Ports of La Gomera: which ones there are, where ferries depart from and how to travel by boat

La Gomera is one of the most unique gems of the Canary archipelago. Circular, rugged and covered with laurel forests declared a World Heritage Site, this island has managed to stay away from mass tourism and preserve an authenticity that is hard to find anywhere else in the Canary Islands. As in the rest of the archipelago, maritime transport is essential to connect it with the neighbouring islands.

In La Gomera there are several fishing and sports ports, but three of them have regular ferry departures for passengers: the Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, the Port of Valle Gran Rey and the Port of Playa Santiago.

If you are planning a trip or want to get to know the island better, in this guide we tell you how many ports there are in La Gomera, which ones have ferries and what you can see near each of them.

Keep reading and discover everything about the ports of La Gomera:

Ports of La Gomera with ferry connections

La Gomera has three ports with regular ferry connections: the Port of San Sebastián, the port of Valle Gran Rey and the port of Playa Santiago. Together, they concentrate all the island’s maritime routes, both to Tenerife and La Palma and between the Gomera municipalities themselves. Below, we explain what they are and what they offer.

1. Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera: routes and connections

The Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera is the island’s main port and its great gateway. Located in the island’s capital, on the eastern coast of La Gomera, this port concentrates most of the passenger traffic and acts as the island’s most important maritime link with the outside world.

Ferries depart from here to Los Cristianos (Tenerife), Santa Cruz de La Palma and El Hierro. Internal routes also operate, connecting the capital with the island’s other ports. In addition, the San Sebastián marina is one of the best-known anchorages in the Atlantic: many sailing boats preparing to cross the ocean make their last stop here, following the same historic route as Christopher Columbus in 1492.

What does the Port of San Sebastián offer?

• Passenger terminal with regular connections to Tenerife and other Canary Islands.
• Sports marina with more than 300 berths, a reference point for Atlantic sailors.
• Cruise terminal with arrivals from European vessels.
• Seafront promenade with bars, restaurants and views of the bay.
• Direct access to the historic centre of San Sebastián, known as La Villa, with monuments linked to the Discovery of America.

Ferry routes available from San Sebastián with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera you can connect with the main islands of the archipelago. At Kikoto Ferries you will find the best prices and timetables for these routes:

• Ferry San Sebastián de La Gomera – Los Cristianos (Tenerife)
• Ferry San Sebastián de La Gomera – Santa Cruz de La Palma
• Ferry San Sebastián de La Gomera – Valle Gran Rey
• Ferry San Sebastián de La Gomera – Playa Santiago

What to see near the Port of San Sebastián?

If you arrive in La Gomera by ferry through San Sebastián, you will have some of the most historic places in the entire Canary archipelago just a few minutes away on foot.

1. La Torre del Conde

Just a few steps from the port, inside the park of the same name, stands La Torre del Conde: the only Castilian tower from the conquest period preserved in the Canary Islands. Built in the 15th century as a military fortress, it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and is the most recognisable symbol of San Sebastián. Walking through the park that surrounds it, with its lawn and palm trees facing the ocean, is one of the first things travellers do when they disembark from the ferry.

2. Casa de Colón and the Pozo de la Aguada

San Sebastián was the last European port where Christopher Columbus docked before setting sail for America on 6 September 1492. The Casa de Colón, now converted into a museum, preserves an outstanding collection of pre-Columbian art from Peru and recalls the fundamental role that La Gomera played in the Discovery of America. Very close by is the Pozo de la Aguada, where Columbus and his crew stocked up on fresh water for the journey. A plaque recalls that this water was used to symbolically baptise the American continent.

3. Church of La Asunción and Calle Real

In the heart of the historic centre is the Church of La Asunción, the largest religious temple in La Gomera, with a mixture of Mudejar, Gothic and Baroque styles that reflects centuries of history. Calle Real, the commercial artery of La Villa, starts from its square, lined with colourful houses with wooden balconies, traditional shops and cafés where you can try almogrote or palm honey, two of the most emblematic products of Gomera’s gastronomy.

4. San Sebastián Beach and seafront promenade

Next to the port stretches the urban beach of San Sebastián, a quiet cove with sheltered waters that is very convenient for a first swim as soon as you arrive by ferry. The seafront promenade that borders it brings together a large part of the capital’s gastronomic and leisure offer, with restaurants, bars and terraces where you can taste fresh fish and Canarian specialities with ocean views.

