Getting To Us

If you are building your journey to La Gomera around your retreat with us we are happy to share our knowledge of:

• Flight Options
• Accommodation
• Ways to Travel on the Island

 

Please be aware that the beauty of La Gomera and its spiritual integrity is preserved by its undeveloped nature. As it’s off the tourist track, it takes a while to get to us. So begin your retreat the second you leave home by  relaxing into the trip  and experiencing your journey as the joyful creation of space between you and the stresses of normal life

 

Getting To Gomera

Flights : There are no international direct flights to the island. The closest destination airport is Tenerife South (TFS) not to be confused with Tenerife North (TFN) which is a long ( 90min)  bus-ride or expensive taxi journey to the port in the South. RyanAir and Jet2 are the most popular/frequent airlines from the UK. It’s a very efficient airport and the warmth embraces you as you step off the aircraft – your retreat begins in earnest!

 Ferry: La Gomera itself is reached by an hour-long ferry journey from Los Cristianos port on Tenerife. This is a beautiful open-air boat ride through sparkling seas, often accompanied by dolphins. Such a magical start to your trip! The port is a 30 minute bus or taxi journey from Tenerife South Airport. There are two ferry companies operating for the crossing: Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen. Please note the last  daily sailing is usually around 19.30 in the evening, so for flights landing after 17.00 – book a night’s accommodation in Los Cristianos and travel next day.

Getting to Your Gomera Destination: There are 3 ferry arrival points on La Gomera. Both Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen dock at the main La Gomera port in the capital city: San Sebastian. Only the Fred Olsen service offers an additional transfer via a sealed shuttle-boat to the smaller port of Playa Santiago on the South coast of the island ( an extra 45 min sailing) and onwards to Valle Gran Rey port on the West coast ( an extra 90 min sailing in total). Unfortunately, unlike the main crossing, this shuttle-boat has no access on deck for fresh air or ocean views.  For this reason, you may choose to disembark at San Sebastian and travel overland to your accommodation. Hire car companies (Cicar & Pluscar) operate from the San Sebastian port (Beware other hire companies are based in San Sebastian Town so you will be carrying your luggage for up to a mile down side streets). There is also a taxi rank at the port or you can arrange to be collected (we have a taxi suggestion but your dealings would be direct with them) . Driving journeys are of similar duration to the shuttle-boat transfer and give breath-taking landscape views. Public buses are timed to co-incide with ferry arrivals, but the buses have limited stops and may not take you close to your accommodation.

Travelling Within the Island: This island is hilly and under-developed , delivering truly magical vistas at every turn. The geography also means travel between the major settlements is on winding and steep routes. This adds to journey times, but can be seen as a lesson in Mindfulness by slowing down and savouring the journey. Every trip that requires crossing the centre of the island usually takes at least an hour by hire car or taxi and considerably longer by bus. Private taxi cabs are plentiful, the drivers have excellent local knowledge, but limited English-speaking and no French or German. A hire car gives freedom of movement for at least part of your stay. Public transport is by bus, these are infrequent, routes are limited and stopping points are sparse. A bus-ride is a great experience for a mystery tour to acquaint yourself with the island, but if you have a specific destination and time constraints, unfortunately it is unlikely to meet your needs. There are no trains on the island. For intrepid walkers and cyclists there is an excellent network of well sign-posted footpaths and cycling is also very popular for those who can manage the hills, There is a wide choice of cycle hire outlets in the main towns. Maps are available at Tourist Information Centres and hotel receptions. The temperate climate inland makes for comfotable hiking and cycling.

 

Accommodation: The most popular places to stay are the capital San Sebastian (1 hour’s drive from our retreat), Playa Santiago on the south coast (1 hour’s drive from our retreat) and Valle Gran Rey on the West coast (20-30 mins drive from our retreat). All beaches are a mixture of volcanic black sand and rocks. All 3  major coastal settlements have a small number of international standard hotels, but the bulk of accommodation is of Guest House standard apart-hotels or “Vivienda Vacacional”which are basic-amenity traditional houses, apartments or rooms to let. All 3 towns grew from fishing hamlets. San Sebastian is the most industrialised, but in undeveloped La Gomera, that still means it maintains it’s charm and has the largest range of historic architecture and  monuments. Playa Santiago is a small beach destination with the warmest, sunniest micro-climate on the island, but has a limited range of facilites in terms of restaurants and activities. Valle Gran Rey is our personal favourite with 3 separate beaches, a variety of facilities, a range of accommodation, a laid-back vibe and spontaneous events such as sunset beach fire-juggling and drumming ceremonies, busking open air music and street craft sellers. It’s also closest to us! This makes it simple to drive a hire car to us or easy to arrange taxis. Other hostels and rental property options are also dotted around the remainder of the island, both coastal and inland, for those who enjoy remote or isolated lodgings. “Vivienda Vacacional” properties are available within our hamlet itself, so you may wish to transfer accommodation to stay within the retreat location during your time with us and we can facilitiate that booking and transport.

 

On Our Doorstep
Purpose-built new accommodation is on our doorstep. Our friendly neighbour Sergio, one of the islands best-known taxi drivers, rents his newly restored appartment directly opposite us in the village. Contact Sergio Barroso directly via Whatsapp 00 34 650 32 26 08 for both transport & accommodation. Mention us for discounts.

 

What To Bring
Our unique position above the clouds means the ambience is cooler and mistier than elsewhere on the island, you may wish to wear warmer clothes and bring a light-weight waterproof for outdoor meditations or nature hikes. For yoga and treatments you may find simple loose clothing useful. Our retreat provides herbal teas, the famous pure Epina spring water and vegan snacks, but you may wish to bring your own picnic or arrange to eat at the restaurant a short drive from us.

Disclaimer

Healing Retreats International does not endorse or affiliate with any suppliers, but we’ll use our local knowledge to assist in your choice of lodging and transportation. Please note: We accept no liability or contractual obligation for your customer experience with these external services.

 

Contact Us to help you build the perfect stay to complement your retreat.