The Secret is (Almost) Out on La Gomera

<p>There is a place in the world called La Gomera. Do you know about this tiny Canary island?</p><p>If you're like me, you've heard of the Canary Islands but maybe didn't exactly know where they were or how much they had to offer aside from beaches.</p><p>I discovered it on my voyage with <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/get-to-know-sailing-with-windstar-cruises.html" target="_self">Windstar Cruises</a>, and I was stunned to see how many things you can enjoy outdoors.</p><p>

</p><p>La Gomera is the second-smallest of the <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/opinions/blog/which-canary-island-is-your-pick.html" target="_self">seven Canary Islands</a>, which is an archipelago about 60 miles west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean.</p><p>They are an autonomous territory of Spain, with year-round sunshine and a unique diversity of landscapes among the island chain: From the lava fields on Lanzarote that feel as if you're on a moon surface to the flowing waterfalls and lush greenery on La Palma (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), or the miles of serene sandy beaches of Fuerteventura.</p><p>All the Canary Islands provide opportunities to get outdoors, but La Gomera stands out for the numerous things you can do:</p><p><strong>Biking and Hiking</strong></p><p>Garajonay National Park covers more than 10 percent of the island. Much of it rises into the mountains and includes a network of hiking and biking trails to explore the island's highest points. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features rare laurel tree forests that date back to the Tertiary period.</p><p>Well-marked trails and roads lead you higher and higher into the misty mountain tops and among the vibrant mosses and ferns embracing the trees. When the mists periodically clear, you can look across to Tenerife to see Mount Teide, a volcano that is the highest point in Spain.</p><p><strong>Affordable and Convenient</strong></p><p>La Gomera offers dozens of hotel options that are priced well below $100 a night, and this island makes a good home base for day trips to its nearby neighbor <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/5-unexpected-adventures-in-tenerife.html" target="_self">Tenerife</a> via the frequent and easy-to-use ferry service.</p><p><b></strong></p><p><strong>On the Water (and More)</strong></p><p>La Gomera is also a haven for whale watching, sightseeing tours by boat and sailing. The ecotourism and wellness destination is popular for people who want to reset their minds, bodies and spirits while enjoying naturopathy, massage, yoga and meditation.</p><p>Make sure to try a dessert featuring Miel de Palma (palm honey), which is cultivated from the rare Gomeran palm.</p><p>Once you have spent some time on La Gomera, you might feel acclimated enough to attempt communicating with the locals in a language endemic to the island. Silbo Gomero is a whistling language used for generations by inhabitants needing to communicate messages across the narrow valleys and steep ravines that enmesh the place.</p><p>Ask a native to give you a demonstration-and be prepared for the ear-piercing volume.</p>

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