Nature is at the heart of this green and beautiful isle with whale- and dolphin-watching opportunities beyond its black beaches and trails criss-crossing volcanic mountains and the ancient forest of Garajonay National Park Here’s our pick of the best things to see and do in La Gomera Hike up Alto de Garajonay Natural Feature This is Europe / Shutterstock View La Gomera Tours With its black cliffs La Gomera isn’t short on scenic hiking routes with marked trails of varying difficulty all across the island One of the best routes – if you’re up for a challenge – is the 10.5km (7mi) hike from Pajarito junction to Hermigua it makes up for with the spectacle of its black- and grey-coloured volcanic beaches with Playa de Santiago being one of the prettiest The painted houses of the fishing village contrast against the dark shingle beach while hills loom behind and forms a bouncing-off point for excursions such as diving Francescomoufotografo / Shutterstock The volcanic soil and abundant sunshine make conditions on the Canary Islands ideal for winemaking with 80 percent of its vines being the forastera (Forastera Gomera) variety Local produce is served in restaurants all around the isle but for a more in-depth tasting experience head to the Juego de Bolas Visitor Centre on Fridays when 19 bodegas take turns presenting their wine (reserve in advance) on a 7m-long (23ft) glass walkway named the Mirador de Abrante (viewpoint of Abrante) the overhanging viewing platform has glass walls so it’s perfectly safe to linger here and absorb the view of Agulo village A stop here is an ideal detour on trips to the scenic town of Hermigua Prashanth Bala / Shutterstock Book Now Marine life is abundant in these Atlantic waters – dolphins Bryde’s whales and even sea turtles can all be spotted off La Gomera’s shores Whale-watching tours by Excursiones Tina depart from Playa de Santiago or Vueltas The three-hour version includes a swim in the bay while the four-hour tour offers a private beach experience with grilled tuna and barracuda that you can help reel in yourself Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Hear the local whistled language Natural Feature Due to living on an island with an undulating landscape and few roads, innovative islanders of long ago developed a unique form of communication: a whistled form of Castilian Spanish Waiters and taxi drivers might be kind enough to give you a rendition or you can hear recordings and read about it at the PEG Los Telares gopixa / Shutterstock Italian explorer Christopher Columbus stayed in San Sebastián de la Gomera before setting off on his voyage to the Americas; La Gomera’s nickname is La Isla Columbiana Follow in his footsteps by visiting Casa de Colón a house on the site where Columbus supposedly spent the night Its small museum features pottery by the South American Chimú tribes representing the kind of culture Columbus would have encountered in the New World rickety steps and drifting mist create an enchanting atmosphere in the prehistoric forests of Garajonay National Park its network of flowing streams serving as the main water source for the island An easy but beautiful trail is the Cañada de Jorge a 3km (2mi) loop starting in Valle Gran Rey ancient European rainforests such as these are now only found in the Canaries ksl / Shutterstock Shaped like a giant spearhead the summit of Roque Cano is visible from many places on the island You’ll need ropes and a harness to reach the top Set off on the trail from the village of Vallehermoso and ascend 549m (1,800ft) before heading back down – it’s about 12km (8mi) A dyed-in-the-wool Londoner now firmly rooted among the cobbled streets of old town Palma de Mallorca left a piece of himself in Mexico some time in the last millennium and had a previous existence touring the world with a band you've probably never heard of Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September Guides & Tips How to Attend a Bullfight in Spain See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Guides & Tips How to Spend the Perfect 24 Hours in Santander See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November Architecture Spain’s Most Impressive Bullrings Food & Drink The 5 Best Food Markets in Madrid See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer Sports The Most Epic Hiking Trails in Spain's Sierra Nevada See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. This is the unique beauty of the Canary Islands Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with… Casa-Museo de Colón This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic… Pico del Teide The cable car provides the easiest way to get up to the peak of El Teide The views are great – unless a big cloud is covering the peak Fundación César Manrique César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre Parque Nacional de Timanfaya the eerie 51-sq-km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya sprawls around the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) formed by… Cueva de los Verdes the Cueva de los Verdes is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube left behind by an eruption 5000… Jameos del Agua When molten lava seethed through this volcanic cavern around 5000 years ago forming the startling clear azure lake that… Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África this tantalising market is housed in an eye-catching building that combines a Latin American feel with Moorish-style arches and patios… View more attractionsPlanning ToolsExpert guidance to help you plan your tripBest Things to Do Anyone who loves the Canaries knows that it’s hard where to start. Here are 20 ideas. From catching local buses, hiring a car or hopping by plane between islands, here's what you need to know to get around in the Canary Islands. Save these tips on how to explore this stunning Spanish archipelago, with its beaches, volcanic landscapes and vibrant local culture, on a budget. ArticlesLatest stories from Canary IslandsRead more articlesFilter by interest: These 10 sunny destinations in Europe’s southern reaches provide a welcome respite from long nights and biting cold Read more articlesBuild a memorable collectionGet to the heart of Canary Islands with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopCanary Islands $24.99 Visit in ShopAndalucia $24.99 Go to checkout (0 items)in partnership with getyourguide Beyond Canary IslandsFor Explorers Everywhere No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission © 2025 EmCan Media - Hosted By canaryfone A 46-year-old man has died after drowning in the natural pools of Hermigua according to reports from the Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) of the Canary Islands Government The alert was received at approximately 4:45pm on Tuesday afternoon when emergency services were notified that the man was in distress in the water The Helimer helicopter from Maritime Rescue was deployed to the location given and successfully retrieved the man airlifting him to the San Sebastián de La Gomera helipad where paramedics were waiting to treat him they couldn’t revive him and he was pronounced dead The Guardia Civil took charge of securing the body until the arrival of judicial authorities and the completion of official procedures to allow official identification and an autopsy The incident highlights the potential dangers of swimming in natural pools where changing tides and strong currents can pose significant risks especially when there are pre-alerts for dangerous conditions Authorities urge visitors to respect flags on and warnings on beaches and to exercise caution when swimming in open water areas From villas in Galicia and walks in La Gomera to a new parador near Madrid and a horse fair in Jerez The Canaries without the crowdsIt is easy to avoid big resorts in the Canaries – the smaller islands have a handful of little towns with rural hotels dotted around with walks through the laurel forests in the Garajonay national park and along dramatic terraced hillsides overlooking the Atlantic May is a great time to visit Jerez in Andalucía to see the horse fair. Photograph: Jim Monk/AlamyTo see the elegant city of Jerez at its glorious best, go when the horse fair is on (17-24 May, turismojerez.com) Women in their finest flamenco dresses and men in Cordovan hats parade in carriages around González Hontoria park where the broad paths are lined with marquees decorated with flowers and paper lanterns a grand 19th-century residence tucked away on a little square The relaunched Spain Rail Pass allows up to 10 journeys within a month. Photograph: Sopa Images/Getty ImagesThe Spain Rail Pass has been relaunched this year enabling foreign visitors to take between four and 10 journeys around the country within a month Long journeys on high-speed services offer the best value for money Crews head out for epic Atlantic challenge The latest news as it happens across Torquay Find out what is happening & the latest breaking news in Torbay important updates and local opinions from Torquay Paignton & Brixham at the Torbay Weekly News Torquay United FC match reports & opinions and other Local sports news days out for the kids and amazing holiday ideas in Torquay Your source of news from beyond the bay covering Devon News and UK News The Torbay Weekly Business awards celebrates the accomplishments of Torbay based Businesses and brings together the Torbay Business community Paignton & Brixham from the local community & our Torbay based reporters property sales & property of the week in Torquay Get your local Torbay traffic & travel reports and airport departures in and around Torquay Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 110 ocean rowers representing 21 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 11 in the World’s Toughest Row organised by Atlantic Campaigns The 2024 race is a 3,000 mile unsupported rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean west from San Sebastian in La Gomera in the Canary Islands (280N 180W) to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour The 38 competing crews are made up of 6 solos Amongst the crews are rowers from Exmouth who were at Dartmouth Regatta this year a local businessman from Teignmouth and an ocean rowing boat named Rockfisher 2 with connections to Brixham It’s worth noting that more people have climbed Everest (nearly 7,000) than have rowed the Atlantic (about 1,700) With all crews fully prepared the race started a day early to take advantage of the strong tail winds off the start line and certainly in first four days the crews made full use of the conditions one of the solo boats returned within the first two hours with technical issues a water sports instructor who has spent over ten years helping competitors prepare for the World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Challenge will finally practice what he preaches as he participates in the gruelling event who runs SeaSports South West in Teignmouth The pair hope to cover the 3000 miles to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Barbuda in around 40-50 days raising sponsorship funds for Dementia UK and Abigail’s Footsteps Also competing is Rex Fisher who has a share in the Brixham trawler Rockfisher with Mitch Tonks Rex is rowing as part of a four in the crew Atlantic Exploarers raising sponsorship funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Mitch and Rockfish took the very exciting step into a partnership to supply direct to his restaurants from the fishing boat Rockfisher with five crew are raising sponsorship funds for Dream- A-Way crews typically begin to feel more at home the fleet was advised to push south as hard as possible for at least three days before beginning to turn west toward Antigua While it may be tempting to head straight toward the finish from the start this event requires forethought and planning Early gains and high positions on the leaderboard often mean little at this stage winds from the east and southeast are pushing the northern crews farther north while the southern crews are benefiting from more tailwinds all teams are facing some degree of choppy Winds are expected to shift more easterly around December 17 and possibly turn northeast by late December 18 helping even the most northerly crews get back on track The longer-term forecast shows improving conditions with big the southern crews should see far better conditions while the northern crews may continue to face more beam seas The fleet has reported sightings of whales as well as stunningly beautiful night skies crews will begin making gradual progress westward This is not a sprint or even a marathon—it’s a journey for the long haul Each day will bring its own challenges and rewards and all the struggles will be worth it when they arrive in Antigua " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez Image: Al Macphee / Miracle PR and Event Photography Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm A BEACH destination in Spain has been hailed as an overlooked summer getaway option It can be difficult to make your money go further when booking a holiday during the summer months but some places don't cost a fortune to visit even in some of the most popular countries ********Give us your best tip for places to visit in and around Benidorm here - and you could win a £100 Amazon voucher********* Included in that is Spain with more than 17 million on average heading over there for a holiday each year That's not surprising, with Spain's cheap flights, weather and beaches making it a perfect place for a relaxing break some places in the country are still relatively overlooked They put forward La Gomera's cheap drinks, "dramatic" scenery and secluded beaches as just some of the reasons why it's worth picking as a holiday destination. The average beer price on the island is around €2.00 (£1.55), while the average meal price is about €12.00 (£9.32), making it a very affordable place for a night out. Eurochange said: “If an adventure or hiking holiday is your thing, La Gomera is a must-visit. “There isn’t much that La Gomera doesn’t have to offer, while it’s not as famous for its beaches as other Canary Islands La Gomera benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year too.” The island's praises have been sung by others too, including the Spanish tourist board who have nicknamed it the "magical island" known as 'Isla Mágica' (the magical island) "It has a rugged coastline with small black-sand beaches and is a paradise for nature lovers." Temperatures in La Gomera remain consistent during the whole year, including in the winter with average high temperatures staying around the mid-twenties Along with its secluded black sand volcanic beaches, like Playa San Sebastián and Playa de la Guancha, there are several interesting things to see and do on the island, including plenty of Christopher Columbus-related activities According to the local tourism board, San Sebastian de la Gomera was where the voyager restocked supplies before setting sail to the Americas in the 15th Century One of those attractions is Columbus' House where the explorer is said to have had an "amorous" rendezvous complete with a small museum dedicated to the explorer Getting to La Gomera is pretty simple, although it does require a change to a local plane service from Tenerife Return flights to Tenerife can be booked from the UK for around £61 on Skyscanner A night for two on La Gomera can be found for around £30 Meanwhile, this holiday island is "just like Hawaii" and only a short flight from the UK This little-known holiday island is "as good as Ibiza" and only a few hours away Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ one of the smaller Canary Islands that you can see from the from the beaches of Costa Adeje has been named the most magical and legendary island by National Geographic Known for its enchanting landscapes and serene atmosphere La Gomera offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist destinations From the moment visitors set foot on La Gomera The island's limited size and hidden natural treasures make it a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquillity and breathtaking scenery The striking contrast between the lush greenery and the deep blue sea captivates visitors inviting them to explore its 370 square kilometres of picturesque terrain which helps preserve the ancient forests of the Garajonay National Park this park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 the entire island showcases nature's spectacle Among the island’s top attractions are the "Los Órganos," basalt columns rising 80 metres above the sea are the result of solidified volcanic magma This marine reserve area is also a hotspot for whale watching and tropical pilot whales frequently spotted La Gomera also boasts a rich culinary scene with several restaurants recognised by the Repsol Guide: - Casa Efigenia La Montaña: Located in Valle Gran Rey this restaurant is a favourite of Angela Merkel known for its traditional Canarian cuisine and famous vegetarian stew - El Submarino: In San Sebastián de La Gomera this tavern is celebrated for its delicious tripe and excellent wines - Caprichos de La Gomera: Chef Fabián Mora crafts traditional dishes with contemporary twists such as the must-try "Gomero caviar." - La Chalana: Situated on Playa de Santiago it offers exquisite seafood and chef recommendations that highlight the island’s marine flavours La Gomera’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse with roots tracing back to the Berbers of Ghomara a whistled language now recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the production of gofio and palm honey Archaeological sites like Alto de Garajonay and the Fortaleza de Chipude provide insights into the island's past and the Archaeological Museum of San Sebastián de La Gomera offers a deeper understanding of its history such as the tragic love story of Gara and Jonay and the fact that Christopher Columbus set sail from the island on the morning of Thursday across the Atlantic on his discovery of America National Geographic’s recognition of La Gomera highlights its status as a magical and legendary destination within the Canary Islands covered with mist — you’ll love it,” Aznar Fernández de Pinedo who was organising the logistics for my seven-day solo self-guided hike promised."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Back in September 2021 aboard the ferry from Tenerife to the neighbouring island of La Palma to witness its erupting volcano to be captivated by the fearsome outline of the distant La Gomera — lushly green with doughnuts of mist encircling chimneys of volcanic lava Whether it was Herodotus’ Garden of Hesperides It’s ideal for winter and spring walking — temperatures remain pleasant from October"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"‘When you first see La Gomera it looks like the island of King Kong who was organising the logi","slug":"the-overlooked-canary-island-thats-perfect-for-hiking-and-1-wine","categoryPath":"/world/europe/article/the-overlooked-canary-island-thats-perfect-for-hiking-and-1-wine-j80kkv96n","__typename":"Article"},"Image:521b012f-82ce-4375-8d71-2d24113df95d":{"caption":"Roque de Agando near Benchijigua on La Gomera","credits":"ALAMY","title":"La Gomera landscape near Benchijigua La Gomera comes into its own with long sunny days and incredible walking routes that last all winterRoque de Agando near Benchijigua on La GomeraALAMYMark StrattonSunday September 03 2023 The Sunday Times‘When you first see La Gomera it looks like the island of King Kong It’s ideal for winter and spring walking — temperatures remain pleasant from October Dr Lou Luddington explores La Gomera’s rugged coast and discovers abundant wildlife and stunning underwater vistas while freediving from her yacht regularly freedive from their liveaboard Westwind 35 Credit: Dr Lou Luddington Credit: Dr Lou Luddington For many cruisers in the Canary Islands La Gomera is off track or a stop-over before heading west to El Hierro and La Palma Drawn to its deep water and craggy coastline As liveaboard freedivers with time to linger our days are focused on exploring natural places and observing wildlife The second smallest of the Canary island chain lofty cloud forests and glittering underwater vistas the ‘isla mágica’ may cast a salty spell on you On passage from the south of Tenerife to La Gomera on my Westwind 35, Noctiluca, we caught sight of a group of whales La Gomera has plenty of good freediving sites The dark silhouettes of their broad dorsal fins slicing through the surface and puffs of spray as they clear their blowholes to breathe are easy to spot; with a smooth ocean unruffled by wind, the conditions were perfect for wildlife watching, prompting us to cut the engine and drift The only sounds were the occasional clack of the boom as we rolled in the swell and pilot whales blowing as they surfaced for air Home to the largest population of short-finned pilot whales in Europe these waters have been declared a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in recognition of their extraordinary diversity of open ocean species in need of increased protection these pilot whales live together in close family groups sprinting to depths of 1,000 metres or more in pursuit of squid they recover from the exertion and oxygen depletion of these hunting forays by breathing Respect the wind acceleration zones while sailing the Canary Islands causing wind speed to increase by 10-15 knots We were mindful not to approach too close or pursue the whales allowing them the freedom to come to us or swim away On day trips offshore from La Gomera we would enjoy regular sightings of not just the whales but green turtles Atlantic spotted dolphins and scores of Portuguese man o’ war and by-the-wind sailors Most often we would come across great rafts of Cory’s shearwaters or in loose groups fluttering around a lively pod of bottlenose dolphins hunting fish Drawn to these islands by their carnal urges the sea cliffs of the south and western coasts bustle with breeding birds from March to October By day all is quiet as they head to sea to fish or hunker in their earthy burrows but come nightfall the air is filled with their raucous growls and cackles as they greet each other returning to cliff colonies shrouded by darkness to avoid predatory gulls Dr Lou Luddington and her husband Tom bought their 1982 cutter rigged Westwind 35 and have been sailing full time since summer 2020 I became very fond of this evening soundtrack and couldn’t help hailing their arrival when I heard the first call of the night These birds travel huge distances every year migrating thousands of miles between winter feeding and summer breeding grounds carving precise lines between open ocean waves; it’s strange to imagine a bird so attuned to life at sea ensconced in dusty holes in the cliffs for several months to raise their young The anchorages of the southern coasts are quiet and mostly uninhabited where you can often be alone and easily hop ashore to explore rock pools or wild camp in a cave for the night Some places experience a venturi effect from the high elevation of the island with winds gusting up to 30 knots Boops are common sight in the waters around La Gomera Though presenting its own challenge this may bring a welcome break from the roll of open Atlantic swell; the one drawback of La Gomera is that the anchorages can be on the lively side On the whole it is bearable but when it gets too much head for the marina at San Sebastián de La Gomera; small and friendly Built within the wind acceleration zone you can be guaranteed a swift exit and return journey to the south coast As Europe begins to open up again for cruising Lu Heikell looks at the implications of Brexit on UK sailors… volcanic scenery and wonderful warm weather sailing One of the great pleasures of cruising the waters of the British Isles are sailing wildlife encounters Spotting wild whales and dolphins while sailing is a joy We were often torn between heading offshore for the chance of some whale and wildlife watching or hugging the coast to marvel at the rock formations and scope out new freediving spots The underwater seascape is as impressive as the land; caves archways and great slabs of ancient lava flows encrusted with yellow sponges and furred with feathery seaweeds and clouded with fishes The clear blue waters with which the Canaries are blessed allows you to see it all Our greatest highlights underwater were mooching with huge shoals of parrot fish cheerily pecking at the rocks communicating with octopuses through tentacle touches and gliding eye to eye with eagle rays one afternoon as they hunted for shellfish One of the best places to see stingrays is Puerto de Vueltas at Valle Gran Rey Here rough tailed stingrays have learned to scavenge on fish scraps dropped off the harbour wall by local fishermen The size of a car bonnet and black as night they are easy to spot flapping around the shallows Visit between June and August and you may see giant butterfly rays that gather in the calm shallows of the port beach to breed and give birth They glide around like tablecloths billowing in a breeze before settling to the seabed in a flurry of sand as they bury themselves Ongoing research in other parts of the Canary Islands has shown such breeding areas to be important for the survival of this endangered species; education about the rays has encouraged curiosity among locals and visitors alike By the end of August they vanish back to deep water only to return next season The geology of La Gomera means there are plenty