How to Get to La Gomera, Canary Islands: 2025 Guide
Planning a trip to the Canary Islands and trying to figure out how to get to La Gomera?
We’re here to help! After spending a whole month getting to know La Gomera and the rest of the Canary Islands in 2023, we’ve gathered all the essential tips and tricks.
The best options are by ferry or plane. Below we’ve outlined all the details for both options to not only get you there smoothly but also to help you make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re a solo explorer eager to dive into nature’s wonders or a family looking to create unforgettable memories, we’ve got your back.
Our guide is packed with practical advice from real experiences, aiming to answer all your questions about traveling to this beautiful island.
So, let’s get started on making your La Gomera adventure as exciting and stress-free as possible!
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How to Get to La Gomera, Canary Islands Overview
While organizing our journey to La Gomera in the Canary Islands, figuring out the most efficient route proved to be a bit of a puzzle. But don’t worry, we’ve collected all the necessary info during our visit to make it a breeze for you!
We will dive into the travel options to reach La Gomera. Being an island, your choices boil down to either taking a ferry or catching a flight.
We suggest comparing ferry and flight options to choose what suits you best based on where you are traveling from. Let’s dive into those details!
Where is La Gomera?
La Gomera is a captivating island located in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago.
This archipelago is nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the northwest coast of Africa and to the west of Morocco.
La Gomera stands out as the second smallest of the seven main Canary Islands, following El Hierro.
How far is La Gomera from mainland Spain?
The distance between La Gomera and mainland Spain is quite substantial, as the Canary Islands are closer to Africa than Europe.
Specifically, La Gomera is approximately 1,400 kilometers (about 870 miles) away from the closest point on the Spanish mainland, which is the city of Huelva in the southwestern part of Spain.
What is the nearest island to La Gomera?
The nearest island to La Gomera is Tenerife, one of the largest and most popular Canary Islands.
Tenerife and La Gomera are neighbors in this beautiful archipelago, with the two islands separated by just about 28 kilometers (17 miles) of the Atlantic Ocean at their closest points.
El Hierro can be seen on very clear days to the southwest of La Gomera. El Hierro is known for its rugged landscape, diving spots, and sustainable energy initiatives. It’s a bit further away from La Gomera than Tenerife, offering a tranquil and less touristy experience.
Additionally, La Palma, often referred to as “La Isla Bonita” (The Beautiful Island), is to the northwest of La Gomera. It’s famous for its lush forests, astronomical observatories due to the clear skies, and the stunning Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
How to Get to La Gomera by Ferry
If you are traveling to La Gomera from within the Canary Islands, traveling by ferry will likely be your best option.
Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas are the primary ferry providers in the Canary Islands. Both companies facilitate direct ferry services from Tenerife’s Los Cristianos Port to the Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera.
Regardless of which operator you choose, the journey is a quick 50 minutes.
Overall, Fred Olsen is our recommended choice for booking. Their platform is user-friendly, offers more convenient ferry schedules, and usually provides more affordable options.
A significant advantage of opting for the ferry over flying is the ability to bring along a car. For those of us hopping from island to island like we did, this feature simplifies travel logistics immensely, eliminating the need to secure a new vehicle on each island.
La Gomera Ports
The main port on La Gomera – Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera.
The Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera is located in the capital city of La Gomera, San Sebastián, on the eastern side of the island.
There are 2 other smaller ports located in Playa de Santiago and Valle Gran Rey on the other sides of the island.
The large ferries can not enter these ports, but Fred Olsen operates a smaller ferry that will take you from San Sebastián de La Gomera to either of these ports for a small fee. You can book this when you book your ticket on their website.
This is a great thing to book if you are not traveling to La Gomera with a car and are staying in those areas!
La Gomera Ferry Timetable
Both companies make 2 to 4 trips between Tenerife and La Gomera every day.
At the time of writing this, the La Gomera Ferry Timetable is:
- Fred Olsen:
- 09:30 Tenerife to La Gomera
- 16:00 Tenerife to La Gomera
- 20:00 Tenerife to La Gomera
- 07:00 La Gomera to Tenerife
- 11:00 La Gomera to Tenerife
- 14:00 La Gomera to Tenerife
- 17:30 La Gomera to Tenerife
- Naviera Armas:
- 08:45 Tenerife to La Gomera
- 14:30 Tenerife to La Gomera
- 18:45 Tenerife to La Gomera
- 07:15 La Gomera to Tenerife
- 12:00 La Gomera to Tenerife
- 17:00 La Gomera to Tenerife
All ferries take 50 minutes. You can check the current times on their websites.