2. Port of Valle Gran Rey: routes and connections

The Port of Valle Gran Rey, also known as Puerto de Vueltas, is located in the southwest of La Gomera, in the municipality of the same name. Nestled among impressive volcanic cliffs that fall into the sea and surrounded by palm groves and traditional terraces, this small port is one of the most picturesque and authentic enclaves on the entire island.

Internal routes operate from here, connecting Valle Gran Rey with San Sebastián and Playa Santiago, and it is also the main departure point for maritime excursions for whale and dolphin watching, one of the most popular activities in La Gomera.

Why choose the Port of Valle Gran Rey?

• Direct route to San Sebastián and Playa Santiago by fast ferry.
• Main departure point for whale-watching excursions and visits to Los Órganos.
• Spectacular natural surroundings with cliffs, palm groves and volcanic sand beaches.
• Peaceful and authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism.
• Excellent gastronomic and accommodation offer just a few steps from the quay.

Ferry routes available from Valle Gran Rey with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Valle Gran Rey (Vueltas) you can connect with the other ports of La Gomera. At Kikoto Ferries you will find the best prices and timetables for these routes:

• Ferry Valle Gran Rey – San Sebastián de La Gomera
• Ferry Valle Gran Rey – Playa Santiago

What to see near the Port of Valle Gran Rey?

The surroundings of Puerto de Vueltas are one of the most spectacular in La Gomera. If you arrive by ferry from San Sebastián, you will find some of the island’s most authentic experiences within reach.

1. Beaches of Valle Gran Rey

Just a few steps from the port are several of the best beaches in La Gomera. Playa de Vueltas, next to the quay itself, has calm waters and dark volcanic sand, perfect for a first swim after the ferry. Playa de La Calera is the largest in the municipality, very popular with surfing and diving enthusiasts. Charco del Conde, a natural pool with calm waters protected from currents, is ideal for families with small children. And Playa del Inglés, further away and open to the Atlantic, is famous for its impressive sunsets beneath the cliffs of La Mérica.

2. Whale and dolphin watching

The waters off southern La Gomera are one of the best places in Europe to observe cetaceans in the wild all year round. Boat excursions for whale watching, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins, among other species, depart daily from Puerto de Vueltas. It is one of the most exciting experiences the island offers and an essential activity for those visiting Valle Gran Rey.

3. Los Órganos

Excursions to see Los Órganos also depart from Puerto de Vueltas, one of the most spectacular geological formations in the entire Canary archipelago. It is a wall of vertical basalt columns, generated by the slow cooling of lava millions of years ago, which resemble the pipes of a church organ and can only be seen from the sea. It is a unique and essential visit for those arriving in Valle Gran Rey.

4. Palmarejo Viewpoint (César Manrique)

A few kilometres from the port, high above the valley, is the Palmarejo Viewpoint, designed by Lanzarote artist César Manrique. From this stone balcony you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley, the palm groves, the traditional terraces and the Atlantic Ocean. On its lower level there is a restaurant where you can taste Canarian cuisine with these incomparable views. It is one of the most photographed corners of La Gomera.

3. Port of Playa Santiago: routes and connections

The Port of Playa Santiago is located on the southern coast of La Gomera, in the municipality of Alajeró. It is the smallest of the island’s three ferry ports, but its position makes it a convenient transit point for those travelling around La Gomera from north to south or wanting to connect the two ends of the island without having to cross the winding inland roads.

The ferry journey between Playa Santiago and San Sebastián takes approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to travel between the two towns quickly and comfortably.

Why choose the Port of Playa Santiago?

• Direct route to San Sebastián in just 30 minutes.
• Fast and convenient alternative to the inland mountain roads.
• Peaceful, little-touristed surroundings with dark sand beaches and clean waters.
• Ideal stopover point for those exploring the island by combining north and south.
• Authentic fishing atmosphere with traditional restaurants by the sea.

Ferry routes available from Playa Santiago with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Playa Santiago you can connect with San Sebastián and Valle Gran Rey by ferry. At Kikoto Ferries you will find the best prices and timetables for this route:

• Ferry Playa Santiago – San Sebastián de La Gomera
• Ferry Playa Santiago – Valle Gran Rey

What to see near the Port of Playa Santiago?

Playa Santiago is one of the quietest and most genuine corners of La Gomera. If you arrive by ferry, you will find several charming places near the port.

1. Playa de Santiago

A few metres from the quay stretches the village’s own beach, with dark sand and calm waters protected by the cliff. It is an uncrowded beach with a very local atmosphere, ideal for those looking for the calm and authenticity of La Gomera away from tourism.