of crevices to explore underwater On a few occasions we were drawn to explore beyond the coast and either took a bus or hired a car for the steep ascent through the cloud forest to the top of the island hot coastal climate to the moist cool environs of the high forest is swift and striking Drive a matter of minutes up the road and you’ll be reaching for a sweater that you haven’t needed for months on the coast La Gomera is certainly an island of magical contrasts. Drop anchor embrace the roll and immerse yourself in its rich The best time to cruise La Gomera is from April to November Nearest yacht charters are available from Tenerife at Alboran Charter (www.alboran-charter.com/en) and Dream Yacht Charter (www.dreamyachtcharter.com) Navily was a great resource for choosing anchorages Our favourites were: Playa de Chinguarime and Playa de Ereses on the south coast for their great freediving Vueltas Bay is a popular anchorage beneath soaring volcanic cliffs with a friendly community of liveaboard sailors that come and go Access to Puerto de Vueltas is easy and a safe place to leave your tender at the harbour wall You can berth alongside the harbour wall overnight for a fee; no power hook up Water and fuel are available to anyone but you must pre-book with the harbour master the town of Valle Gran Rey is a great place for grocery supplies browsing tourist shops and swimming at the town beaches Hire a car or make use of the excellent bus service to access hiking trails and other parts of the island With just 335 berths, Marina La Gomera (www.marinalagomera.es) in the capital San Sebastián de La Gomera is small Booking by phone (+34 922 141 769) is recommended as it has limited availability There is no marine supply store on La Gomera but there are good hardware shops in San Sebastián de La Gomera and Valle Gran Rey Another smaller port at Playa de Santiago on the south coast with no berths or facilities available Anchor in the bay then tender to the harbour wall The wind acceleration zones are the main consideration when mentioning weather This is where the wind squeezes and accelerates around and between the islands On La Gomera they occur along the east and west coasts Marina La Gomera sits in the east coast zone making approach and departure interesting Publications & Charts for cruising La Gomera Linda Lane Thornton and Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation Buy Atlantic Islands from Waterstones (UK) Buy Atlantic Islands from Foyles (UK) Buy Atlantic Islands from Google Play A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The June 2025 issue of Yachting Monthly is out now Spain — A nearly 22-foot wasp nest was discovered in an abandoned Spanish home recently after concerned neighbors contacted authorities about the home When authorities reached the home, located in a town on the Canary Islands, they found a 21-foot-9-inch wasp nest and millions of wasps, according to the French Tribune A closer examination of the wasps found they are not a traditional species but rather an invasive species that migrated from Africa The Canary Islands are located about 60 miles off the coast of the southern border of Morocco who are trying to find the owners and determine what to do with the millions of wasps in the home They have so far been unable to locate the owners Bees and wasps have been known to create spectacles locally, as well. A Tooele family was surprised in April 2012 to find a cloud of bees swarming their yellow Chevy Cobalt one afternoon a queen had decided to land on the vehicle and was followed by the swarm Migrating bees created a spectacle in an Orem family's backyard in May when the massive swarm decided to follow its queen to a tree branch Top image credit: thinkSPAIN Crews in the World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic have started to settle into their tasks and routines as they head west towards Antigua have completed over 1,300 nautical miles with an expected arrival date of January 17 and completing the race in 36 days Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 110 ocean rowers representing 21 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 11 One solo rower returned within two hours of the start with technical problems Amongst the local crews are rowers from Exmouth Team Rollocks who were at Dartmouth Regatta this year; a local businessman from Teignmouth Tim Cox aboard Oar Mighty Mate; and Atlantic Exploarers in an ocean rowing boat named Rockfisher 2 with connections to Brixham All of the crews celebrated Christmas Day with some experiencing unusual events Team Graft suffered a marlin spike through the stern cabin This is where a marlin fish rams its beak into a boat piercing the hull The crew successfully carried out repairs to the flooded compartment and underwater By complete coincidence...Tim says that they are in no rush to get in the water to clean the bottom of the boat a job that will have to be done at some point Published: Invalid Date so finding a quiet spot without other Brits can be a little tricky While a lot of holidaymakers will be familiar with places like Lanzarote One of those places is La Gomera - a small Spanish island that's just a short ferry ride from Tenerife La Gomera is home to black sand beaches and a picturesque city called San Sebastian de la Gomera Built on a volcanic rock, the travel website Costa Cruises has described San Sebastian de la Gomera as a place where "time seems to have stopped a hundred years ago" According to the local tourism board, San Sebastian de la Gomera was where Christopher Columbus restocked his supplies before setting sail on his first voyage to the Americas in the 15th Century One of those attractions is Columbus' House, where the explorer is said to have had "amorous" meetings. Located in the heart of the old town, Columbus' House is a cream-coloured building complete with a small museum. There are plenty of other attractions on the island too, including Torre del Conde - a small stone watchtower. the watchtower was built in the 15th century as a display of power Other attractions include the Church of the Assumption Playa San Sebastián is a black sand beach close to the centre The black sand beach lies opposite the ferry terminal While there aren't any sunbeds on the beach holidaymakers can bring their own onto the sand The city is also home to Playa de la Guancha - a secluded bay that can only be reached by a small coastal path Last year, the island was described as being even better than Tenerife by one travel blogger In a blog entitled "Go here, not there" expert traveller claims it's even better than Tenerife Loria said: "Paradise offering incredible hikes and gorgeous scenery The island is ideal for anyone looking to trade the busy city for lush greenery." There are plenty of other features on the island mountains and plenty of local cuisine and wines For those holidaymakers who want to stay overnight accommodation on the island is extremely affordable too Sun Online Travel have found an overnight stay at Hotel Apartments Villa Gomera a family-run accommodation that's just a five-minute walk from the beach a three-star hotel that's just 550 yards from the beach The easiest way to reach La Gomera is by flying to Tenerife South Airport and catching a ferry from the nearby port Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 operate direct flights from several UK cities to Tenerife South Airport with fares starting from £25 for a one-way ticket Spain’s cheapest city break has also been revealed and a bottle of wine costs under £4 and it’s warm in November One British expat, who lives Cadiz, has revealed the three big mistakes tourists make while they're on holiday And, another travel expert, who visits Spain eight times a year, has shared the big mistakes tourists make that can cost holidaymakers money The Directorate General of Emergencies for the Canary Islands Government has declared a pre-alert for strong winds across the islands effective from 6:00am tomorrow (Friday 3rd January) This decision is based on meteorological data provided by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and additional reliable sources implemented under the guidelines of the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) Forecasts indicate southeastern winds with sustained speeds up to 40 km/h These winds are expected to be stronger in leeward areas with gusts potentially reaching or exceeding 70 km/h The region’s most susceptible to these meteorological conditions include: The activation of this pre-alert highlights the importance of preparedness in the face of potential meteorological disruptions Authorities advise residents and visitors in affected zones to exercise caution particularly in high-risk areas such as elevated terrain and leeward locations prone to intensified wind activity Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries With these top tips it's easy to get the best out of a trip to Tenerife © Westend61 / Getty Images Dominated by the sky-high summit of El Teide, Spain’s tallest peak, Tenerife evokes everything that makes Spain’s sun-dappled Canary Islands such an endlessly enticing destination Elegant ancient towns, lively ports and isolated mountain villages mingle amidst otherworldly volcanic landscapes, and the arts shine in the cultured capital, Santa Cruz home of the country’s most fabulous carnival Peaceful walking trails weave past mist-shrouded hills and magma-molded calderas waves wash onto volcanic-pebble beaches and shimmering natural sea pools You’ll need a good few days to truly explore this deliciously diverse island from hiking permits to Michelin-star dining one of Europe’s favorite vacation playgrounds Here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable stay on Tenerife Tenerife’s big festival blowout is its three-week Carnaval – a nonstop, sequin-clad, Caribbean-influenced celebration that takes over the buzzy capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife each February Hailed as one of Spain’s greatest carnivals but expect soaring accommodation and flight prices The warm winter months from December to February are the high season for northern Europeans seeking sunshine while the hot summer (June to September) is a popular time for Spanish vacationers The in-between months of October and November are usually quieter and cooler – around 25°C (77°F) on the coast – with good deals on accommodations and there’s wonderful hiking through fields of spring wildflowers from March to May Tenerife’s top natural thrill is the chance to summit Spain’s tallest peak, 3718m (12,198ft) El Teide, located at the heart of the lunar-like Parque Nacional del Teide The key thing to be aware of is that you’ll need a pre-booked permit to hike up to El Teide’s summit Though it’s possible to explore the island in a few days choosing the right place to stay in Tenerife is key The winding roads can unexpectedly tack hours onto driving times so it’s worth being based close to the can’t-miss sights and attractions on your travel list The north coast is best for getting away from it all, with accommodations mostly in small towns dotted along the Atlantic shoreline. Elegant Garachico, for example, has two delicious boutique hotels in restored Canarian mansions: Hotel San Roque and La Quinta Roja where La Laguna Gran Hotel brings a stylish touch to a centuries-old home Sunny southwest Tenerife is the preserve of top-end resorts bursting with facilities, many of which have a strong focus on sustainability. Near surfing-oriented El Médano, Casas Bioclimáticas ITER is a smart and innovative collection of carbon-free self-catering houses and villas, powered by solar and wind energy and designed by Tenerife’s Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables The Canary Islands comprise a unique and fragile natural environment and car rental is pricey because of limited availability you can rein in your carbon footprint by tapping into efficient guagua (bus) services across the island or renting an electric car boasting two Michelin stars and headed by respected chef Erlantz Gorostiza With its two international airports and excellent ferry links, Tenerife is the main gateway to the three smaller, less-touristed western Canary Islands – bohemian La Gomera, lush La Palma and rustic El Hierro slow-moving contrast to Tenerife and can be easily added on as a side trip regular ferries run to Santa Cruz de la Palma (3½ hours) El Hierro’s Puerto de la Estaca (2¾ hours) and San Sebastián de la Gomera (1 hour) It’s also possible to day-trip to La Gomera by ferry though you’ll inevitably end up wishing you could stay longer a hat and other protection from the strong rays and lots of nudist strands are dotted around the island it’s respectful to cover up a little when you head away from the sand – so no bare