|
The landscape of La Gomera has withstood the passage of time and today you will find an uncommercialised island of dramatic valleys, plunging ravines and calm friendly people. A quiet place whose centre is dominated by the Garajonay National Park, which is a UNESCO site conserving the uniquely beautiful plant life of the island. Originally volcanic, and alternately lush and dry, the valleys of La Gomera are steeply terraced providing wonderful views. Circular in shape, the island of Gomera is about 15 miles in diameter.
La Gomera is famous for being the last port of call for Columbus before crossing the Atlantic in 1492. History tells us he planned to stop for 4 days to pick up supplies of wine and water, legend says he was hosted by Beatriz de Bobadilla, Governor of La Gomera, and, with much speculation about their relationship, he stayed a month! When he finally sailed, Beatriz gave him cuttings of sugarcane, which were the first to reach the New World. The house, Casa do Colon, he stayed in San Sebastian can be visited.
Contrasting Garajonay are the warm sunnier areas in the south with their arid coastal cliffs and in between the challenge for the Gomeran farmers who grow their vegetables, vines and fuits on terrace hillsides in deep valleys such as Valle del Gran Rey. Combined together these stunning landscapes are part of what make La Gomera unique and appealing. The steep hillsides, although not far apart are the reason the Gomerans developed Silbo, a whistling language. They would communicate across the valleys to each other and have done since Roman times. Today, visitors of the canary island of La Gomera can see demonstrations of this unique tradition.
In essence La Gomera will appeal to those who want a calmer style of holiday and location, with some interesting natural areas to explore on a lovely island that is only slightly influenced by tourism. La Gomera in effect, is a small rain forest and a haven for nature lovers and hikers to explore.
|
