ABOUT LA GOMERA
La Gomera is one of the smaller Canary Islands, which are situated off the African coast. This island would appeal most to those who prefer a relaxed, easy going holiday. La Gomera is much less commercialised than some of the other islands in the Canaries and probably won't become so because of its unique topography. There is hardly any flat land at all so you won't find massive high rise buildings here. What you will find are deep ravines and valleys that cover most of the island, criss-crossed by ancient tracks and mountain paths that make La Gomera a paradise for walkers.
The views on some of these walks are spectacular and in the steep sided valleys you can see the terraced slopes where fine crops of tropical fruits and vegetables are grown. Palm trees and flowering cacti grow everywhere. In the centre of the island is the Garajonay National Park, within which is the 'Laurasilva' forest. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a unique environment for anyone interested in nature.
The weather is warm and sunny all year round and the temperature rarely drops below 19 degrees during daytime, although in the mountains and the rain forest the environment can be moist and temperatures a little lower than in the coastal areas. The weather in the mountains can be changeable, therefore we recommend walkers to take appropriate clothing, especially during the winter months.
THINGS TO DO
Apart from walking, La Gomera offers many activities for the adventurous such as scuba diving, mountain biking, kayaking, guided walking and botanical tours. There are also regular boat trips around the island to watch the whales and dolphins, and there are plenty of opportunities to indulge yourself in a massage, or join a yoga or meditation group. And if you don't want to exert yourself, you can always just relax by the pool or on the beach.
ABOUT VALLE GRAN REY
Valle Gran Rey is situated on the West coast of the island and is made up out of several small settlements, and has a very relaxed atmosphere. It has many attractive walks in the immediate area and there is a regular bus and ferry service that will take you to the start and finishing points of other walks around the island. Walking maps and guide books are left in the apartment for guests' use.
Apart from what is probably the best beach on the island, there are several other beaches within walking distance, including a naturist beach at Playa del Ingles and a sheltered 'children's bay' at El Charco. A ten minute walk from the beach at La Playa is La Calera which has a charming old world atmosphere with its winding, narrow streets. If you climb to the highest point you can get a good view of the surrounding area and the coast. And last but not least, there are many excellent restaurants scattered aound Valle Gran Rey, catering for every taste and offering very good value for money.
THE APARTMENT
The apartment is situated in a quiet location by the sea at La Playa, within a thoughtfully designed small complex which is built on two floors in the midst of an attractive garden. The apartment consists of one bedroom with two separate beds and has a sofabed in the spacious living area, which has a well-equipped kitchen.
There is a radio/CD player, and there are reading books, games and travel guides. The apartment has two terraces, facing either the sea or the swimming pool. The pool has a children's enclosure, free sun loungers and parasols. The best beach is two minutes' walk away, with a good choice of restaurants and shops nearby. Being so centrally located, a car is not a necessity.