The popular valley in the south-west with beaches, hiking trails and a very special atmosphere
Valle Gran Rey lies in the south-west of the second-smallest Canary Island. From San Sebastián de La Gomera it is about an hour away by car. Even on the way there, the view of the colourful landscape of the valley is worth a stop.
The many small Canarian houses, some built on terraces on the slopes, and the countless palm trees are a feast for the eyes time and again. Despite its popularity, the valley has kept its original charm and its special atmosphere – away from mass tourism. There are no large hotel complexes here; the choice of accommodation ranges from holiday homes and apartments to small guesthouses. If you are planning a holiday on La Gomera, you will also find the best time to visit and the sights of the whole island there.
Colourful houses that seem glued to the mountainside, reached via lots of steps. From the terraces you enjoy a great view of the sea, with Playa de la Calera below.
The tourist centre and meeting point of the valley, right by the sea. A promenade with supermarkets, restaurants, an ice-cream parlour and boutiques. In the main season street musicians play, and in the evening the drummers appear for the sunsets.
Between La Playa and Vueltas, with its own “baby beach” (Charco del Conde). Thanks to the reef in front of it, ideal for families.
Parallel to the seafront road, with holiday complexes, a post office, two DIY stores, a pharmacy, a Spar supermarket, a fruit shop and restaurants.
The harbour district with a small fishing port, restaurants and a maritime atmosphere. Starting point for whale watching and boat trips. Playa de Vueltas is a shallow sandy beach without surf.
On a clear night it is definitely worth looking up – millions of stars, because there is less light pollution. Drive five minutes up the valley and enjoy the darkness.
From easy walks to challenging hikes through the laurel forest, for example up to Arure. Guided hikes are offered locally.
Four beaches: the main beach La Playa, the harbour at Vueltas, the baby beach for families and Playa del Inglés. Swimming all year round with water temperatures between 18 and 23 °C.
Almost every day, various companies offer respectful trips to watch whales and dolphins. Book directly at the harbour.
The green north invites you to explore on two wheels. Organised day tours start at the Bike Station Gomera.
Two SPAR supermarkets in La Playa and Borbalan plus lots of small shops.
Usually open 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Spanish and German bakeries, fresh bread at SPAR. The Machanga restaurant tempts you with fantastic cake.
Much of it from the region. Especially recommended: the small Canarian bananas.
Two pharmacies in the valley (La Playa and Borbalan), one of them always on duty.
A wide range: Canarian, Asian, Italian, Arabic. Fresh fish, mojo and papas arrugadas are a must.
Let your thoughts wander over coffee and cake – in cafés, small pubs and bars where locals sit too. Try a “barraquito” – a very special kind of coffee.
La Playa is the liveliest district of Valle Gran Rey: a promenade right by the sea, supermarkets, restaurants, an ice-cream parlour and boutiques. In the main season in winter, street musicians play here.
The classic is the sunset: in the evening the drummers gather on the beach, and the whole valley comes together.
Hiking is the classic – from easy walks to routes through the laurel forest, and guided hikes are offered locally. Then there are four beaches for swimming, whale-watching trips almost daily from the harbour at Vueltas and bike tours from the Bike Station. In the evening it is worth looking up: there is hardly any light pollution.
Vueltas is the harbour district of Valle Gran Rey – a small fishing port with restaurants and a maritime atmosphere. The boats for whale watching and trips along the coast start from here. The beach in front of it is shallow and without surf, which makes it one of the best places to swim in the valley.
La Playa is the lively centre with the promenade, supermarkets and restaurants. Vueltas is quieter and has a maritime character. La Puntilla has the family beach, the Charco del Conde. Borbalan is practical, with a post office, pharmacy and supermarket. La Calera clings to the mountainside – lots of steps, but the best view.
Not in the valley itself. The five districts are a few kilometres apart and can be reached on foot or by bus; distances are short. For the whole island a hire car is worth it – without one, your day revolves around the bus timetable. In the main season from October to Easter, book early.
Yes. Two SPAR supermarkets in La Playa and Borbalan cover your daily needs, plus lots of small shops, bakeries and a fruit shop. Most are open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. There are also two pharmacies in the valley, one of them always on duty.
From the ferry port of San Sebastián de La Gomera it is around an hour by car across the centre of the island. The route passes through the national park and is winding – the drive itself is worth a stop when the view opens up into the valley. Alternatively, bus line 1 runs there.
Two apartments in the middle of the valley, with a view down to the sea.
