La Gomera is roughly circular and has very little flat land with steep valleys (barrancos) between the mountain ridges rising to about 4500 feet. There is little of the type of tourism found in nearby Tenerife and the pace of life tends to be slow and relaxed. The total population is about 30,000. Whilst it was originally a volcanic island, it is very green compared with other islands. This is mainly due to the way in which clouds condense on the north side of the mountains forming streams and feeding water courses all year round. The forest and national park on top of the island has been designated a world heritage site. Beaches are of black sand.
It is an Atlantic Island so expect the weather to be changeable, with rain often between November and February. Temperatures are usually pleasant - between 20 and 25 degrees at sea level but can occasionally rise to 35 degrees in the summer if winds (the calima) come from the Sahara. La Laja is at about 1200 feet and will be about 5 degrees cooler than the southern coast. Most holiday makers visit the island to take in its natural beauty, for relaxation and walking. It is not generally a holiday destination suitable for children and young people.
More Gomera Information
La Laja
La Laja is a thriving agricultural community of about 20 inhabited houses scattered at the end of a winding mountain road 15 minute's drive from San Sebastian, the island's main town and port. It is a very quiet and beautiful location. There is one small tienda (house shop!) in La Laja which opens erratically selling basic items but in reality San Sebastian provides all shops, banks, restaurants, and other facilities. There are also beaches (black sand) at San Sebastian. Getting There
The usual way to arrive at La Gomera is by flight to Tenerife South airport (TFS). From the airport take a taxi to the port of Los Cristianos - about 20 minutes costing about 20 euros and then a hydrofoil or seacat (45 minutes) or boat (90 minutes) across to La Gomera. Boats run from about 8.30am - 8.30 pm but times do change during the year and are best checked on the internet just before going - Fred Olsen or Garahonay Expres. Whilst there is a bus service from San Sebastian to La Laja, it only runs twice a day (not Sundays or holidys) and a car is essential for most visitors.
The AccommodationThe house consists of two buildings mainly south facing and can be in the sun from about 9 am to 6 pm. On the left a building with garage on the ground floor, an apartment to rent in the middle, and the owner's apartment on the top floor. Above that there is a flat roof terrace with a small housing containing the washing machine. On the right, separated by a flight of steps, is a building with a storage room on the ground floor, with a lounge and balcony on the first floor. Behind the lounge room is a smaller terrace with a bench, chairs and table.
The rental apartment on the middle floor consists of a bedroom with large double bed and wardrobe, fully equipped kitchen/breakfast room, shower room, and a small living/eating room just inside the front door. Water is heated by electricity and cooking/heating is by gas. A gas heater is provided for winter evenings when the temperature can drop to around 12 degrees centigrade. Use of the washing machine and roof-top drying area is included. 
Views from the apartment are of the superb mountainside opposite. Many excellent walks start from here. The apartment is on the road (very quiet as the end of the road is quarter mile away) and there is an off-road parking space.
The building's main large lounge and balcony is also included in weeekly rentals. Satellite television (Astra 1) is available and also a DVD Player with a selection of DVD's in English The apartment is available for year round rental and is a non-smoking building. Rental is for minimum periods of 1 week when the owner is not in residence. When the owner is present accommodation for shorter periods, to include meals and guided walks if desired, is possible.
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