chests in the town center Dress modestly when visiting religious buildings It’s also impolite to visit churches for tourism during religious services One of Tenerife’s great joys is discovering the cultural wonderland beyond the Atlantic-washed coast a sprawl of pastel-walled villages clinging to lush slopes covered in banana-palm plantations Book a vineyard tour to learn all about the island’s wine-making scene which revolves around local pre-phylloxera grape varieties and the hugely varied microclimates in these rich Most tinerfeño wine is consumed directly on the island so sample freely while you’re here and show your support for local winemakers by taking home a bottle or three Close to Granadilla de Abona in southwest Tenerife, Bodega Frontos is a sustainably focused family-run operation with more than 50 years of organic wine-making experience From herb-infused cosmetics to volcanic wines, Tenerife’s most inspired souvenirs revolve around one-of-a-kind gifts that support small-scale producers, independent shops and local island artisans. Start in lively Santa Cruz, where the fabulous TEA gift shop is a great spot to pick up creative pieces such as notebooks Sprawling across 2000 sq km of Atlantic Ocean, Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site was established in 2021 off the coasts of Tenerife and its sister island La Gomera highlighting how the Canary Islands are prioritizing responsible whale-watching The islands' famous underwater residents include bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales Before you come, read up on how to be a responsible wildlife tourist, and book your whale-watching trips ahead with a low-impact tour company that has a sustainable ethos and a focus on animal welfare. Led by a switched-on team of marine biologists, Biosean runs small-group expeditions that contribute important research on the local whale populations reptiles and birds in a region already under pressure from tourism Do your part by joining beach clean-ups and by leaving the rocks where they lie The Canary Islands are famous for their wonderfully varied microclimates and nowhere channels this more spectacularly than Tenerife You can be basking in the sun on a beach on the southwest coast and then an hour later be reaching for a jacket up in the misty mountains Pack for a range of temperatures and conditions and factor in the weather when planning outdoor excursions Altitude sickness is a potential risk for anyone hiking above 2500m (8200ft) which includes El Teide; the vast majority of visitors have no problems Watch out for rip tides when swimming on Tenerife’s beaches and in its natural pools. The Atlantic can have seriously strong currents, so it’s important to heed local advice; a red flag means it’s unsafe to enter the water. For the natural sea pools, it’s best to visit at low tide because high tides and turbulent weather can make them dangerous. Most trips to Tenerife are entirely hassle-free, though like anywhere, petty theft can happen, particularly in bigger towns. Keep an eye on your belongings in tourist-heavy locations such as markets and bus stations and never leave valuables unattended on the beach. The free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles all EU citizens to healthcare at local cost (which often means no cost) in other EU countries, including Spain. If you’re from a non-EU country, find out whether there’s any reciprocal medical care agreement with Spain; if not, ensure you have suitable health insurance or travel insurance cover. People in the Canary Islands tend to buy bottled water because much of the tap water here is desalinated sea water – it's safe to drink but not particularly pleasant taste-wise. Some hotels and restaurants provide their own large water containers so you can refill reusable bottles, and Tenerife’s airports also have drinking fountains. As of April 2022, all bars and restaurants in Spain (including the Canaries) are legally required to offer free agua de grifo (tap water) for drinking. The latest news as it happens across Barnstaple Torrington & surrounding North Devon areas important updates and local opinions from Barnstaple Find leisure and lifestyle news from Barnstaple All the latest uplifting news from Barnstaple Torrington & surrounding North Devon areas from our local reporters property sales & property of the week in Barnstaple The first couple of weeks of the World’s Toughest Rowing Race organised by Atlantic Campaigns has seen crews adapting to the challenges of an Atlantic crossing Amongst the local crews are rowers from Exmouth who were at Dartmouth Regatta this year; Budleigh Salterton; Plymouth; Cornwall; a local businessman from Teignmouth; and an ocean rowing boat named Rockfisher 2 with connections to Brixham It’s been a tough week on the Atlantic with organisers of the race stating: “Our Safety Officers have made more than 500 calls to crews so far and it’s tough out there grit and digging deeper than one would think possible This determination is truly inspiring to witness “The fleet currently faces 15-18 knot winds from the E/ENE Winds will strengthen to 25 knots (gusts up to 35) on 21-22 Dec but patchy clouds and Saharan sand make power management crucial requiring crews to keep their boats positioned correctly while surfing the waves Amongst the crews that had a capsize was Oar Mighty Mates Tim commented: “It’s been a day of rough seas We had a knockdown this afternoon after being hit by a large wave and we endured a full rollover Andy was briefly swept overboard before climbing back in.” it is an unbendable rule of the World’s Toughest Row that all competitors are attached to the boat whenever on deck And for very good reason as Andy can testify Both Andy and Tim are ok but there has been some impact on the boat’s organization The boys are on para-anchor while they sort themselves out and gather their wits As you’d expect there is some inevitable tidying up to be done and bruises to attend to but Communications with the boat have not been interrupted and all is otherwise well Tim did sound slightly shaken and Andy reports that the swim was pretty dramatic at the time He’s pleased to have practiced the overboard drills extensively ahead of the row – and Tim has trained people for just this eventuality many adding: “It’s a little different when it happens to you for real.” After the drama of the capsize the para-anchor wrapped around the rudder which meant Andy had to go over the side again to retrieve it have experienced dust storms lifting large amounts of sand and dust into the atmosphere from the Sahara The sand is picked up by the trade winds and blown across the Atlantic it reduces the effectiveness of the solar power unit recharging the batteries on board the boat Follow the race online. Torrington Mayfair brought plenty of splendid costumes – and sunshine – to the 2025 instalment of the traditional event The site for Landkey’s new Mazzard Hall which has bene on the village wish list for more than two decades Young revellers and the iconic Ilfracombe May giants arrive at the seafront for Ilfracombe's Jack-in-the-Green 2025 The rediscovered bell in ‘the cupula’ at Barnstaple Guildhall – thought to date from the early 18th century To support the sponsorship and mark the moment Talisker hosted a series of events ahead of the race including a Parley Ocean School for rowers and a gathering of like-minded outdoor adventurers rowers and ocean enthusiasts including British Adventurer Matt Smith and endurance athlete Ross Edgely at a remote wilderness experience Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge returns for 2019; one of the world's most incredible challenges a rowing race that sees participants travel over 3000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge inspires people all around the world as it is truly an expedition made for the wildest of spirits; those that wish to challenge themselves in the toughest of adventures and that wish to take on a feat unthinkable to most.     To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8661651-talisker-whisky-atlantic-challenge-returns/   set-off from San Sebastián de La Gomera this morning Made up of thirty-five teams and individuals – from all around the world – the rowers have spent months changeable weather and living off powdered food in their incredible journey to the finish line.  Each team and individual have their own motivations for embarking upon this challenge – some are rowing to raise awareness for ocean health – others are rowing to overcome adversity among a multitude of other personal inspirations who have come together never having met before they signed up to compete The four men – from four different states in America – are joined in their shared experiences in combat but the collective call to bring awareness for Veteran issues is what got us in the boat together Veterans definitely have a wild spirit that makes them duly capable of taking on this challenge – it's a huge advantage having a military background because we are used to being in an austere environment so we don't have to overcome those kinds of mental challenges because we have been in them and thrived in them before." Alongside them are German team – Rowhhome – a four women boat and the first ever German team to compete in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge  Speaking in La Gomera ahead of the race Catharina Streit of Rowhhome said: "We are four women from Hamburg coming together with a shared passion for adventure We were inspired by the Four Mums On a Boat documentary (a documentary about four mothers from England who undertook the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge) and we thought – if they can do it We hope to inspire others and show them that if you have a dream then you can achieve it." For b-roll, interviews, photos and more content on teams competing please click here Talisker is proud to be title sponsor for the sixth year the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is an inspirational event which draws out the wild spirit in everyday people to achieve extraordinary things.  The oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye in Scotland Talisker Single Malt Scotch is very much a product of its rugged coastal home. As a whisky Made By The Sea we want to do our part to protect our oceans the most important ecosystem of our planet Talisker demonstrated their love for the ocean with the introduction of an Ocean School for all rowers hosted by Parley for the Oceans designed to educate inspire and empower the next generation of ocean guardians Talisker served up the ultimate wild adventure creating a unique remote island wilderness experience it bought together a tribe of like-minded outdoor adventurers explorers and ocean enthusiasts including Talisker Whisky Atlantic rowers James Aiken, friend of the brand Matt Smith and endurance athlete Ross Edgely all who shared their story of passion for adventure and love of the ocean.  Guests enjoyed 'wild' Talisker cocktails created by Italian bartender, Giorgio Lupi, who was crowned the winner of Talisker's Wild Spirit Bartender competition. Wild foraged food was served and prepared over an open fire by Talisker's Wild Chef, on a FireTable designed by film maker and friend of the brand Guy Ritchie.  The innovative new dining experience is a celebration of outdoor cooking and encouraging togetherness with an innovative design that allows you to sit back and relax watching your food being beautifully cooked whilst giving warmth to your gatherings for hours.  Matt Smith, took time to take part in the experience and meet rowers ahead of the race.  "Thank you to Talisker for inviting me to part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Ocean Race  The very fact anyone can row 3000 miles let alone across the Atlantic feels unfathomable to me  And yet 35 brave teams are about to do just that.  I'm thrilled to play a small part as I wish them bon voyage and a safe return over a whisky. May the best team win Head of Global Marketing for Talisker commented: Talisker is proud to be title sponsor of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge - one of the world's most challenging and exhilarating adventures rowed from Eigg to Skye to found the Talisker Distillery in Scotland almost 200 years ago and so as a brand we share the same sense of passion and adventure as the participants It's been incredible to hear the rowers' stories first hand this week and share special moments with them and our tribe of wild spirited adventurers who joined us at the Talisker Wilderness Bar experience and other events this week.  