The island of La Gomera is the hidden paradise of the Canary Islands. With its spectacular landscapes, the destination is gorgeous any time of year. But did you know that the island is full of heritage? From UNESCO heritage sites to an age-old whistling language, there are many elements that make up La Gomera's rich history.

Historical Buildings and Architecture

Spending a day in the island's capital? Torre del Conde, the best-preserved medieval fort in San Sebastián, has impressive military architecture to explore. It's the perfect visit for the history lovers among us.

 Built around 1470 but reformed in the sixteenth century, Torre del Conde's main use was to defend against internal rebellions. Nowadays, the fort holds a historical exhibition of maps from the fifteenth century.

Besides forts, one of the oldest religious buildings of La Gomera can be found in the village of Tazo. This picture-perfect little chapel called Ermita de Santa Lucía is a traditional single nave chapel dating back to the sixteenth century. Tazo is also the place where the first conquerors entered the island.

Architecture fans will love the picturesque village of El Cedro. Located in the mountains, surrounded by El Cedro forest, the village shows off traditional Canarian architecture with its typical stone and masonry houses.

The church of La Asunción in San Sebastián de La Gomera is an authentic jewel, where Columbus and his sailors prayed before leaving for the discovery of America. Special things to look for during a visit are the Mudéjar coffered ceiling, the altarpiece of El Pilar and, above all, the mural depicting the battle against the English led by Charles Windham in 1743.

The Walls of La Gomera

One of the most impressive elements of the island are the terraces of La Gomera. The island is dotted with terraces made by ancient inhabitants for agricultural purposes such as producing grain and cotton.

Also called the walls of La Gomera, the terraces can be admired from afar and contribute to the island's status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

La Gomera is known for being one of the most rural and authentic Canary Islands, and Garajonay National Park is a can't-miss destination. Situated in the centre of the island, the park has an amazing evergreen laurel forest which is home to beautiful flora and fauna.  All these elements together resulted in Garajonay being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Fancy going on a little adventure? Discover the large network of hiking trails the park has to offer. If that's not enough, climb to the top and prepare to be mesmerised by the view at Alto de Garajonay, the highest point of the island with an altitude of 1,487 m.

Silbo de La Gomera

Located in the middle of the island is the monument of the Silbo Gomero. The monument honours the El Silbo language that has been widely used since immemorial times. One of the most developed whistling languages in the world, El Silbo's main purpose was to communicate across the ravines and valleys.

In 2009, the whistling language was declared as intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Nowadays, this language is often used during traditional festivities.

While visiting the monument, swing by the nearby Mirador de Igualero. This lookout offers incredible views that take your breath away. 

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Notes to Editors

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About La Gomera

La Gomera is known for being the most rural, authentic and visual of the Canary Islands. Flights run from the UK to Tenerife, where visitors can then take a 50-minute ferry ride or a 30-minute connecting flight to La Gomera.