2. Seafront promenade and traditional restaurants

The small seafront promenade of Playa Santiago is one of those places where life moves at a different pace. Several restaurants specialising in fresh fish and local seafood overlook the sea, with terraces where you can enjoy Gomera’s gastronomy without crowds. Trying watercress stew, goat’s cheese or gofio next to the port is one of the island’s most authentic experiences.

3. Access to southern La Gomera and Majona Natural Park

From Playa Santiago it is easy to access some of the least-known natural areas in the south of the island. Majona Natural Park, with its ravines, cliffs and endemic vegetation, is an area of great scenic value surrounding this part of La Gomera. From here you can also start hiking routes into the island’s interior, where the landscape changes radically as you enter the laurel forests of Garajonay National Park.

4. Other ports and marinas in La Gomera worth visiting

In addition to the ports with ferry connections, La Gomera has some small fishing ports and natural anchorages that can also be very interesting for travellers. Although passenger ferries do not operate from them, many stand out for their seafaring atmosphere, their restaurants or for being departure points for boat excursions.

1. San Sebastián Sports Marina

The San Sebastián marina is one of the most renowned sports ports in the Atlantic. Numerous long-distance sailing boats make their last stop here before crossing the ocean, following the legendary Columbian route. The nautical atmosphere, the catamaran excursion offer and the views of the bay make this place an essential stop.

2. Port of Hermigua

In northern La Gomera, the small port of Hermigua serves as an anchorage for smaller boats in one of the greenest and most fertile valleys on the island. The municipality of Hermigua is known for its lush vegetation, its banana trees and its traditional houses, and is well worth a visit combined with the interior of the valley.

3. Port of Vallehermoso

The small port in the north of the island, in the municipality of Vallehermoso, is a peaceful and authentic spot from which you can contemplate the cliffs that fall into the sea. Roque Cano, a huge volcanic needle that dominates the village, is one of the most iconic landscapes of La Gomera and can be seen from the quay itself.

Full list of ports and marinas in La Gomera

In total, some of the ports and marinas that can be found in La Gomera are:

• Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera (with ferry)
• Port of Valle Gran Rey / Puerto de Vueltas (with ferry)
• Port of Playa Santiago (with ferry)
• San Sebastián Sports Marina
• Port of Hermigua
• Port of Vallehermoso

Many of these places are perfect for walking, eating by the sea or enjoying the island’s seafaring atmosphere, even if you do not plan to take a ferry.

5. Ferry companies operating in La Gomera

Several shipping companies operate ferry routes from the ports of La Gomera to other Canary Islands and between the Gomera ports themselves.

Among the main ferry companies operating these routes are:

• Naviera Armas
• Fred. Olsen Express

Through Kikoto Ferries you can compare routes, prices and timetables to find the best option for travelling to La Gomera or moving between its ports.

Frequently asked questions about the ports of La Gomera

How many ports does La Gomera have? La Gomera is the second smallest island in the Canary Islands and, although its rugged terrain makes maritime connection especially important, the island has three ports with regular ferry connections for passengers: the Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, the Port of Valle Gran Rey (or Puerto de Vueltas) and the Port of Playa Santiago. In addition, there are several small fishing ports and natural anchorages distributed along the coast.

What is the main port of La Gomera? The Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera is the most important on the island because it concentrates most of the maritime traffic and connections with other Canary Islands, especially with Tenerife.

Where does the ferry to La Gomera from Tenerife depart from? The ferry to La Gomera departs from the Port of Los Cristianos, in southern Tenerife, bound for the Port of San Sebastián de La Gomera. The crossing takes approximately 50 minutes on fast ferries.

Can you travel by ferry between the ports of La Gomera? Yes. There is a ferry connection between San Sebastián, Playa Santiago and Valle Gran Rey that allows you to explore the island by sea comfortably and quickly, without having to cross the winding inland roads.

Which is the most beautiful port in La Gomera? Many travellers highlight Puerto de Vueltas (Valle Gran Rey) for its spectacular setting of volcanic cliffs, palm groves and black sand beaches, although the Port of San Sebastián has a historic charm that is hard to beat.

Ready to travel to La Gomera by ferry?

Now that you know all the ports of La Gomera, you can choose the one that best suits your trip. If you arrive from Tenerife or La Palma, the Port of San Sebastián will be your gateway to the island. If you are looking for the quieter and more natural side of La Gomera, the Port of Valle Gran Rey is your best option. And if you want to explore the south of the island directly, the Port of Playa Santiago awaits you.

At Kikoto Ferries you can compare timetables, companies and prices to find the ferry ticket to La Gomera that best suits your plans. Book online in just a few minutes and discover the most authentic island in the Canary archipelago.