We wish all rowers success as they undertake this incredible journey." "Everyone who takes this challenge on has a special spirit a spirit that will enable them to achieve extraordinary things over the course of the race We all have a bucket list of things in life that we challenge ourselves to try and accomplish - for the 103 rowers who leave the harbour this week this is a dream moment.  It's something they have all sacrificed a huge moment to prepare for - months and even years – and they will inspire millions of people with their stories."  For notes to editors please click here https://www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/ Do not sell or share my personal information: At least four harbour tugs will be required to support growing numbers of ships using terminals and ports in the Canary Islands These services will be required in the ports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife San Sebastián de La Gomera and Valverde de El Hierro Towage requirements went up for tender in November with service providers expected to provide four tugboats Two tugs will be home-based in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and one based in port of Santa Cruz de La Palma A fourth tugboat is to be based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife but will be deployed to assist ships in harbours at Los Cristianos Three of these tugs require total power of 2,980 kW and bollard pull of 50 tonnes with power of 2,240 kW and 35 tonnes of bollard pull Authority requirements come as ports in Tenerife are being readied for more ship visits Boluda Lines is starting daily connections to ports in the Canary Islands from the port of Cádiz in December 2020 It will operate six vessels for freight transport including reefer containers for perishable products This will be backed by a river feeder service connecting with the ports of Seville and Cádiz daily and a new rail connection between Seville and Madrid Boluda said it was the first time a shipping company had launched a service of this kind to the islands It complements Boluda’s services between Spanish ports and international connections in west Africa It will enable Boluda to increase its range of services into Africa through establishing Las Palmas as a hub port Container ships will operate between the Concasa terminal in Cadiz and Boluda terminals in Las Palmas Tug operations in the Canary Islands are provided by Boluda Towage, Fairplay Towage and Odiel Towage The port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a hub for cargo and container shipments and has a multi-ship cruise terminal and capacity for mooring offshore drilling rigs Riviera is producing a range of technical and operational webinars and virtual events with the industry’s foremost experts. Sign up to attend on our events page  My NewsSign Out Sign InCreate your free profileSections news Alerts Firefighters battle a fire in Torre de Macanes near Alicante on August 13 Reuters reports — More than 4,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Spain's Canary Islands because of forest fires that are difficult to control due to a heatwave and strong winds On the Spanish mainland two people were killed and three injured while trying to put out a fire in Torremanzanas A plane works to extinguish a wildfire in La Gomera in Spain's Canary Islands on August 12 People disembark from a ferry after being evacuated from Valle Gran Rey at San Sebastian de la Gomera port on the island of La Gomera on August 13 Firefighters try to extinguish a fire in Torre de Macanes near Alicante on August 13 Follow @NBCNewsPictures Sign up for the NBCNews.com Photos Newsletter The latest news as it happens across Torquay, Paignton & Brixham. Find out what is happening & the latest breaking news in Torbay. Get the latest in Local News, information, important updates and local opinions from Torquay, Paignton & Brixham at the Torbay Weekly News. Get the latest on Torbay sports news, Torquay United FC match reports & opinions and other Local sports news, pictures and scores across Torbay. Find the best places to go, local theatre times, incredible attractions, days out for the kids and amazing holiday ideas in Torquay, Paignton & Brixham. Your source of news from beyond the bay covering Devon News and UK News. The Torbay Weekly Business awards celebrates the accomplishments of Torbay based Businesses and brings together the Torbay Business community. Find and view pictures of Torquay, Paignton & Brixham from the local community & our Torbay based reporters. Get the latest Weather news, official weather advisories, warnings, and severe weather alerts for Torquay, Paignton & Brixham. View the latest Torbay property news, opinions, property sales & property of the week in Torquay, Paignton & Brixham. Get your local Torbay traffic & travel reports, road closures, train delays, and airport departures in and around Torquay, Paignton & Brixham. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. To continue reading this article, you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles! Alternatively, you can pay €0.50 per article, capped at €1 per day. Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism! Over half of the crews in the World’s Toughest Row have arrived at Nelsons Dockyard, English Harbour, Antiqua, with HMS Oardacious first to arrive on January 17 having rowed across the Atlantic in 35 days, 4 hours and 30 minutes. Sam Glover of Lynmouth, the only rower in the race from Devon, arrived on January 25. He was the first solo rower to arrive having rowed across the Atlantic aboard ‘The Entrepreneur Ship’ in 42 days, 3 hours and 15 minutes. Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 98 ocean rowers representing 10 nations set out from San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 13 to race 3000 miles unsupported rowing across the Atlantic Ocean west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands (280N 180W) to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (170N 610W). The 38 competing crews were 11 solos, 8 pairs, 6 trios, 12 fours and 1 five. This past week has seen the arrival of the crew ‘Ocean Grown’, North Americans Lisa Roland and Lauren Champion (Nini) who crossed the finish line in English Harbour, Antigua after 45 days, 1 hour and 27 minutes, setting a new World Record for the fastest Women’s pair team to cross the Atlantic Ocean. They beat the previous world record set in 2021 by ‘Wild Waves’ of 45 days, 7 hours and 25 minutes. Only 5 hours and 58 minutes difference. Also amongst the arrivals was the British crew ‘Vibe the Wave’ of Maddie Difazio-Wright, Grace Gilbert and Grace (G) Pybus, lively and ecstatic, who crossed the finish line of the World’s Toughest Row in a time of 48 days, 13 hours and 53 minutes, in front of a massive and roaring crowd of friends, family and fellow rowers! After a tough start to the race, with challenging weather and conditions, the ‘Vibe the Wave’ girls got hit by a marlin strike on New Year’s Eve. It was captured on camera and later appeared all over the news in the UK, where you can clearly see the marlin hunting some fish who were seeking cover under their boat ‘Oardrey’. Suddenly, the noise of cracking material can be heard and a loud scream from Grace, who got closer than one would want to! The result of the visit was three holes and a flooded compartment. The girls used all their skill and imagination to repair the holes and stop the water intake. Soon to follow, the headline for BBC News was: ‘Champagne bottle plugs hole in boat after marlin strike’! For sure a world first within the history of ocean rowing. When asked about how it was to get in to English Harbour, Grace said, “We spent a lot of the last 20 days talking about who we were excited to see and why, and to hear all noises and voices coming from all angles, knowing that actually after all this time, we made it together, as better friends with all of our objectives met. Words really can’t describe it. It was out of this world.” Maddie added: “It taught us a huge amount. We never ever thought it would turn out how it was but our key objective the entire time was: Live the Adventure.” A lot of rowers are now safely on dry land but let’s not forget about the rowers still battling the atrocious weather. The rowers still at sea have had to slow down and some are on para-anchor, which is soul destroying. " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g, ' To continue reading this article, please subscribe and support local journalism! Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles. To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in. Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news! John Tompkins festival director. Image: Kemp Digital Photography Symptoms can all affect our daily lives, but treatment is available! Photography and videography: Superb, www.wearesuperb.com ARC Inside one of ARC's 1.5m reef cubes. Images: James Harris Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles. Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm. lies the small and very beautiful island of La Gomera Too mountainous for an international airfield it is still usually reached by ferries plying from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to the small capital and port of San Sebastian Christopher Columbus arrived in San Sebastian in 1492 the last port in the known world before the unchartered ocean He came on the invitation of a young Castilian noblewoman Columbus made lengthy stops there on the first three voyages It was on La Gomera itself that I heard the story of Columbus and the young widow I often passed through a place in the mountains where the road at last levels and enters the highland forests I stopped there for a lunchtime tapa of goat meat now and then ‘Degollada' was not a word I knew at first I assumed it referred to some landscape feature on Peraza lands I was surprised to find it meant not Peraza's domain but Peraza's demise I bought a beer and strolled across the cool tiled interior to the big windows opposite the door I wasn't prepared for the surprise that met me Spread out below was a huge valley hidden from the road long-abandoned terraces slipped like a patched cloak off the mountain's shoulder and fell in narrowing folds to the valley floor ancient paths followed green contours under bone dry hills supporting nothing but a few birds and lizards the valley widened into a blue plain between massive escarpments framing the sea The history I heard in the Bar Degollada de Peraza was as much the history of Gomera's ancient Guanche people as it was of a passing Italian sailor and a countess The story of Columbus and Beatriz de Bobadilla begins a few years before they met Peraza was a second-generation conquistador who lived in peace with the indigenous Guanche people of nearby La Palma when he was unlucky enough to be shipwrecked on Peraza's shores Murdering natives was one thing; eviscerating fellow conquistadors was another Queen Isabella interceded to save him from execution by making a secret agreement that he would take her husband's young mistress Bobadilla made a good match for avaricious Peraza they rode roughshod over every accord forged by Peraza's uncle with the still unconquered native kings The final straw for the Guanches was when Peraza singled out the thirteen-year-old Stone Age princess Iballa and seduced her Roque de Agando on the island of La Gomera which is frequently used as a symbol for the island.Bobadilla was a very beautiful woman but the old songs record that the teenage Iballa far eclipsed her as a result of the tragedy that later enfolded was to be the last princess of the Guanches that had been rediscovered by geographers only a half-century before The Berber tribes who had settled there from north Africa had forgotten how to make boats presumably because there was nowhere they wanted to go the people of the Gomera highlands are still rich in Guanche blood They preserve a whistling language which is unique on earth — not a convention of signals as one would use with a dog but an articulated tongue in which conversations may be held across the abysses of the deep valleys When Hupalupa heard of Peraza's despoliation of his daughter Off the shore of Valle Gran Rey stands a rock to which the ringleted Gomero boys and girls still swim out today There Hupalupa and Iballa's betrothed made their plan they crossed the island with their men and surrounded the cave in which the Count and Iballa were making love Iballa heard the whistled exchanges between her father's men – exchanges which Peraza although he had spent most of his life on the island couldn't understand – and tried to warn him but It is ironic that the only full sentence of Guanche still extant was uttered by Iballa trying to save the life of the rapacious foreigner It is repeated in the chanted 'canciones' of the island intent upon driving the Spaniards into the sea Pausing only long enough to dispatch a caravel for help