Black volcanic sand, crystal-clear water and sunshine all year round
La Gomera’s beaches are different from those of the larger Canary Islands: no light sand, but black volcanic sand from volcanic rock and pebble coves, framed by steep cliffs. There are still plenty of beautiful beaches – and they are rarely crowded. Most of them are in Valle Gran Rey in the south-west, between La Calera and the harbour at Vueltas.
The water temperature at every beach on La Gomera is between 18 and 23 °C all year round. Important: the Atlantic is not the Mediterranean – there are strong currents at some beaches. Watch the flags and ask if in doubt.
The longest and most popular beach in the valley – black volcanic sand, the mountains in the background and lively beach life. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing and strolling along the promenade.
Black sand · family-friendly
A sheltered, shallow lagoon in La Puntilla – perfect for families with babies and toddlers. Hardly any waves, a gentle entry, surrounded by rocks.
The valley’s family beach
Probably the most beautiful beach on La Gomera: nestled between dunes and the cliff of La Mérica, reached via a short footpath. Nudism is common here.
⚠️ Strong currents – swimming is dangerous
Next to the fishing harbour. Calm, sheltered water – ideal for swimming. Fish restaurants and the harbour for whale watching are within walking distance.
Calm water · sheltered
The largest holiday resort in the south of the island, with a pebble beach, a harbour promenade and the most hours of sunshine. Further west lies the secluded beach of La Rajita.
Pebbles · very sunny
The beach of Alojera in the north-west, hardly developed for tourism – a quiet cove that is worth a day trip. It is just a few kilometres from Vallehermoso.
Unspoilt · quiet
Near Hermigua in the green north, framed by banana plantations; Playa de Hermigua is right next door. A beach with a view of Tenerife and the Teide.
North · green
Mostly black volcanic sand – Playa de Valle Gran Rey is the longest sandy beach in the valley. Some coves are pebbly, such as Playa de Santiago in the south. Water shoes are a good idea in many places, as getting into the water often means crossing stones. You will not find light sand like on Fuerteventura here.
Many consider Playa del Inglés in Valle Gran Rey to be the most beautiful beach on La Gomera: a wide bay between dunes and the cliff of La Mérica, reached via a short footpath. It is not suitable for swimming, though – the currents are strong. If you want to swim, Playa de Vueltas by the harbour is a better choice.
No. The island is volcanic in origin, the sand is dark grey to black and quickly gets warm in the sun. If you are expecting light Caribbean beaches, you will be surprised. If you like the mix of black sand, steep cliffs and palm trees, you will find something here that the large neighbouring islands do not have in this form.
The Charco del Conde is a shallow sea lagoon in the La Puntilla district of Valle Gran Rey. A reef of lava rock in front of it separates it from the open Atlantic, so the water stays calm and a little warmer than at the main beach. In the valley it is simply called the baby beach. There is parking on the seafront road.
Yes, Playa de la Cueva. The town beach of San Sebastián de La Gomera is a few minutes‘ walk from the ferry port: dark sand, calm water and a bar right next to it. If you still have time after the crossing or are waiting for the return trip, it is a good place to be.
Yes. The sea is between 18 and 23 °C all year round, rarely below 19 °C in winter. From May to November it is particularly pleasant. More important than the temperature is the surf: on the open coast it can be strong, while in sheltered coves the water stays calm. More about the climate and the best time to visit La Gomera.
The Charco del Conde in La Puntilla, simply called the baby beach in the valley. A reef in front of it keeps the waves out, the water stays shallow and the entry is gentle – even for toddlers. There is hardly any shade, so a sunshade is worth bringing. It is a good two kilometres from our apartments.
From Casa Tosca it is around 2.3 kilometres to the main beach in Valle Gran Rey – about 30 minutes downhill on foot, a few minutes by car. The way back is uphill; many of our guests take it at a leisurely pace in the evening or drive. There is parking on the promenade.
Our apartments are only 2.3 km from the beach.
