The cuisine of La Gomera contains a number of local delicacies such as "potaje de berros" (watercress soup) and "almogrote" (a paste made from goat's cheese) that are unique to the Island. The famous "papas Arrugadas" (boiled potatoes) and "Vieja" (a local fish) are also available. Palm honey is used as the basic ingredient in a selection of desserts. Small traditional restaurants can be found providing a variety of the local cuisine. There are hotel restaurants offering a choice of dishes too.

Accommodation on La Gomera ranges from budget to luxury hotels-with varying facilities, apartments and bungalows, rural private house’s can also be rented. Nightlife on the Island is low key, for a good night life go to Valle Gran Rey and San Sebastian. Getting around the Island of La Gomera is not difficult, distances are never very far. The easiest way is to rent a car, but you can also use taxis, buses or even hike. The Majority of the shopping areas are in San Sebastián, the Capital of the Island, and in Vallehermoso.

There are numerous fiestas all through the year. There are also the celebrations of Christopher Columbus, and the usual festivals such as New Year. They are tremendously lively events, with plenty of music, singing and dancing. The proceedings occur in the plaza (square), occasionally with processions through the town.

San Sebastian de la Gomera

San Sebastian de la Gomera is the Capital of the Island and is located on the north-eastern coast. The port is in the east and serves ferry routes to the Islands of Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro. A small promenade leads directly from the harbour to the Plaza de Las Americas where a number of kiosks and bars line this popular meeting place. The Town hall which is located on the eastern side of the square,  has an open arcade, a small Church clock and wooden balconies. The Plaza de la Constitution is located nearby and houses some lovely terraced cafes.

The 17^th Century former customs house can be recognised by the wooden emblem of the island. Goods that were to be exported were kept there, however, it became well known for another reason. There is a well in the courtyard and from here, Christopher Columbus filled up his water reserves in 1492, before his epic journey.

From the customs house, Calle del Medio (the main street of San Sebastian) the Torre del Conde and the Parish Church of Nuesta Senora de la Asuncion is located.

Night entertainment in San Sebastian is quite low key in comparison to some larger Cities. Summer sees a more active night scene-particularly at the weekends. The Old Quarter is where you’ll find the main source of entertainment, bars, cafes and discos can all be found and some are open until late. Options for gays are pretty limited, but the best area for gay and lesbian nightlife is in and around Txirula.

The Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastián (San Sebastián International Film Festival) is the most famous event. The event takes place in September and is on par with the Cannes or Venice film festivals.

There are numerous shops selling designer wear and suchlike in San Sebastian. There is a casino (Gran Casino Kursaal) and Hipódromo de Lasarte (Lasarte Racetrack) for anyone who fancies a flutter.

La Reserva Natural Integral de Benchijigua (The Natural Preserva of Benchijigua) is located in the caldera of the same name in the municipality of San Sebastian, is of great geomorphological and botanical interest.

La Reserva Natural Especial de Puntallana (The Special Natural Preserve of Puntallana), is located to the north of San Sebastián. It is an interesting geomorphological enclave of Island lowland and the only one in La Gomera.

El Parque Natural de Majona (The Majona Natural Park) is located to the north-west of San Sebastián, a former pasture still used for sheep and goats. Here, an interesting spurge grows together with other species of flora of lower altitudes, and an important representation of fayalbrezal.

The capital has two beaches that are located not far from the Town centre, the Playa de San Sebastian and Playa de la Cueva.

Playa de San Sebastian has dark sand and is very popular in the summer with the locals. As it is protected by the jetty, high swells in the water are prevented, there is also a children’s play area. There is a seafront promenade and as this is an urban beach, you’re surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants.

Playa de la Cueva is located at the rear of the Marina La Gomera, next to the jetty and is well maintained. A 250m long tunnel takes you to this beautiful small beach, which has coarse dark sand with pebbles and rocks. The ocean surge can be relatively strong, so be careful if you are in the water; the breakwater can be quite powerful. It has a charming seafront promenade and a yacht club.

If you are a keen walker, the Playa de la Guancha is a tranquil inlet in which to relax- as it is around an hour and a half hike. It can be reached by following a mountain path elevated above the sea. A panoramic view of Tenerife can be observed from this beach.

 

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