stocked to sustain the tiny Spanish population through a siege When the caravels came and the new-made widow emerged again into the sun it was to wreak a terrible vengeance on the Guanches there were no more Guanche princesses or kings sailed into San Sebastian with a large force of men Hupalupa is said to have escaped by swimming to Tenerife pursued his routed people to every corner of the island Columbus probably met Bobadilla for the first time in 1490 at the court in Castile where she had been summoned from Gomera to answer charges of slavery and genocide against her subjects the Guanche survivors were ransomed into freedom and returned to La Gomera but woman of her times and not one to languish in mourning for long There might be business to be done if the handsome Italian were to visit her on his outward voyage in search of a route to the Indies the scene of murder and savage repression only a few years before driven by the urgency of dreams and aspirations would have wasted time but for Bobadilla's charms The nearby islands of Tenerife and La Palma were still unconquered lay a largely impassable and dangerous hinterland the company of the cosmopolitan and inspired Italian must have been blessed relief from petty colonists she married the most powerful governor in the islands It is ironic that her vicious past is often forgotten and the part she played in equipping him for the colonisation of the New World that earned her a vivid line on history's bloody page the tower that saved her life is still in use The tower stands marooned in what is now a pleasant park The people closest in blood to the Guanches still live in the highlands above the Valle Gran Rey harnessed water from the forests and made gardens of the valley sides when Columbus first visited the half-wild islands the Spanish practice of colonisation and Christianisation slavery-and-God or death-by-the-sword was in full swing in the tower lapped by the sea at San Sebastian it is hard to believe that Columbus could not have imagined the tragedy soon to befall the blameless peoples of his New World From as little as €1 a week with our digital introductory offer Already a subscriber? Sign in more outdoors articles Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Fondant Fancy’ is among the new blooms at Chelsea Flower Show 2025 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page La Gomera is also home to several nudist beaches and it is actually quite a popular destination for naturists looking to visit the archipelago just like in the rest of the Canary Islands and Spain.  Although you can't sunbathe nude on town beaches the great thing about the Canary Islands is that they have a lot of wild beaches that are accessible where you can get away from the crowds although La Gomera is not quite as popular among naturists as Fuerteventura or Gran Canaria you will be surprised at just how many nudist beaches there are in La Gomera an island that is much smaller compared to the rest of the Canaries there are more nudist beaches in La Gomera than there are in La Palma La Gomera is truly a paradise for naturists visiting the island as they have lots of options and most of these beaches are located in beautiful landscapes like ravines that end in a natural protected cove Playa del Inglés is a 400 meters long beach with black volcanic sand Playa del Ingles is one of the most appreciated beaches in La Gomera being easily accessible since it is located just 2 km away from the tourist town of Valle Gran Rey Playa del Ingles is not only the most popular nudist beach in La Gomera but it's also a fantastic place to visit to see one of the most amazing sunsets on the island La Caleta de Hermigua is the only beach with a naturist tradition on the island's north coast Although it's not located in an urban setting it still offers cleaning services and showers The waves here tend to be moderate to strong in contrast to the typically calmer southern beaches This beach offers spectacular views of the island of Tenerife Located close to the island's capital San Sebastián de La Gomera this beach is 500 meters long and 70 meters wide Playa La Guancha is not only regarded as one of the best nudist beaches in La Gomera, but also one of the best nudist beaches in the Canary Islands archipelago And despite being located so close to San Sebastián de La Gomera it is usually not crowded and also very clean.  The beach also offers beautiful beaches over the island's capital as well as gorgeous views of Mt Teide in Tenerife A single electricity system connecting the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera will soon be a reality, once the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) has been obtained later this month, to start the project for an underwater cable 42 kilometres long, 36 of which will be along the sea bed, that will join the two islands like an umbilical cord, similar to what is already happening with Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. La Gomera is to become an exporter of electricity to Tenerife, by exceeding the 8 megawatts (MW) it needs per day with the start-up of five wind farms, three of which which are already built in El Verodal in San Sebastián, which would initially generate almost 12 MW. Sources from Red Eléctrica Española and the Ministry of Ecological Transition confirmed that the environmental impact report will go to the Governing Council this month, "after six months of intense work by the Ministry", highlighting that the underwater cable between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura took five years to develop. The connection project between the El Palmar power plant in San Sebastián de La Gomera, and the Chío substation in Guía de Isora, was presented in February last year by the President of the Canary Islands Government, Ángel Víctor Torres, and the president of Red Eléctrica Española, Beatriz Corredor. Torres described the project as "a key piece in promoting the energy transition of the Canary Islands", adding that "it is proposed within the European and national objectives of decarbonisation of the economy and the greater integration of renewable energies until achieving a 100% green electricity sector in 2040 in the Canary Islands, ten years before the date set by the EU.” The president of the Tenerife Cabildo, Pedro Martín, welcomes the new project saying that “the electrical system in the Canary Islands is fragile. For this reason, all the interconnection initiatives mean undoubted improvements for the islands”. The investment to make this inter-island connection possible is 103 million euros and will take approximately 2 years to complete. La Gomera will be the first island to produce more renewable energy than it consumes in a year, thus avoiding having to resort to other more expensive fossil fuel generating systems and contaminants. Keryn Holter reporting from San Sebastian de La Gomera: Two Devon-based teams are among 43 others who hope to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge - The World’s Toughest Row. On Monday, December 12, they will be setting off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, rowing 3,000 miles to Antigua, aiming to break world records and overcoming physical and mental challenges. The two Exmouth-based teams - Full Throttle and The Friendship - have been training out of Exmouth Marina for two years to get to the start line, while raising money for their chosen charities. If The Friendship successfully get to Antigua, they will be the first team consisting of four brothers - two sets of twins - to row any ocean. This year, race organisers Atlantic Campaigns are celebrating their ten-year anniversary after creating the company in 2012 and have successfully hosted 197 teams across the Atlantic. The island that Christopher Columbus set off from to discover the new world, La Gomera has ancient history with extreme ocean crossings, making it the perfect place for the teams to depart from. The crossing can take anywhere between 29 and 97 days and means that the Christmas and New Year period will be spent at sea away from family and friends, eating dehydrated food and rowing in shifts of two hours on, two hours off. All teams have completed rigorous training, many safety inspections, and technical checks to ensure that they are as prepared as possible for any complications that Mother Nature may throw at them during their time on the ocean. From athletes to stay-at-home mums, individuals complete this challenge with the same goal and a similar mindset to scratch the itch for adventure that will change their perspective for the rest of their lives. Follow the teams in completing the adventure of a lifetime, and for daily updates, visit Atlantic Campaigns' social media platforms or www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com This Page Has Washed AwayLooks like this page has disappeared with the tide — perhaps it’s buried in the sand at Vazon or drifting off Petit Port A vehicle in ‘Gold Class’ (Clase Oro) on the Fred Olsen ‘Benchijigua Express’ trimaran fell off the ferry into the water last week during a crossing between San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife The shipping company is investigating the incident claiming at the moment they don’t know how it came loose and “jumped” overboard because the vehicle was supposed to be correctly secured when it was in the front row crew members ran to the aft deck to check if any passengers had taken photos or recorded images with their mobile phones," says one of the passengers and always tells drivers that they must leave their vehicles in gear with the handbrake on with the steering wheel turned to the right The tires are then shod with rubber studs on both the front and rear wheels A manoeuvre that is complied with strictly and then verified by the boatswain and the sailor on duty before departure This is an unusual incident in high-speed ferries in Spain In 2010 the Acciona Trasmediterránea catamaran “Alborán” arrived in the port of Ceuta with a truck hanging from the stern ramp and there was a similar case in 2014 on the “Bencomo Express” also owned by Fred Olsen at the port of Agaete in Gran Canaria Passengers travelling on the route between La Gomera and Tenerife with Fred.Olsen experienced a major scare yesterday as during the crossing one of the cars on the ferry fell into the sea and started gradually sinking a dark-coloured car can be seen in the middle of the sea although the company is already conducting an internal investigation especially as the sea was very calm and that it happened not long after departing from San Sebastian port in La Gomera both cars and vans must be parked with the gear engaged and the steering wheel turned to the right the ferry company's staff are responsible for placing chocks under the wheels of vehicles a similar incident occurred on another journey operated by the same ferry company and on the same route it involved a vehicle owned by one of the Gold Class passengers who were the first to board and occupy the parking spaces in the hold closest to the entrance and exit ramp As families around the world gather to celebrate the festive season a group of 98 courageous individuals participating in the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2023 navigating the vast Atlantic Ocean on an incredible journey of endurance and determination In a true display of resilience and camaraderie the rowers have chosen to celebrate Christmas at sea united by their shared passion for adventure the pursuit of the extraordinary and for most with the aim to raise as much awareness and money for their chosen charities as possible The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic sees teams rowing unsupported across the Atlantic covering over 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in Antigua Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 98 ocean rowers representing 10 nations left San Sebastian de La Gomera on December 13 The 2023 race is a 3,000 mile unsupported rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean west from San Sebastian in La Gomera in the Canary Islands (280N 180W) to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour  The 38 competing crews are made up of 11 solos The five boat crew of HMS Oardacious with the crew Rob Clarke Ian Allen and Mathew Main are all Royal Navy submariners and they were the first crew away with other crews following at two minute intervals.  