgin', La Gomera is a small (less than 25kms across) island-paradise, whose rugged coastline – The rocky bays and beaches of black sand – contrasts with a starkly contrasting interior, where subtropical florae Jockey for attention with prehistoric volcanic plugs.
While most of the major tour operators offer trips to Gomera, the island remains largely an 'alternative' destination – a large Partly because of its lack of traditional beaches, and other commercial distractions: although there are plenty of bars and restaurants, clubs 24 / 7 Dance of the Balearics are conspicuous by their absence.
That said, Gomera is warm all year round – usually sunny with temperatures ranging from a winter low of around 20 degrees, high summer 28 degrees +. And it offers myriad attractions – appealing principally to holidaymakers looking to round climate conducive one years, however, avoid the tourist crowds.
Getting there
There are no direct flights to La Gomera: the European Union-funded airstrip is suitable only for short hops Island – North to Tenerife Gran Canaria – which run twice a day. It is therefore left with two options: fly to Tenerife North, in hopes of taking a connecting flight. Or to put to sea.
The Garajonay Express high-speed catamaran from Los Cristianos (20 minutes, 20 euros by taxi from the airport) reaches Santiago – the southernmost city of the island, and my chosen destination – in little over an hour. Unfortunately, however, the service is unreliable: a light breeze is all you need to restrict the vessel to port.
That being the case, you have a contingency equally pleasing: the Fred Olsen ferry to San Sebastian The capital city (La Gomera).
Secure a window seat and see La Gomera, just 30kms distant, rise from the mist, the choppy sea of refraction of the golden sun, creating a rainbow in the ship's hull. Or stay out on the terrace and enjoy the sea air – eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales …
On arrival in San Sebastian, has two options: bus or taxi. The former are regular and reliable, the second: everywhere and underemployed. Santiago is about 30 miles west of San Sebastian. A taxi therefore likely to cost around EUR 75, -. However, most baggage-laden tourists, prefer to book their trips in advance – with no guarantee taxi, boat and coach connections from The airport balcony.
First impressions
The 40-minute drive to Santiago is a revelation: your introduction to Gomera – to take you to heaven along the vertiginous mountain roads. Then dive through broad valleys terraces planted with cacti, cactus and eucalyptus. The experience leads to a sort of overload sensory – almost unbearably bright colors and unfamiliar smells. On one side is with imposing cliffs of basalt. The other: deep, dark forests of laurel, almond and orange trees, banana plantations – a wealth and diversity of florae and vegetation that simply can not exist elsewhere.
Then, before you know it … is sweeping the town peaceful and refreshing it is to be their temporary home.
Around and about
For walkers, Santiago represents an ideal base: numerous footpaths across the island. They are – almost without exception – brilliantly signposted, with routes for all skill levels and abilities.
And a number of walks together – as the Forest Walk, which takes place each Sunday – are available, offering coach Santiago's library. Just a note of caution, however, before leaving …
Take along good walking boots, water, a camera, with plenty of spare memory or film – the number infinite inspiring views that you want to capture – and a waterproof jacket. Yes, a jacket. As you take the Canarian sun, contemplating his first adventure traveling Instead, it is very likely to scoff at the suggestion. Do not. The temperature can drop, dramatically, even after a short trip in the mountains. And the rain not unusual. You have been warned.
Less athletic visitors will be pleased to know that vehicles are available for rent, and fuel is cheap ($ 10 – comfortably to cover their costs of diesel for a full circuit of the island). The roads, though narrow and winding, are quiet and recently tarmacced, what makes this a good way to explore the hidden corners and crannies Gomera. (Just remember the sound of the horn, how to navigate the all-too-common blind corners.)
You might also consider joining the tour of the island daily. This informative tour bus, which takes a stay Garajonay National Park Visitor Center, and a lunch at the Mar del Castillo (a restored 19th century station banana trade, which extends into the Atlantic), undoubtedly reveal numerous sites interest to which you want to return.
Essential Gomera
Whatever your preferred mode of transport, a visit to "Garajonay National Park is essential. There, the almost constant temperature and humidity 3984 has created an almost eerily quiet surroundings, characterized by hectare of laurels and lichens, mosses and ferns, springs freshwater streams and spectacular rock formations.
Protected since 1982, and for the recognition of UNESCO in 1984, Garajonay houses one of the largest areas continuous world laurel forest – a habitat that has almost disappeared from southern Europe and North Africa.
