La Gomera is different...

On the first day in La Gomera, the morning began with focus time. Getting things done, working concentratedly, or simply having a quiet moment to read a book. Of course, all with coffee within reach.

After that, we headed to La Calera. The journey there was already an experience in itself. The roads wind through the mountainous landscapes of La Gomera, and it feels like you’re constantly driving through tunnels. With the convertible top down, it was quite unusual.

La Calera is part of Valle Gran Rey and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, the white houses, and its location between mountains and sea. Everything there feels a bit slower and calmer, just the kind of place where you suddenly understand why people choose to stay on islands.

Upon arrival, we first went to Restaurante Paraíso del Mar for lunch. Directly with a sea view, the gambas tasted even better in so much butter and garlic. Probably also just the right amount of garlic so that afterwards no one really has to keep their distance.

Back at the Airbnb, we had another short focus time session before we later went on a hike to the Fortaleza de Chipude, which was right next to our Airbnb.

The Fortaleza is a prominent table mountain and one of the most famous places on La Gomera. In the past, the mountain was considered a sacred place by the island’s Indigenous people. Even from a distance, it looks quite impressive, almost a bit surreal.

Once at the top, you also understand why so many people come here specifically for the sunset. As the sun slowly disappears, the clouds are pushed through the landscape and indeed look like gigantic waterfalls of mist.