Gomera travel guide and discussion

As a travel agent traveling with my 15-month-old son, partner, and mother-in-law, here’s my honest review: · *Food** · *Pros:** The food offered a great variety overall. There were plenty of options for both picky eaters and those who enjoy trying new things, including different types of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits at every meal. Fresh bread of various kinds was served, and the pastries were delicious too. · *Cons:** The freshly cooked meat was occasionally overcooked and quite chewy. The menu could feel repetitive at times. · *Overall:** The buffet was impressive with so many choices that I didn't find it monotonous since I could enjoy different options for lunch and dinner each day. · *Rooms** · *Pros:** The rooms were spacious and included comfortable beds and a personal fridge. The location was excellent; being in the family block, we didn’t hear any noise from the nightly entertainment. We were also conveniently situated opposite the family pool, which was ideal for us. · *Cons:** The rooms definitely need a renovation. The bathrooms were the worst, with grimy bathtubs and old-style windows — the bathroom window in our room was even broken. · *The Hotel** The hotel itself was impressive, with three big pools and a small kids’ pool. Interestingly, the family pool was the deepest. There were plenty of sunbeds available, especially around the family pool, so reserving one wasn’t much of an issue for us. The family facilities were good, including a little kids’ park and a kids club. · *Pros:** Entertainment was decent—though not exceptional, it kept us entertained. The bars and snack bars were nice, with the main bar offering better cocktails compared to the mostly non-alcoholic drinks served at the snack bars. · *Cons:** The hotel needs a deep clean. The floors around the pools and the pool floors themselves were dirty, with cracks in the pavements as well. However, during our stay, we noticed someone jet-washing the pool area, so it seems they are working on improving things. The hotel is currently rated 4 stars, but I’d say it’s closer to a 3-star+. That being said, it’s not a bad hotel—it has a cheerful atmosphere, lovely staff, and excellent amenities. The location is superb, just 2 minutes from shops and restaurants and a 5-10 minute walk to the beach, other shops, and bars. Do keep in mind, though, that the area is quite hilly—it really took a toll on my calves by day three! So, I’d advise against it for those with mobility issues. Conveniently, there’s a bus stop right outside the hotel, linking you to Adeje, Las Américas, and Cristianos. The views of the nearby mountains are stunning, and there’s even a restaurant called The View just outside, offering beautiful vistas of La Gomera and the sea. · *Overall Verdict:** Despite the minor issues, this is a commendable budget hotel. It offers good food, friendly staff, useful amenities, and a great location. Just adjust your expectations to a 3-star experience rather than 4 stars. For those curious, a picture is included of what’s offered with the all-inclusive and all-inclusive plus packages. Upgrading to plus costs €16 per person per day if paid at the hotel, though we didn’t find it worthwhile given the selection provided with the standard all-inclusive.

#kindnessontheroad La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, is home to Garajonay National Park, a primeval laurel forest often shrouded in mist—a true "cloud forest." I set out on the "El Sendero de los Sentidos" (Trail of the Senses), designed to be experienced blindfolded to heighten other senses. However, the fog was so dense that visibility dropped to mere meters, and the trail markers became invisible. I began to feel disoriented. A park ranger, easily identified by his uniform and the distinctive whistle he used to signal his presence, appeared silently from the mist. He asked if I was okay in Spanish-accented English. Seeing my confusion, he didn't just point the way; he walked with me for fifteen minutes, explaining the unique ecology. He described how the leaves of the Laurus azoricatrees capture moisture from the fog, creating a "horizontal rain" that sustains the island. He also warned me about the "Canary Current" in the ocean below, advising that swimming here requires caution due to strong undertows. He stressed the importance of staying on marked trails in Garajonay, as the moist soil is fragile and rare ferns can be destroyed by a single misplaced step. He recommended carrying a physical map (available at the visitor center for €3) because GPS signals often fail under the dense canopy. His guidance transformed a moment of anxiety into a profound lesson on conservation. Have you ever gotten lost in a national park and had a ranger turn it into a teachable moment?

