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domingo, 18 de diciembre de 2011

La Gomera

If you've reached La Gomera on a cruise ship you are most likely travelling with Fred Olsen Cruises, TUI or any other company with medium or small size vessels.
The port of San Sebastian de la Gomera is small but has recently been expanded to accommodate medium cruise ships like Mein Schiff 1. Until now, ships like former Costa Europa had to anchor outside of the port and disembark by tender
The arrival is beautiful. From the ship you can see a small marina next to the beach of San Sebastian, the Parador de la Gomera on top of the hill and the views of Teide in Tenerife on a clear day. In fact, people living in Gomera say that the best views of the highest peak in Spain (El Teide), are seen from La Gomera. I live in Tenerife and I agree with them.
San Sebastian de la Gomera is a small town of just 9,000 inhabitants, and the island itself does not surpass 25,000 people. Therefore, when a cruise ship like Mein Shiff arrives the streets, bars and restaurants are crowded.


OFFICIAL TOURS: I recommend the National Park Garajonay. La Gomera is an usual destination for hikers because the views and vegetation are spectacular. You can also go fishing or preactice golf in Jardín Tecina.


ALTERNATIVES: You can find car rentals at affordable prices, but I recommend to book before arrival. Traffic on the island is minimal, but there are many many curves that prevent us to overcome the speed of 50 km per hour. If we rent a car I recommend to take the southern route to Laguna Grande and then go to Playa de Santiago (and eat at "La Cuevita" at the end of the small port) or drive to Valle Gran Rey (and eat next to the beach at any restaurant). I don't think you'll have time to visit both.
If you decide to visit the northern side of the island you can visit the small town of Hermigua and Vallehermoso. I also recommend to visit the visitor center "Juego de Bolas" near Hermigua.
Another alternative may be a walk through the streets of San Sebastian de la Gomera where you can find small art and craft shops.



source: GOOGLE MAPS


WHERE TO EATIf we want to try the local cuisine can go to Breñusca, El Nilo, LA Salamandra or Cuatro Caminos.
But I strongly recommend for those who can afford a meal of 35 € per person to take a taxi to the Parador de la Gomera (a four star Hotel) at the top of the hill which can be seen from the port, and eat at the restaurant. They have a menu of two courses and dessert for 30 € per person (drinks not included). The type of cusine is a fusion of typical Canarian flavors and the new wave of modern cuisine. Do not forget to order almogrote (cheese, olive oil and pepper), Conejo en Salmorejo (rabbit) and leche asada for dessert. The Parador has a beautiful and extensive garden and a great view over the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Tenerife.


FORMER COSTA EUROPA FROM COSTA PARADOR




SHOPPING: Next to the port you can find a shop where you can buy some souvenirs, hand made souvenirs and typical Almogrote and Mojo. There are three stores in San Sebastian that sell the typical sweet "Pastas Gomeras".
The visit to La Gomera is a good example of what must be a stop on a cruise: A "pill" of the best of a place that invites you to come back and visit it in detail later. La Gomera is a good place to relax and rest, with very good food and where you can play golf, go diving, fishing or hiking. It is frequently visited by guests like Angela Merkel.
If you return to La Gomera I strongly recommend staying in the Parador, because it is good starting point to explore the island.




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