Crew members Rob Clarke and Mike Forrester have a link to Torbay through their Royal Navy service Rob was an Assistant Marine Engineer Officer and Mike both served on the now decommissioned submarine HMS Torbay. The crews were seen off by family and friends amid a cacophony of noise from hooters Ships in harbour to witness the event included ferries fishing boats and a salvage vessel. Amidst waves as high as 30metres the constant fear of a knock down or capsize and the vast expanse of the ocean before them the rowers are not letting the distance from their families and loved ones dampen their holiday spirits they are embracing the challenges and triumphs of the journey drawing inspiration from the shared goal of reaching the finish line The World’s Toughest Row attracts adventurers from around the globe with this race being no exception with 16 countries represented Although all 98 competitors are uniquely incredible for some with success will also come a World Record Notably 73-year-old Frank Rothwell (UK) who is rowing solo raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK after losing his beloved brother in-law to the disease aiming to become to first South African female solo ever.  Christmas at sea brings a unique perspective to the challenge as the rowers reflect on the meaning of the season and the sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing one's limits The car that fell from the hold of a Fred Olsen ferry into the sea on March 30th en route from San Sebastián de La Gomera to Tenerife The unexpected incident particularly astonished its owner who witnessed the event and promptly alerted the crew after realising it was his vehicle faced a series of unfortunate events in 2021 when the eruption of the La Palma volcano left his house engulfed in lava he mentioned that he usually travels Gold Class when taking a ferry because it means his car will be parked near the exit ramp and he will be one of the first off Matías also said that he diligently followed all Fred.Olsen’s safety instructions as he parked his 4x4 with the front wheels turned to the right and the handbrake on as the ferry left the port it encountered strong waves Upon seeing that a car had fallen off the ferry and was floating in the water Matías looked out and realised it was his I couldn't remember if I had left my dogs in La Palma or if they were in the car!" Fortunately Matías said that if they had been in the car he would have jumped into the sea to rescue them Matías attributed the accident primarily to the sea conditions but also acknowledged the possibility of human error describing it as an "unforeseen situation," and did not mention any intention to pursue legal action against Fred.Olsen Click here to see the original article>> The unusually high temperatures for the time of year are continuing in the Canary Islands as the archipelago recorded the highest temperature in Spain yesterday (Tuesday) at 32.3°C according to the records of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) the ten highest temperatures in Spain were recorded in the Canary Islands yesterday with the La Dama weather station in Vallehermoso (La Gomera) achieving the highest and the sixth lowest was measured at the Las Cañadas del Teide station (Tenerife) of 1.5°C at 6:10am The City Council of San Sebastián de La Gomera usually organizes events throughout December dedicated to Christmas activities.  This article will be updated as soon as there's more info on what's happening for Christmas and New Year's in La Gomera.  The Christmas celebrations in San Sebastian de La Gomera begin in November and they end on January 5th with the Three Kings Parade The San Sebastián de La Gomera City Council presents its Christmas program under the motto "The Star that Whistles Your Way" which starts with the official lighting ceremony of the Christmas lights on Saturday 30 November in Tecina and in the centre of San Sebastián with parades children's entertainment and musical performances The Mayor announced that the Christmas program in San Sebastián de La Gomera "is a compilation of events designed so that our residents can enjoy culture tradition and leisure with their families during these holidays fun and dynamic offer that will tour the municipality and will become a driving factor for the commercial sector of San Sebastián the second edition of the Traditional Christmas Market will be held which opens on December 5 in the Plaza de Las Américas after the good reception and popular success it had last year." The Christmas program “La Estrella que Silba tu Camino” (The Star that Whistles Your Way) starts on Saturday 30 November at 5 pm with the parade in the Tecina neighborhood the premiere of the municipal Christmas carol by Luis Tevez and the subsequent lighting of the Christmas lights in the Parque de las Eras The ceremony will be repeated in the centre of San Sebastián from 8 pm and will conclude with the inauguration of the ice rink See the full Christmas & New Year's eve schedule in San Sebastian de La Gomera 2024/2025. This section will be updated with more details closer to the date when the full program of events will be announced The first month of spring is usually still cold in most countries on the European continent since the winters are also milder and characterized by pleasant temperatures with temperatures still revolving around 20°C even during the winter months March is a great time to visit La Gomera since the weather is starting to improve and there are fewer rainy days compared to the previous months (the wettest months are December and January) The island is not as busy in March as it is during the summer months which also means that prices for accommodation will be lower than during the summer season which is also considered as the high season for La Gomera The average high temperature in March in La Gomera is around 20°C while at night you can expect temperatures of around 14°C The average temperatures in March are a bit higher than they were in February the daily mean temperature is 17°C in March which is calculated as a mean between the average high temperature of 20°C and the average low of 14°C.  March usually gets less rain than February and this number decreases as the month progress towards the summer season La Gomera gets an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day in March so this number stays the same as in the previous month the water temperature is too low in March in order to be able to comfortably swim in La Gomera March and April are actually the months with the lowest water temperature in La Gomera The data below is from the weather station in San Sebastian de La Gomera March is usually a quiet month in La Gomera - some of the visitors who came to spend the winter here are starting to go back home while other visitors are expecting the summer months in order to come over on holiday See our suggestions for things to do and places to visit in La Gomera So March is a good time to visit for people who want to escape the crowds (although La Gomera doesn't really get crowded like the bigger island Tenerife or Gran Canaria) Since the sea temperature might still be too low to swim in March you can spend most of your time exploring the mountains and the amazing forests.  In some years, March is the month of the carnivals in La Gomera but this date changes each year and you should check the current schedule But if you are in la Gomera during the period of the carnivals you should definitely check this out since it's a really unique experience and you'll get to have fun with the locals La Gomera is one of the smaller Canary Islands often overshadowed by the much larger and popular Tenerife which is a well-known destination for European tourists But La Gomera has its own charm and attractions and it draws in visitors who are interested in exploring nature's finest sights.  Many people who visit La Gomera tend to split their time between at least two areas on the island Partly because they want to explore different places and try different types of accommodations but also partly because this way you maximize your time and you spend fewer hours driving around the island back and forth (or less time on the bus if you use public transport) But since La Gomera is a fairly small island it is easy to explore it all even if you set base in one place and go on day trips from there.  The South is preferred by many visitors because it tends to get more sun So if you want better chances of sunny days and you're interested in spending a lot of time at the beach the south area of La Gomera might be the best place to stay.  there's not much difference between the weather in different parts of the island so you should choose to stay where you feel it's best for what activities you plan to do while in La Gomera so most of the visitors will arrive here for the first time if coming by ferry from Tenerife or another island.  You should stay in San Sebastian de La Gomera if you're looking for a city vibe cafes and restaurants and good connections on public transport with the rest of the island If you don't plan to rent a car and drive around the island yourself, but you still want to see the best places to visit in La Gomera then San Sebastian is probably the best area for you.  Valle Gran Rey would be our top choice for accommodation when visiting La Gomera during the winter months Valle Gran Rey is the most popular resort in La Gomera but don't expect anything like the big resorts in Tenerife or Gran Canaria - it's still much more chilled and relaxed when compared to Playa de las Americas or Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.  The south of the island tends to get more sun and it's always nice to stay on the coast where you can enjoy the ocean every day.  See info about weather in La Gomera in winter Valley Gran Rey is popular among German tourists with plenty of options for restaurants and bars.  Playa Santiago is the second tourist resort in La Gomera It's been slowly growing and gaining popularity during the years although it's still smaller and with fewer options for restaurants and accommodation than Valle Gran Rey.  which might be useful if you plan to arrive or leave by airplane to one of the other Canary Islands Hotel Jardin Tecina located in Playa Santiago is considered by many as the best hotel in La Gomera in terms of facilities and luxury with 5 swimming pools and built in the style of Canarian architecture If you're looking for comfort and nice facilities while you visit La Gomera La Gomera is a paradise made for hiking and walking so this is the main reason why many people come to visit this amazing and beautiful Canary Island with easy access to Garajonay National Park which is probably the main attraction for most people coming on holiday to La Gomera This unique national park covers the southern part of the municipality of Hermigua so if you plan to do several hikes around the area this town should be your base for at least a few days Best place to stay in Hermigua: Apartamentos Los Telares If you're looking to experience the authentic charm of La Gomera you should definitely think of staying somewhere inland away from the tourist resorts like Playa Santiago or Valle Gran Rey You will find a lot of Fincas or Rural Houses that offer accommodation for tourists in small villages where you can experience the local way of life very different from the bigger islands and much more tranquil than even San Sebastian Places like Rural Gomera in Arure or Casa Rural Los Helechos in Agulo are such places but you can also find private apartments for rent which are ideal if you plan to stay in La Gomera for more than a week or two.  Vallehermoso is another small village on the west coast where you could stay for a few days and go on nice walks like the Roque Cano circular walk which offers beautiful views of the Cano Rock the natural landmark of Vallermoso and also beautiful views of the village itself.  The start of summer is a beautiful time to visit La Gomera since the weather is getting warmer and warmer so it will be possible to enjoy the water and go out to swim in the ocean So if you're planning a trip to this small and lovely Canary Island in June read our article to learn more about what temperatures you can expect in June in La Gomera La Gomera is a popular tourist destination for hiking and walking so it's nice to visit when you can be (almost) sure that the weather will be favorable for outdoor activities The first month of summer is almost guaranteed to have dry days with only one day of rain usually occurring at this time of the year For those seeking to maximize their time spent here and wishing to explore all the hidden corners of the island The temperatures in June are slightly starting to rise but not so much as to stop you from enjoying the outdoors in La Gomera although a sun lotion with high SPF is required.  The average high temperature in June in La Gomera is around 23°C, while at night you can expect temperatures of around 17°C. The average temperatures in June is considerably higher compared to the month of May the daily mean temperature is 20°C in June which is calculated as a mean between the average high temperature of 23°C and the average low of 17°C.  