Spent two weeks at the H10 Las Palmeras from September 13th to September 27th, 2026. The holiday was booked through Jet2 on an all-inclusive basis with Privilege services, staying in a double room with a sea view. Though we arrived late, the Privilege check-in desk was a nice touch. Domingo assisted us efficiently, providing all the necessary information. Having visited this hotel 10 years ago, we noticed that not much had changed. Our room, number 0745, was good with a decent-sized balcony offering a great view of the hotel grounds, Las Americas, and the sea towards Gomera. Some rooms had smaller balconies, so we appreciated ours. Privilege amenities included a free safe and daily fresh sunbed towels, which were a plus. We tried the Privilege breakfast a few times and found it very nice, though the service was a bit slow. The specialist restaurants were enjoyable—particularly the Asian one, which was my favorite and quite entertaining. The food in the main restaurant was satisfactory, always offering something to eat. Drinks were of good quality, and the bar in the Privilege lounge was self-service but well-stocked. The entertainment staff were lively and noisy around the main pool, though the guests appeared to enjoy the activities if they chose to participate. We mostly relaxed at the Privilege sun terrace, which featured a small jacuzzi, ample sunbeds, and stunning views, though the sun umbrellas could use refreshing. The hotel's location is excellent, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It’s a large and busy hotel, but despite mixed weather at times, we had a great time. The hardworking and generally friendly staff helped make our stay memorable. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Tenerife.

Watching the sun drop behind 600-meter cliffs while floating in a calm, hidden ocean pool Tucked away in a quiet coastal corner near Los Gigantes lies Charco de Isla Cangrejo, one of Tenerife’s best-kept secrets. While most tourists head to crowded lookouts for golden hour, this natural ocean pool lets you experience sunset surrounded by raw volcanic beauty and crashing sea spray. Built into the dark basalt rock with a protective concrete wall, the pool fills naturally with tide water, creating a giant glassy mirror right at the edge of the roaring Atlantic. Floating in calm, clear water as the sky turns fiery orange behind the towering silhouette of the cliffs and the island of La Gomera is pure magic—and usually way less crowded than the main beach spots. 📍 Charco de Isla Cangrejo (Santiago del Teide), Tenerife, Spain 🇪🇸 💡 Pro-tip: Time your visit for mid-tide right before sunset! High tides can cause rough waves to crash over the wall, so always keep an eye on the ocean swell before jumping in. 🏊♂️✨ #myitinerary #thingstodo #travel #travel2026 #couplestrip #beachlife #naturalwonders #seascapes

Our third visit to Mynd Adeje, and it continues to exceed expectations! This hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway, with modern, spotless rooms and incredibly comfy beds. It was a lovely gesture to find a welcome back card waiting for us in the room. The bed-and-breakfast setup is superb, with a delicious breakfast offering something for everyone. It’s never overly crowded, and I was really impressed by the blackboard at the entrance showing the previous day’s food waste—what a thoughtful reminder to avoid unnecessary waste. Some reviews mention the quiet surrounding area, but everything you need is just a five-minute walk away. A great hotel thrives because of its people, and Mynd Adeje excels in this area. Eva and Ebrina at reception were wonderfully friendly and helpful—Ebrina even remembered my room number after I reloaded my wallet system so often, which I absolutely love using. We spent most of our week on the rooftop, a stunning spot to relax and savor breathtaking sunsets over La Gomera. This view alone is a massive part of why Mynd Adeje keeps drawing us back. And again, it’s the people that make the experience exceptional. The staff at Lacumbre are terrific—Goyo, Leo, and the ever-personable Dani. Rafa remains as warm and welcoming as he was when we met him years ago, like the brother you didn’t know you had! And Eva—she’s pure energy behind the bar, always busy yet effortlessly kind and cheerful. She’s truly an invaluable asset to the hotel. We’ve already booked our fourth trip for next year and have started counting down the days. Thank you, Mynd Adeje, for helping us create unforgettable memories!

Nature really pulled out all the stops when shaping these colossal sea cliffs. Rising dramatically up to 600 meters straight out of the Atlantic Ocean, Acantilados de Los Gigantes on the western coast of Tenerife are nothing short of breathtaking. Ancient Guanche natives used to call them the "Wall of Hell"—and standing before these towering dark basalt walls, you can see why. While taking a boat tour to see them from the water is incredible, watching them from above hits totally different. The Mirador Archipenque gives you the ultimate panoramic view: giant cliffs plunging into deep blue waters, black sand beaches below, and the island of La Gomera sitting on the horizon. 📍 Los Gigantes & Mirador Archipenque, Tenerife, Spain 🇪🇸 💡 Pro-tip: Head up to Mirador Archipenque right before golden hour. Grab a cold drink at the lookout cafe, sit back, and watch the sun dip into the ocean behind the cliffs! 🍹🌅 #myitinerary #travel2026 #travel #couplestrip #beachlife #naturalwonders #thingstodo #familytravel #spain #tenerife

