LA GOMERA: Bigger isn’t always better

Jul 26 2008 by Edward Stephens, Liverpool Daily Post

La Gomera, Canary Islands _320

This World Heritage Site attracts serious walkers and bird watchers from all over the world. And, even though the island enjoys hot weather all year round on the coast, the national park survives because the trade winds from the Azores bring in a mist forming a sea of cloud and creating humidity for the plants.

The water created also travels down more than 100 barrancos across the island to supply residents.

For two days of our seven-day stay, the “sea of clouds” meant driving to the forest was like driving in one of the worst fogs in England, and only cleared when we reached the highest levels.

In the national park, there are some stunning views and some spectacular walking, but remember to take warm clothing.

Even when the sun shone on the coast, we were happy to warm up with hearty wooden bowls of the local water cress soup in front of a log fire in the Vista Restaurant.

There was no electricity on La Gomera until 30 years ago, residents had to communicate by a special form of whistling language which carried easily across the barancos.

And the first passenger ferry service linking La Gomera with Tenerife was not set up until 1974, so to some extent it’s an island lost in the mists of time.

But that’s its charm and that’s why so many people like me who travel there are captivated and intend to return.

* EDWARD STEPHENS’S trip was booked through HPB, a co-ownership holiday accommodation company with more than 37,000 investor families.Tel: 01638 660066, email: details@hpb.co.uk  www.hpb.co.uk

For details of the catamaran or of Fred Olsen Cruises, which visit the island, visit www.fredolsen.co.uk