There is only one rainy day in June on average on the island of La Gomera although it may rain more in the center of the island in the mountains La Gomera gets an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day in June the sea temperature of 20°C / 68°F in June may seem a bit low for swimming but it doesn't get much warmer than this is most places around La Gomera You can certainly find small coves or natural pools where the water temperature is higher and there you will be able to cool off after a day in the sun They represent the weather averages for the month of June in San Sebastian de La Gomera (the capital of La Gomera) In June we recommend spending as much time as possible enjoying nature and a visit to Fortaleza de Chipude is a must since it's a protected space known as Monumento Natural de La Fortaleza.  See more places to visit in La Gomera You can also enjoy La Gomera's beaches in June since it will be warm enough to enjoy some long days of sunbathing on the black beaches which make up the beauty of this small volcanic island Cycling is also a popular activity in La Gomera, but try to avoid the midday heat and start early in the morning. You could even do a circuit around La Gomera in a day which would certainly make for an interesting experience.  in the municipality of San Sebastian de La Gomera you can definitely sunbathe in June in La Gomera situated very close to the much larger island of Tenerife from where you can grab a ferry and cross over for a much different experience.  La Gomera is a quiet and relaxing destination compared to Tenerife, so if you're looking to spend the winter holidays in a chilled place, which also enjoys good weather, La Gomera might be the best island to visit in December in Europe During the winter months, the areas of the island situated at high altitudes receive more rain compared to the coastal regions, which is similar to all the Canary Islands. December is actually the wettest month in La Gomera it tends to rain more in the mountain parts of the island so you can book your accommodation somewhere on the coast if you want to maximize your chances for good weather in December you can easily travel each day to new places especially if you rent a car and set out to explore on your own Best time to visit the Canary Islands The average high temperature in December in La Gomera is around 20°C While it's definitely a drop in temperatures compared to November the weather during the daytime still allows for wearing only T-shirts when the sun is out the daily mean temperature is 17°C in December December is usually the month with the largest amount of rain which is similar to all the Canary Islands.  the number of wet days rarely goes above 7 per month which means that you still have good chances to have a great holiday in La Gomera in December La Gomera gets an average of 5 hours of sunshine per day in December so the days are shorter but you'll still have time to enjoy in the sun While for some people it may be warm enough to swim for most visitors the water temperature might prove to be too low in order to fully enjoy swimming in the ocean at this time of the year.  Hiking is the most popular reason why people come to La Gomera so that's what we recommend for the month of December Just be careful to check the weather forecast before you head out on a trail since it can be dangerous to get caught in the rain while you're out exploring the mountains.  In December it's a must to bring with you waterproof shoes and a waterproof & wind-resistant jacket since the weather can be unpredictable and you must be ready for rain at any given moment Coastal walks are also a good option for things to do in La Gomera in December since the weather on the coast tend to be milder and the coast also receives less rain than the national park and the nature reserves situated inland.  Christmas and New Year's Eve in La Gomera Many restaurants will organize festive dinners on Christmas day while on New Year's Eve you can celebrate outside in the town square with the locals enjoying the fact that the weather is still pleasant enough to be out at midnight.  The largest celebrations for New Year's will definitely be in San Sebastian de La Gomera so that's where we would recommend you to go if you want to party like the locals While Europe is still struggling with the harsh winter weather La Gomera and the rest of the Canary Islands are usually basking in the sun enjoying one of the best climates in the Northern Hemisphere at this time of the year.  La Gomera is one of the smaller islands in the archipelago popular with visitors looking for an active holiday offering a great variety of hiking trails that are usually accessible year-round (with some exceptions when the weather is bad and rain and strong winds hit the island) Although the weather is cooler than it is in summer the weather in La Gomera during the month of February is still much warmer and pleasant than in most other European countries like the UK Germany or all of the countries in Scandinavia The average high temperature in February in La Gomera is around 19°C while at night you can expect temperatures of around 13°C The average temperatures in February are actually identical to the average temperatures in January which means that the weather stays fairly constant and it only starts to warm up from March on the daily mean temperature is 16°C in February which is calculated as a mean between the average high temperature of 19°C and the average low of 13°C.  According to the historic data, January and February are the coldest months in La Gomera.  February usually gets less rain than January so if you want to maximize your chances for a dry winter holiday in the sun La Gomera gets an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day in February Usually, the water temperature is too low in February in order to be able to comfortably swim in La Gomera. February, March and April are actually the months with the lowest water temperature in La Gomera February is usually carnival month in the Canary Islands so if you're visiting La Gomera during this month you shouldn't miss these celebrations which take place in several parts of the island if the day permits it and it's sunny and warm outside take advantage of this and enjoy a day on the Playa San Sebastián the urban beach in the capital San Sebastian de La Gomera except for those rare rainy days (although you should be advised that it tends to rain more often in the mountains compared to the coastal regions of La Gomera) See our list of recommendations for things to do and places to visit in La Gomera La Gomera Carnivals 2024 Look at our dedicated article to see the dates for the 2024 carnivals happening in La Gomera in San Sebastian and Valle Gran Rey. Make sure to participate in these events if you want to experience a local fiesta. These carnivals have a more authentic vibe as opposed to the carnivals happening on the bigger islands, like the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife as it's the second largest carnival in the world after the one in Rio de Janeiro Visiting La Gomera in February can be a good choice if you want to avoid the more crowded summer months La Gomera in general is not an overcrowded tourist destination You can make the most of the mild climate that La Gomera enjoys during the winter months to go hiking and exploring the island's trails You can't expect tropical weather and scorching sun but you can expect T-shirt weather during the day with some warmer days when you can sunbathe and even swim in the ocean At night you'll need a jacket or at least a cardigan so make sure to pack somet warm clothes as well La Gomera generally experiences mild and pleasant weather throughout the year due to its subtropical climate you can expect relatively mild temperatures that range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) during the daytime La Gomera is a year-round tourist destination so February is a good month to visit if you want to enjoy some winter sunshine and go hiking and exploring around the island's trails La Gomera is also a popular destination in February for visitors from northern Europe looking to escape the cold winter at home the best destination for a warm winter holiday in Europe where you can escape the noise and crowds which are typical for the larger islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria La Gomera is famous for its beautiful mountains and the mysterious Garajonay National Park an ideal destination for hiking in the Canary Islands Most of the people who visit La Gomera come here for the relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes and it's really a great destination for an active holiday Although in January the temperatures will drop considerably compared to July or August (which are the hottest months) you will still be able to spend most of your time outside at comfortable temperatures during the daytime.  Best things to do in the Canary Islands The average high temperature in January in La Gomera is around 19°C, while at night you can expect temperatures of around 13°C. While these temperatures indicate a slight drop compared to December it's still much warmer compared to most other places in Europe in January the daily mean temperature is 16°C in January January and February are the coldest months in La Gomera.  January usually gets less rain than December with an average of 6 wet days during the course of the entire month La Gomera gets an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day in January so it's a bit more than during the previous month the water temperature is too low in January in order to be able to comfortably swim in La Gomera Since most people come to La Gomera for the beautiful nature and outdoor activities we advise than you spend as much as possible of your time exploring the island Simply rent a car and set out to explore a different part of the island every day since the coast usually gets less rain than the mountainous regions The Three Kings Parade in San Sebastian - January 5th don't miss the big parade in San Sebastian de la Gomera You will see an important celebration in the Spanish culture and a beautiful parade is organized each year in the capital why not come and visit the island while it's carnival season Although the crowds are not as large as the one in the capital of Tenerife the atmosphere is still great and that is this party's main attraction the most important celebrations in La Gomera are held in the capital of San Sebastian and in the town of Valle Gran Rey The Carnival Parade in San Sebastian de la Gomera will take place on Saturday We will keep the schedule for the past edition until the new schedule of events is announced The theme for the 2025 Valle Gran Rey Carnival has not been announced yet The Carnival Parade in Valle Gran Rey will take place on 15 March 2025 while the Burial of the Sardine will take place on 22 March 2025 We will update this page as soon as the authorities release more information about these events Every island or the Canaries has its own carnival season and La Gomera is no exception to this rule Although the parties are not as big as in Tenerife or Gran Canaria they still attracted a good number of participants The most important celebrations in La Gomera are held in the capital of San Sebastian and in the town of Valle Gran Rey Dates for the San Sebastian Carnival: 16 February - 5 March 2017 The theme for the carnaval revolves around The World of Superheroes As usual the main events are the big parade and the burial of the sardine both of them celebrated in the last two days of the carnival 24 February 2017 - Election of the adult Queen of the Carnival at 20:00 In the last weekend of carnaval will take place the Burial of the Sardine and on 25 February will be the big parade with decorated floats and people dressed up according to the theme of the carnival Dates for the Valle Gran Rey Carnival: 27 February - 4 March 2017 This year the theme for the Carnaval is The Far East or the Lejano Oriente The festivities will take place in the area called La Playa in the San Pedro Square (Plaza San Pedro) The theme was chosen online and more than 60% of people who expressed their opinion have voted for the Oriental theme All of the Canary Islands have their own celebration, with the Carnival in Tenerife being the largest of them all and also the second largest in the world (only after Rio de Janeiro) La Gomera doesn't have the big crowds that you can find on the larger islands but the carnival still attracts some tourists and has that spanish fiesta feel It the ideal combination for a holiday where you can relax and party at the same time See info about the latest edition of the carnivals in La Gomera