La Gomera Ferry Cost
The ferries charge per person and per car.
Naviera Armas’s ferry between La Gomera and Tenerife typically costs €40 to €50 per person and then another €15-20 for a car.
The Fred Olsen ferry between Tenerife and La Gomera’s Port of San Sebastián typically costs €40 to €50 per person and then another €15-20 for a car.
There is an additional ticket of €15-20 per person to take the small ferry to either Playa de Santiago or Valle Gran Rey.
Both ferries offer premium and VIP ticket options, but a basic economy ticket is sufficient. While there are designated premium seating areas, there are still ample good seating options available for economy ticket holders.
We highly recommend booking your ferries online in advance! They book up, especially in the summer.
What to Expect – La Gomera Ferry Experience
You’ll either stroll onto the ferry from the port or drive aboard if you’re taking your car with you.
Once on board, you’re free to scout out a seat. Seating options vary from one ferry to another. We suggest opting for a seat that faces the direction of travel or heading to the outdoor deck if available.
Typically, seasickness isn’t an issue for us, but the ferry rides in the Canary Islands did make us feel a little queasy.
For the ferries lacking outdoor spaces for fresh air, we managed to keep seasickness at bay by munching on ginger candies, wearing acupressure wristbands, and attempting to sleep (a natural remedy for motion sickness).
The ferries are equipped with amenities like food, beverages, and restrooms. There was wifi too, although we found it to be hit or miss.
Despite the occasional discomfort, we still vouch for using ferries. They’re quick, efficient, and offer some stunning views! Just make sure to come prepared for the voyage at sea.
How to Get to La Gomera by Plane
Flying to La Gomera can be a good option for how to get to La Gomera, especially for those who would like to avoid any potential motion sickness caused by the ferry.
Let’s dive into the details of La Gomera’s airport and the other airports that fly directly to La Gomera.
La Gomera Airport
La Gomera Airport, Aeropuerto de La Gomera, is located near the town of Playa Santiago, on the southeastern part of the island. Its airport code is GMZ.
This small airport serves mainly domestic flights, with connections to and from Tenerife North Airport being the most frequent, facilitating travel between the islands within the Canary Islands archipelago.
It is a compact airport, making navigation through the terminal and check-in processes quick and convenient. Despite its small size, it offers all the expected amenities such as car rental services, taxi stand, and cafés.
La Gomera Direct Flights
Due to the size of the island and airport, the only direct flights are from Tenerife North Airport (TNF) and Gran Canaria (LPA).
Both routes are serviced by Binter Canarias and have at least 2 flight options a day.
The flight from Tenerife North to La Gomera takes 30 minutes and the flight from Gran Canaria to La Gomera takes 50 minutes.
La Gomera Plane Cost
The flight costs with Binter Canarias are not much different than taking the ferry.
The flight from Tenerife typically costs between €50 and €70 roundtrip.
The flight from Gran Canaria typically costs between €70 and €90 roundtrip.
We recommend booking on Binter Canarias in advance to get the best price and avoid sold-out planes. During the booking process, be sure to select “non-resident” to avoid a penalty fee on the day of your flight.
Basic tickets include an 8 kg (17.6 lbs) carry-on and a 20 kg (44 lbs) checked bag.
How to Get to La Gomera from Tenerife
There are 3 options for how to get to La Gomera from Tenerife: Ferry, Plane, or a Day Trip.
The ferry to La Gomera will depart from the Port of Los Cristianos in the Southwest corner of Tenerife. They are operated by Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen.
Both ferry options typically cost €40 to €50 per person and take 50 minutes.
To fly, you’ll take off from the Tenerife North Airport (TFN) which is located in the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, about 11 kilometers (~7 miles) west of the capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The flight lasts 30 minutes, typically costs €50 and €70 roundtrip, and is operated by Binter Canarias.
The airport in La Gomera is located in the southern part of the island by Playa Santiago.
La Gomera Day Trip from Tenerife
We absolutely loved La Gomera and would recommend spending at least 2 days on the island. But if you only have 1 day, we recommend this La Gomera day trip from Tenerife.
Picking a reputable company is so important! Below is the company we trust to give you the best experience for getting to La Gomera:
Get Holiday
The tour has a fantastic itinerary, taking you to Garajonay National Park and the Laurisilva forest, the viewpoint of Valle Gran Rey, the capital of San Sebastian de La Gomera, and Hermigua.
We especially love that the tour includes experiencing the “silbo gomero” (unique whistled language of La Gomera) and La Gomera cookies made with gofio.