We had an absolutely fantastic time at Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes! There's really very little to fault. The staff were extremely lovely, making us feel welcome right from the start and offering great help with planning island excursions. The views from the hotel were absolutely breathtaking! You can see right over the ocean, with a glimpse of La Gomera. The sunsets were simply stunning—my boyfriend and I eagerly looked forward to them every evening! I would highly recommend requesting a room on the south side of the hotel so you can enjoy these gorgeous sunsets right from your balcony. There are plenty of restaurants nearby. One in particular I’d recommend is called "The View"; it offers tables with a perfect outlook over the ocean. The hotel is also conveniently close to a lovely beach that my boyfriend and I enjoyed visiting one afternoon. For the price, this hotel is fantastic value for money! In fact, I think it deserves an extra star in my opinion. We had a later flight, and it only cost €5 per hour to keep our room, which was the cheapest I’ve ever come across—ideal for our situation. The hotel itself was impeccably clean. There wasn’t a single moment it felt dirty. Breakfast was enjoyable, with a good variety of hot and cold food to choose from every day. It was also very peaceful. There wasn’t any loud music, and the location is in a relatively quiet part of the island, which suited us perfectly. Still, there were nice spots nearby to enjoy a drink or two. The hotel is close to bus stops, making it easy for us to hop on and visit Siam Park one evening without any hassle. Honestly, I’m struggling to think of anything negative to say! Overall, we had such a lovely time at Sholeo Lodges and would highly recommend staying here if you’re considering it! 🫶💕

Absolutely fantastic stay at the hotel, marking the first international trip for two of our three children. Though we leave tomorrow, I felt compelled to write this review now before the post-vacation blues set in. The animation team has been exceptional—they’ve created such a positive atmosphere. Whether running the kids club, organizing evening entertainment, or accommodating our children even during their breaks, they’ve consistently been lively, enthusiastic, and welcoming. Mafer, with her purple lipstick, has gone above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. She provided our kids with lilos for pool fun, booked spa sessions for the family, arranged thoughtful arrival gifts (personalized towels for the kids and Cava for the adults), braided the children’s hair, and even hosted yoga sessions by the pool. Her sunny disposition and genuine affection for our kids made a lasting impression, both on them and on us. Mafer, along with the rest of the entertainment staff, made our children feel truly special. The food and beverages here are excellent—there's something for every palate. The dining staff are very attentive, keeping everything clean and organized. The Nautilus snack bar at the Landi pool is a great spot, and the small bar in the Landi VIP area is equally delightful, staffed by incredibly friendly people. The hotel's location offers breathtaking views of Los Gigantes and La Gomera island, reminiscent of being on a cruise ship with its expansive sea vistas. Everything here, from the rooms to the public spaces, is impeccably clean and polished. The arcade area is a fantastic distraction for kids while waiting for shows. The shop on-site is convenient and well-stocked with pool floats at competitive prices—perfect for those wanting to avoid packing bulky inflatables. The variety of family activities is impressive, including high ropes, splash play areas, a pirate ship playground, zip lines, sports facilities, climbing walls, and crazy golf. The pools are well-maintained, with the Landi pool being a practical 1.4m depth. You can reserve a Balinese bed near the Landi pool starting at €45, which includes snacks and bubbles. The family package even comes with non-alcoholic pink champagne for kids. There are also photographers on hand offering excellent photo packages to preserve your holiday memories. In summary, this has been an extraordinary holiday, and a massive thank you to everyone who contributed to making it so enjoyable!