Weather permitting, a boat trip to San Sebastian is also recommended (although it is better avoided, when the sea is rough). The port-city and the capital was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1492, before embarking on the journey for which is best known. (In fact, a notice in local records as well as the scout drew their water to 'baptize America. ")
Like all the neighboring towns, San Sebastian is quiet, friendly and very well maintained: not find graffiti on the walls, some cigarette butts in the pavement. With a population of 2,000 or less, is the largest municipality. The mountain and the hills overlooking the west, the port is in the east. And within that port, the beach, which – though Rocky – is both clean and safe.
City handful of shops, restaurants and bars are within walking distance of distance, so it is an ideal destination for a light lunch, giving a glass of wine, and a place to watch people in the central square.
Equally accessible through the regular Ferry de Santiago, Valle Gran Rey to the west offers – on clear days – a panoramic view of La Palma and El Hierro. In addition to a popular beach, the region offers many reminders of Gomera, the fascinating past, not least the shrines of St. Nicholas of Tolentino and Adoration of the Kings, which – though recently renovated – go back to the early 16th century.
Historically speaking
The earliest known inhabitants of the Canary Islands were the Guanches, a Berber people of interest anthropology in particular that were assimilated by the conquering Spaniards in the 15th century. Of the Guanches, little trace remains – not surprisingly, since they were illiterate. That said, they did leave a legacy much rarer in Gomera: The whistling whistling language used by the growers to communicate from mountain to mountain. (Ah, The Whistle is slowly dying out, according to the decline of agriculture – not to mention the relatively recent arrival of electricity and the telephone.)
In 1495, the archipelago was completely in Spanish. And so it remains, despite the proximity of the Canary Islands to Africa – and the language of the islanders in the protests of the opposite cheek. We are protesting, Gomerans first – canaries second. Only given these preconditions, or the onset of a high-profile game in international football, not recognize their Spanish ancestry and influence.
Very unlike most devoted Spain, where Easter is more important, is the canary Carnival 'favorite festival – and the Sea Carnival is the most popular, usually held three days before Ash Wednesday.
In reality, the islanders need little excuse for a party, and each city is the seat of its own annual festival. Most notable are San Sebastian, which is held in January, and includes street theater, music and dance, and culminates in a procession to the local shrine. Journal dignified Other dates include the feast of Guadalupe – the patron saint of fishermen – in mid-July, that of Santiago, in late July, and El Paso in September. (The latter – the largest parties Gomera – attracts 100s of revelers from the nearby islands.)
Culinary choice
The kitchen island – just like his music – shares much with the Spanish Caribbean. The local wine is more distinctive, in addition to a lid (snack) watercress soup, goat cheese, fresh fish and roast pork or goat meat. The 'wrinkled potatoes' (skin potatoes salt) that accompany most meals are very delicious. Just as the "mojo" and 'almogrote two hot sauces that enrich the chunks of fresh bread that arrives unsolicited in your table the restaurant, the moment you feel.
Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the specialty Canary 'Guarapo' (Canary Island date palm sap) – the perfect for fruit salads and other desserts – cakes and lard many, muffins, pies, baked cookies and milk that are pillars of clothing gum.
Those who prefer to cook will be pleased to know that Santiago's supermarkets are well supplied and prices are realistic.
Moreover, many local cafes, bars and restaurants, several of which are located next to the small, picturesque harbor, offers a choice of English, and more local rate – which lets you select from a light snack or a multi-caps during meals. (Beware: many think Gomerans latter as the first.)
For special treatment, could also enjoy one of the five restaurants at the luxurious Hotel Tecina and Golf Complex, which is owned and operated by the first family of the island. "
The family, the Olsens, is intimately linked with gum history, dating back over a century. No one knows what prompted Norwegian Thomas Olsen, and later his son Fred (father of current president of the company) to start buying land in the area in 1904. It is assumed that simply fell in love – with the island and its inhabitants.
Despite considerable gain – to ensure control of the island's freshwater springs, and the purchase of large tracts of land in the bedrock types – the Olsens brought (and indeed, remain the) if not wealth, at least prosperity to the island: in the first day by, among other good works, establishing a functional irrigation system and opening the first school on the island. And most recently, the largest employer Gomera.
Today the island survives and takes place almost exclusively on tourism. That is not surprising. Because, in stark counterpoint to more exotic searches mentioned above, is a place where you can also enjoy the comforts of home – not least the BBC TV and Radio 4, the tap water and a high standard of accommodation.
Not even have to adjust your watch to arrive.
In fact, hidden in his apartment exceptionally well equipped, have little to remind you that you are actually holiday on an extinct volcano.
Except, of course, that the climate of the sublime.
About the Author
Steve Calder is an independent copywriter and journalist specialised in online marketing and communications. Visit him online at www.stevecalder.com.
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