La Gomera, the second-smallest of the main islands in Spain's Canary Island chain, is marked by craggy volcanic mountains crisscrossed with hiking trails.
In higher altitudes, dense forests of ferns and moss-covered trees grow in the mists of Garajonay National Park.
Toward the coast, the Valle Gran Rey canyon leads past the whitewashed cliffside village of La Calera and ends at black-sand Atlantic beaches.
The island is known for the outdoor attractions and experiences available for the active traveller throughout the year.
Hiking
For those who enjoy strenuous or moderate activity and appreciate the beauty of nature, the islands open landscape proves an idyllic choice for hikers.
La Gomera offers lengthy and challenging routes wuth deep ravines, rugged mountainsides and a web of trails that provide diverse and picturesque hiking.
Beginners can visit the pretty town of Alajeró in the south and enjoy a trek through the plains and grazing lands whilst stopping off at historic sightings such as the El Salvador 17th century church.
Playa Santiago
There are walks down cobbled paths and meandering tracks before reaching the quaint coastal fishing village of Playa Santiago.
The circular route of Parque de Garajonay passes through the woodland of El Cedro and the region of Los Roques.
Las Cumbres de Tajaqué is a location for sightseeing and views of the Benchijigua volcanic caldron.
For children the 20-minute stretch of Los Barranquillos located in the Garajonay Park provides an easy and idyllic option.
Cycling
Mountain bikers and leisurely cyclists can cycle through the Garajonay Park, with one of the oldest preserved forests in Europe.
Cyclists can ride through over 2,000 species of plant and invertebrates living quietly in the forest.
An experience for mountain bikers is to embark on the 1-hour cycling route from Reventon Oscuro to Meriga. The 11km dirt track trail provides for an adventurous day out.
Diving
La Gomera has 90km of virtually unexplored coastline.
The marine life of the island offers shimmering schools of fish along with numerous barracudas, rays, parrotfish, scorpions and trumpet fish.
Beginners and experienced divers can embark on a night dive, which allows for photography and videography to take place.
Other popular water sports including snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
Other activities
For those seeking a more active experience, rock climbing, canoeing and paragliding are also available on the island.
Surfing is also popular with the best waves found at the costal villages of Valle Gran Rey and La Condesa.