A Different Way To View The Canary Islands

Regarded as the unspoilt Canary Island, La Gomera is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. From sandy coasts and deep ravines to laurel forests and volcanic mountains, there is no shortage of amazing vistas to behold.

Each viewpoint has its own special charm, and their diversity is sure to leave even the most well-travelled sightseers impressed.

Now, perched on a clifftop above Agulo at Mirador de Abrante a glass observation deck provides visitors with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and the three town centres below: El Charco, Las Casas and La Montañeta. On clear days, the island of Tenerife can be seen bordering the horizon, capped by its highest volcano, and the highest in Spain, Mount Teide.

Mirador de Abrante also has a gastrobar, so you can take in the views while tasting Canarian-inspired international cuisine. It’s also a great place to see daily exhibitions of the Silbo Gomero whistling language by the restaurant’s staff in the afternoon.

Four other ‘miradors’ (lookouts) in La Gomera include:

Alto de Garajonay – Garajonay National Park

Alto de Garajonay is the highest point of La Gomera at an altitude of 1,487 m. With a 360-degree view, it allows you to see almost the entire island on clear days, as well as the islands of La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In the summer, usually in the evening, you can even see unforgettable views of the ‘mar de nubes’, which literally translates as a ‘sea of clouds’.

What’s more, there are many archaeological treasures to be found here as it was once an ancient site of worship for the pre-Spanish inhabitants. These original settlers would choose the island’s highest points as symbolic sites, as indicated by the various remains that have been found in the area.

Mirador del Palmarejo – Valle Gran Rey

From this vantage point in Western La Gomera, you will find picture-perfect views of Valle Gran Rey’s imposing rock walls, terraced hillsides, lush palm groves and pastel-coloured houses—all of which contribute to the valley’s classification as a rural park and La Gomera’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

This viewpoint is also known as the César Manrique viewpoint, named after the famous Canarian architect who designed it. The building blends in amongst the rocky terrain, and the surrounding gardens bloom with many native plants of the valley, such as Canary palm trees from which palm syrup is obtained.

Mirador Morro de Agando – San Sebastián de la Gomera

From this viewpoint, accessible via a picturesque wooden bridge, you will find yourself surrounded by three protected natural areas: Garajonay National Park, the Monument of Los Roques and the Natural Reserve of Benchijigua.

Without a doubt, the main hallmark is the Roque de Agando, the most prominent formation of a group of volcanic plugs near the centre of the island. This giant stone pillar thrusts its peak 1,246 metres into the sky—the result of an old volcanic vent exposed to millions of years of erosion.

From here, you can see the different microclimates of La Gomera by observing the different types of vegetation on each side of the viewpoint.  Keep an eye out for a particularly impressive display of violet flowers known as “tajinaste”, which are endemic to the Canaries.

Mirador de Igualero – Vallehermoso

On the southern part of the island, Mirador de Igualero overlooks a wide area of the protected landscape of Orone. This stunning viewpoint offers panoramic views from the summit to the sea with the silhouette of the islands La Palma and El Hierro set on the horizon.

The main highlight to admire from this vantage point is the tabletop-shaped mountain known as La Fortaleza, a natural fortress considered a sacred site by the island’s original inhabitants.

There is also the Monument to the Silbo Gomero nearby. Declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the age-old whistling language is still taught in the schools of La Gomera to maintain tradition.

Getting There

Flights run from the UK to Tenerife, where visitors can then enjoy a short ferry ride to the island within 50 minutes. Alternatively, flights to Tenerife North are available from the UK. Visitors can then board a 30-minute connecting flight to La Gomera