Plus, it is a small-group tour so you will be able to interact closely with the fantastic, knowledgeable guides!
How to Get to La Gomera from the Other Canary Islands
Depending on the island, you will have the option to travel via ferry or flight for how to get to La Gomera.
That being said, every other island will make a stop in either Tenerife or Gran Canaria for both flights AND ferries.
Here is a breakdown:
| How to Get to La Gomera from… | Ferry ⛴ | Flight ✈️ | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | 50-minute direct ferry from Los Cristianos Port | 30-minute direct flight from Tenerife North Airport | Either! |
| La Palma | 2.5-hour ferry from La Palma to Tenerife and then a 50-minute ferry to La Gomera | 30-minute flight to Tenerife North and then a 30-minute flight to La Gomera | Either! |
| El Hierro | 2.5-hour ferry from La Hierro (only operated by Naviera Armas) to Tenerife and then a 50-minute ferry to La Gomera | 40-minute flight to Tenerife North and then a 30-minute flight to La Gomera | Flight ✈️ |
| Gran Canaria | 80-minute ferry from Agaete to Tenerife North, transfer by car to Tenerife South, then a 30-minute ferry to La Gomera | 50-minute direct flight | Flight ✈️ |
| Fuerteventura | 2-hour ferry to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, transfer to Gran Canaria Agaete by car, 80-minute ferry from Agaete to Tenerife North, transfer by car to Tenerife South, then a 50-minute ferry to La Gomera | 50-minute flight to Tenerife North and then a 30-minute flight to La Gomera | Flight ✈️ |
| Lanzarote | 25-minute ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura, 2-hour ferry to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, transfer to Gran Canaria Agaete by car, 80-minute ferry from Agaete to Tenerife North, transfer by car to Tenerife South, then a 50-minute ferry to La Gomera | 50-minute flight to Tenerife North and then a 30-minute flight to La Gomera | Flight ✈️ |
How to Get to La Gomera from Mainland Spain
The best option for how to get to La Gomera from mainland Spain is flying!
While there are no direct flights to La Gomera, there are A LOT of daily direct flights to Tenerife North from Spain’s hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Málaga, and Valencia.
The flight from Madrid to Tenerife North can be as affordable as $60 roundtrip and takes 3 hours.
There is a ferry option as well from mainland Spain. The ferry leaves from Huelva, Spain (1 hour west of Seville) and takes almost 40 hours to arrive in Tenerife North (Santa Cruz de Tenerife).
From there, you would transfer via car to Tenerife’s southern port, Los Cristianos, to take the 50-minute ferry to La Gomera. Due to the 40-hour duration, we do not recommend the ferry option.
How to Get to La Gomera from the UK
The best option for how to get to La Gomera from the UK is to fly directly to Gran Canaria and then connect to La Gomera.
There are many direct flights to Gran Canaria from cities like London, Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
How to Get to La Gomera from the USA
The best option for how to get to La Gomera from the United States is to fly to Madrid, likely from Boston or New York, and then to Tenerife North to connect to La Gomera.
How to Get Around La Gomera
La Gomera, the charmingly compact island in the Canary Islands, offers a mountainous escape, complete with accessible roads that wind through its dramatic landscapes.
Spanning 369 square kilometers, it’s a blend of soaring peaks, deep valleys, and picturesque villages scattered across a predominantly rural backdrop.
For those looking to cover ground efficiently and reach the prime locations on La Gomera, renting a car right from the port in San Sebastián or La Gomera airport is highly recommended.
The island’s public transportation, the GuaguaGomera bus service, connects the key towns and hiking spots with 8 routes operating daily.
If you prefer a more organized approach to explore, there are hiking tours that include hotel pick-ups, ensuring you hit the island’s top trails with ease.
For a more tailored exploration, Taxi La Gomera provides dependable taxi services or private transfers, allowing for a custom itinerary across this breathtaking island.
What to Do in La Gomera
La Gomera, with its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers many unique experiences for travelers. Here are the top 5 things to do on this enchanting island:
- Explore Garajonay National Park:
- A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park is a haven of ancient laurisilva forests, misty landscapes, and deep ravines.
- Hiking through Garajonay offers a glimpse into a prehistoric world, with well-marked trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden springs.
- Visit San Sebastián de La Gomera:
- The island’s capital is steeped in history, with attractions like the Torre del Conde, a well-preserved medieval fortress, and the Casa de Colón, where Christopher Columbus reportedly stayed before his voyage to the Americas.
- Experience the Silbo Gomero:
- This unique form of whistled communication has been used by the islanders for centuries to communicate across La Gomera’s deep valleys.
