Charming small Spanish island that’s quieter than Tenerife and still reaches 26C in October
- Our Hidden Earth
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
It’s easy to understand why so many people choose the Canary Islands for their holidays.
With sunshine all year, dramatic volcanic scenery, lovely beaches and a mix of Spanish and island culture, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Visitors can go hiking, stargazing, taste local wine, join in with Carnival, or simply relax and enjoy the friendly, laid-back way of life.
The Canary Islands saw almost 18 million visitors in 2024, which was a record and two million more than the year before.
A big part of this rise came from people travelling from abroad, and British tourists made up the largest share of these international arrivals.
La Gomera is the third smallest island in the Canaries, yet it offers a calmer and often cheaper alternative to the busiest island, Tenerife.
The island is known for its black-sand beaches, rugged volcanic scenery, beautiful coastline and warm weather.
In October, temperatures can still reach 26C, making it ideal for anyone wanting a break from the cool weather back in the UK.
It is also home to San Sebastián, which many say is one of Spain’s most overlooked towns. Travel site Cosa Cruises describes it as a place where “time feels as though it stopped a hundred years ago”.
Built from volcanic stone, the town has strong links to the explorer Christopher Columbus, and several monuments celebrate his visits. One of the most famous is Columbus’ House, where he is said to have spent private moments.
A lovely Catholic chapel called the Church of the Assumption adds charm with its stone archways and bell tower, while a small stone watchtower, one of the island’s few surviving medieval defences, called Torre del Conde is another key place to see.
For anyone wanting to escape the busier Canary Islands, La Gomera offers peace, quiet, and the chance to try all sorts of activities, from long hikes to underwater exploring.
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