They say there are places where time is measured differently. Where watches lose their meaning and travellers begin to follow the rhythm of the earth, the murmur of the sea or the whisper of the wind through the trees. La Gomera is one of those places. A small island in size, but infinite in landscapes, traditions and emotions. Here, ecotourism is not a label: it is the most natural way to experience the island.
A green treasure in the middle of the Atlantic
Climbing the trails of the Garajonay National Park feels like stepping into an ancient, almost mythical world. The laurel forest —a humid woodland dating back to the Tertiary period— embraces walkers in a cool, dense mist, as if time itself had frozen thousands of years ago. It is no coincidence that this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it is a reminder that nature, when protected, becomes a legacy.
But the magic doesn’t end in the highlands. La Gomera’s coastline is a sanctuary of life. In the surrounding ocean, pilot whales, tropical short-finned whales and playful dolphins swim alongside the waves. Up to 21 species of cetaceans have been spotted here, earning La Gomera the title of Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site—an accolade it shares with destinations in South Africa and Australia.
The island that chose not to leave a trace
La Gomera has resisted the lure of mass tourism and embraced a different model: more human, more respectful, more conscious. In 2012 it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and since then it has strengthened its commitment to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. This means that accommodation providers, guides, farmers and local authorities work hand in hand so that every experience adds value without harming the environment.
Here, sustainability and tradition walk side by side. Terraced farming, family allotments, ecological beekeeping and the revival of techniques such as permaculture are far more than passing trends. They are the way Gomerans ensure their island remains fertile, green and alive for generations to come.
Flavours that tell a story
Ecotourism can also be tasted. In La Gomera, every dish connects you with the land and those who work it. Potaje de berros, a watercress stew slowly simmered with potatoes, corn and pork rib, is much more than comfort food: it is a tribute to patience and the skill of traditional kitchens. Almogrote, a rich pâté of cured cheese with mojo picón, captures the intensity of the island’s goat cheeses. And palm honey, a syrup extracted from the sap of the Canary Island palm, sweetens desserts as well as memories.
Eating km 0 produce is not just a culinary experience: it is also a way of supporting local producers and keeping alive an agricultural landscape that is an essential part of La Gomera’s identity.
Experiences for conscious travellers
Ecotourism in La Gomera has no place for haste. The best experiences here are savoured slowly:
Walking along trails that link ravines, hamlets and viewpoints such as Abrante or Palmarejo, the latter designed by César Manrique.
Discovering the silbo gomero, a whistled language unique in the world and recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Joining responsible outdoor activities such as kayaking, diving or cycling, always led by local companies who know and respect the land.
Staying in rural houses surrounded by palm groves, or in hotels that have embraced sustainability, such as the Hotel Torre del Conde, right in the heart of San Sebastián.
Hotel Torre del Conde: your gateway to a sustainable Gomera
If there is one place that embodies this spirit of respect and warmth, it is the Hotel Torre del Conde. Facing the historic park that shares its name, the hotel combines the charm of a small, welcoming property with responsible initiatives: sourcing local ingredients for its restaurant, a commitment to clean energy, and close collaboration with island producers.
Here, guests are never just numbers. Every stay is carefully crafted, with the personal touch of a team who know the island and are ready to help you discover it authentically. From a dinner featuring local produce to a tip about a hidden trail, every experience is designed with you in mind.
La Gomera awaits
Travelling to La Gomera is far more than a holiday: it is a reconnection with what truly matters. With landscapes that feel otherworldly, flavours rooted in the soil, and people who have made sustainability their way of life.
at
Hotel Torre del Conde
and begin to discover the most authentic side of La Gomera. A conscious, inspiring and unforgettable journey awaits you in the heart of the Atlantic.