- Visitors can hear demonstrations of Silbo Gomero at the El Parque Etnográfico de La Gomera in Hermigua.
- Take a Boat Trip Around the Island:
- La Gomera’s coastline is dotted with stunning cliffs, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
- A boat trip offers the chance to see these spectacular landscapes from the sea, with opportunities for dolphin and whale watching.
- Discover the Island’s Villages and Hamlets:
- La Gomera is home to picturesque villages like Agulo, Vallehermoso, and Hermigua, each offering its own unique charm.
- Wander through their narrow streets, admire the traditional Canarian architecture, and visit local markets to sample Gomeran cuisine, such as almogrote, gofio, and honey, as well as the island’s distinctive palm syrup.
These activities not only showcase La Gomera’s natural beauty but also allow visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant local life.
Where to Stay in La Gomera
There are a lot of great places to stay in La Gomera! Depending on what your itinerary is on La Gomera, you may want to stay in different areas of the island. Here are our favorite places to stay in different areas:
🌊 Best for Beach: Hotel Gran Rey
- A beachfront hotel with 2 outdoor pools, a tennis court, and a roof terrace that has great views of the sea and mountains.
🏰 Best for the Capital: Parador de La Gomera
- Stunning hotel on the hilltop over the capital with an outdoor pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
🥾 Best for Hiking: Hotel Escuela Rural Casa Los Herrera
- Lovely hotel in the town of Hermigua with stunning views of the valley and a lovely breakfast.
🏞 Best for Seclusion: Hotel Rural Imada
- Surrounded by sweeping views, the rooms and terrace make this stay very memorable.
FAQs for How to Get to La Gomera, Canary Islands
What is the best way to get to La Gomera?
The best way to get to La Gomera is from Tenerife either by ferry or plane. If you are coming from northern Tenerife, then flying will likely be easier as the ferry leaves from the Southwest corner of Tenerife.
What is the best time of year to visit La Gomera?
La Gomera is an exceptional destination welcoming visitors La Gomera is an exceptional destination welcoming visitors all year round, thanks to its consistently pleasant climate.
Our favorite season is Spring (March to May) for the colorful blooms across the island, making it a perfect time for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
Do you need a car on La Gomera?
A car provides the most flexibility to explore La Gomera but you can definitely explore without one! You will need to utilize the public bus system and tours.
What is the best ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera?
Fred Olsen is our recommended choice for a ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera. We found their platform to be more user-friendly and that their ferry schedules were better.
In Conclusion: How to Get to La Gomera, Canary Islands
In conclusion, reaching La Gomera, a hidden treasure in the Canary Islands, is a straightforward journey whether you choose to fly or ferry.
With tips on booking, what to expect on your journey, and how to make the most of your arrival, we’ve aimed to ensure your travel to La Gomera is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Now that you’re equipped with all the necessary information, the only thing left to do is embark on your adventure to La Gomera, where stunning landscapes and captivating experiences await. Safe travels!
We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”
🌟 Loving our content? Support the journey and buy us a coffee! ☕️
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Canary Islands Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in the Canary Islands?
Yes! Renting a car is a necessity in the Canary Islands if traveling between cities! If you want to go on day trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you can use public transportation, but we recommend renting a car. Discover Cars is our go-to choice for car rentals in the Canary Islands.
📲 Will my phone work in the Canary Islands?
Maybe, but it will be expensive! Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe. To use your phone in the Canary Islands and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel. There is not a lot of free WIFI in the Canary Islands, so you’ll need your phone for navigating.
🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in the Canary Islands?
While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime. NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my the Canary Islands?
Our go-to for Canary Islands hotels is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to the Canary Islands?
For finding cheap flights to the Canary Islands, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive. Vueling and Iberia are usually our airlines of choice to get to the Canary Islands. Air Europa and Binter Canarias are the main inter-island airlines.
🚐 Should I book tours in the Canary Islands? Do the guides speak English?
We LOVE taking tours in the Canary Islands. We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English. For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.
🚑 Should I buy Canary Islands travel insurance?
100% YES! Spain has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which provides universal healthcare coverage to all Spanish citizens and legal residents in the Canary Islands! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!
💧Can you drink the water in the Canary Islands?
The water in the Canary Islands is safe to drink. In some rural or remote areas, or in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems, water quality might not be as high. For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.
🎫 Do I need a visa for the Canary Islands?
Likely Not! US passport holders don’t need Spanish visas for travel less than 3 months. If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you will be considered a resident and must have an entrance visa.
