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La Gomera Hotels |
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Canary Island Hotels |
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La Gomera is in the in the centre of the western most part of the Canary Islands, between La Palma, El Hierro and Tenerife and is the ideal setting for outdoor activities throughout the year.
The island of La Gomera is of volcanic origin and only about 15 kms in diameter, but due to all the ravines it is 35 km or more to travel from one coast to the other. It is shaped rather like half of a peeled orange with open segments of deep ravines or barrancos which are coated with laurel rain forest.
The middle upper reaches of this densely wooded region are almost permanently shrouded in cloud and swirling mist which has created a jungle climate of lush vegetation. This is the Garajonay National Park which enjoys UNESCO recognition and protection of the environment. The slopes are criss-crossed by paths, presenting varying levels of challenge to hikers and stunning views to reward the energetic. A walk though charming little villages will take you through the rugged terrain, and the natural wealth of the whole Island cannot fail but to impress.
There are warmer sun-baked cliffs near sea level and the Gomerans have for centuries farmed the lower levels, channelling water for the irrigation of their vines, fruits including bananas and vegetables.
La Gomera`s deep-rooted customs and history should is fascinating and make sure you take time to stop in the villages and talk to the locals so that you understand the various whistles they use to chat from one side of the gorge to another. There are several spectacular routes for doing this: El Cedro (Cedar) route, the cheese route, La Aguililla route (Egyptian vulture), the Valley to Valley route, Argodey route or the Los Roques route.
A typical product of La Gomera is Guarapo which is the sap taken from the palm trees which is cooked to make palm honey. The Colon Museum with its excellent collection of pre-Hispanic pottery is another place that should not be missed. The most important rock formation on the Island is the Los Órganos Natural Monument in Vallehermoso in the north. This is an impressive cliff that rises up out of the sea and has been eroded into towering parallel tubes giving it the appearance of a classical church organ.
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