We spent 7 nights at Barceló Santiago for a romantic getaway and proposal trip, and it was an amazing holiday we thoroughly enjoyed. I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel, especially for couples seeking a beautiful and relaxing escape. · *Room & Comfort** Our Superior Deluxe Room was modern, bright, and spacious enough for two, with ample storage for a week-long stay. The beds were extremely comfortable, and we appreciated the mini-fridge, TV, and refreshing AC. The balcony views of La Gomera and the Los Gigantes cliffs were breathtaking. Since our room faced the stage, we even enjoyed a few evenings of live entertainment from our balcony. The bathroom featured a stylish glass enclosure, though the toilet cubicle felt slightly cramped. · *Food & Drink** As part of the All-Inclusive package, we enjoyed a great variety of premium alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and water—a must in the warm weather. · **Bars**: The Breeze Bar offered quick service and evening table service, but we especially loved the Aloe Bar after 8 PM for its quiet, relaxed atmosphere and excellent service. · **Buffet (Drago)**: Themed nights and staple comfort foods like salads and chips made the food selection delightful. The live cooking station offering fresh meats was a highlight. A minor issue was the flies around the buffet; food covers would improve this. · *Service & Staff** Check-in was seamless, with Isabella efficiently explaining resort details, including the towel token system. Late arrival sandwiches and drinks at reception were a thoughtful touch. The staff were warm and helpful, and special thanks go to: · **Alicia**: Always exceptionally friendly and pleasant. · **Gabriella (Guest Experience Manager)**: Gabriella was amazing in helping organise a room surprise and coordinating my proposal. Her recommendations made our special moment unforgettable. · *Pools, Spa & Entertainment** The hotel grounds were spotless and beautifully maintained. We enjoyed all three pools with their stunning ocean and cliff views. As a part of our celebrations, we booked a private couple’s hour at the U-Spa, which included cava and fresh fruit—an incredibly relaxing highlight of our trip! The animation team worked tirelessly, although we mainly relaxed by the pools. Evening entertainment featured live bands and musicians and, while enjoyable, could use more variety. Using the indoor theatre might better suit evening shows. · *Location & Surrounding Area** The hotel’s coastal location is stunning, with convenient access to local supermarkets, bars, and restaurants like La Pérgola. A quick 10-minute taxi ride allowed us to visit the Mirador Los Guíos viewpoint, where the proposal happened, followed by a celebratory dinner at Aqua Restaurant. Their local menu and sunset views were spectacular. · *Verdict** Spotless facilities, exceptional staff, breathtaking views, and unforgettable memories made. We can’t wait to return!

I took three excursions: Teide for 62 euros, Santa Cruz for 58 euros, and Gomera for 115 euros. The first two ended by 5 PM, while the third lasted until 8:15 PM. For the first two trips, my guide was Arian. She was very diligent and spoke continuously in three languages, but by the end, I was too tired to listen anymore. On the Gomera trip, a woman took my ticket but didn’t speak English. Later, a blonde lady let me board the ferry with my passport instead of a ticket. In Gomera, the guide explained everything thoroughly, which was great. The drivers for all three excursions were incredible, handling very challenging roads with skill—kudos to them. I was satisfied with the sights and the natural environment, but the excursions could have been better organized. No water was provided, except on the Gomera trip where food was included. Overall, they feel overpriced for the services offered.

We have been visiting Hollywood Mirage annually since 1989, which clearly shows how much we enjoy it. Los Cristianos is a lively and ever-improving town. Getting a seaview apartment adds an unmatched charm—sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset over Gomera from the balcony is simply perfect. It’s equally enjoyable to watch the ferries come and go. Hollywood Mirage boasts a charming atmosphere, and the rooms are very well-equipped.

It was a wonderful weekend. This was our second visit this year. The weather was amazing, and we didn’t leave the hotel. Our room had a jacuzzi on the terrace with stunning views of La Gomera. The food was fantastic. We dined at Dos Naifes and loved it; it has one Sol. The service was excellent, making us feel right at home. Felipe and Moha were welcoming at reception, and Pablo took great care of us by the pool. We spent most of our time on the balinese bed, enjoying relaxation and reading. Highly recommended overall.

#2026NewYear My 2026 resolution, made beneath the rocks of Tedeina. Standing before Roque de Agando, one of La Gomera's symbols, I was overwhelmed by the immense majesty of nature. Looking out at this massive volcanic reef, I vowed to have a firm resolve, unshaken by any wind or rain, as I welcomed the New Year of 2026. The numerous trekking trails across the island, each boasting their own charm, made the first steps of the New Year a breeze. It was particularly fascinating to observe the ever-changing vegetation depending on the elevation. From the cactus fields on the coast to the lush forests at the summit, it was amazing how one island could offer such diverse charms. I took each step forward, hoping that my life in 2026 would be as diverse and abundant as this island. For nature lovers, La Gomera is a sacred place. The New Year you spend here will be an unforgettable experience in your life. It will be an unattainable milestone. #2026NewYear

Standing here in La Gomera, I felt so small compared to these massive rugged mountains. The view is raw and untouched, with winding roads cutting through cliffs and valleys that look almost unreal. Hiking here gave me a sense of peace and adventure at the same time. Every turn of the trail surprises you with new landscapes - from sharp rock formations to endless green hills. Tip: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so always carry a light jacket and enough water. And don't rush — the beauty of La Gomera is best enjoyed slowly #familytrip