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Things to do and see on La Gomera
La Gomera provides many wonderful opportunities for walking, diving, snorkelling and mountain biking, summer or winter.
The beaches at Playa de Santiago, although a mixture of sand and pebble, are amongst the best on the island (other good beaches are at Valle Gran Rey and San Sebastian). There are also many other excellent beaches and bays around the entire coastline but these are more remote but can be walked to or reached by boat.
The harbour of Playa de Santiago provides protection from the open ocean and therefore allows for safe swimming, even for children. The beautifully clean and clear waters make snorkelling an unimaginable delight as tropical coloured fish swim right into the shallow waters.
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There are diving opportunities for beginners and the experienced, with classes held by Gomera Dive Resort at the Club Laurel restaurant and pool, and within the bay. The Club Laurel restaurant and pool is part of the Hotel Tecina and tennis and golf are also available through the main Hotel reception.
Boat trips provide the opportunity to see the most stunning scenery and geology of the island, chances to see the dolphins and other cetaceans, and day-trips of swimming and tuna fishing. Boats can be hired for your own fishing trips.
The island has the most fantastic walks for enthusiastic walkers. There are walks suitable for all levels of ability, some directly from the door of the house, and many, many more from other origins on the island. There are excellent walking guides and information.
Enthusiastic mountain-bikers will find Gomera the most perfect location. After every challenging climb, there is a spot to stop as you gasp at the stunning views of the island, and then cool down as you freewheel your way through tiny villages and on to the next challenge. Local bike hire companies also offer the facility of taking you to the highest points and letting you cycle your way back to base!
Astronomers can gaze at the crystal clear night skies, with the stars looking so close and defined that even non-astronomers become avid stargazers. Meteors and meteor showers are often visible.
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Local Shops, Restaurants and other Amenities
There are a good number of shops within the village itself and many more in the capital of San Sebastian, or Valle Gran Rey. San Sebastian holds a small market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, located next to the Hyper Trebol supermarket, with excellent quality, local food goods at the lower level and arts and crafts up on the street level.
There are two large supermarkets in Playa de Santiago and some smaller shops just down the road. These have a large stock of general items and allow you to shop at ease. Other shops range from hardware stores, clothes, florist, arts and crafts, sportswear, kitchen and electrical goods, toys, and an excellent bookshop, selling stationery, pens, cards, and all sorts!
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For those with health and beauty in mind, there are hairdressers also offering manicures, facials, waxing and massage and other therapists for acupuncture and holistic treatments.
The pharmacy is also in the village centre, as is the Health Centre. They are most helpful and you can always be seen quickly in this smart, new centre. For any medical emergency, the local telephone number is 112, and 062 for any Police emergency.
Remember to take your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card – formerly known as the E111 form). There are two banks (with cash machines) and a post office. Stamps can either be bought at the post office or in some local shops.
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The large range of restaurants and small bars are superb, serving local fish specialities and a wide choice of other dishes. All the food is excellent and each restaurant offers its own special dishes. There is also a tapas bar that provides excellent ‘take-aways’ for the beach or for hiking picnics. Mostly situated along the beachfront area, it is easy and most pleasurable to stroll along and look at the range of dishes on offer, look into their fridge displays and try each one as your holiday progresses. It is always advisable to ask for the ‘fish’ or ‘dish’ of the day rather than choosing from the menus. You will not be disappointed!
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There are many fiestas throughout the year. Being a Roman Catholic country, most of these are related to events in the church calendar - you will be amazed at the number of saints that are honoured! There are also the celebrations of Christopher Columbus, and the usual festivals like New Year. All the fiestas start late (although some run for several days) enabling the local restaurant owners to join in after work, and often last well into the next day. They are fantastically energetic events, always with much music, singing and dancing. The events take place in the plaza (square), sometimes with processions through the town. More details can be given on further enquiry. Sometimes, films are also shown open air in the plaza.
 The local church is very welcoming and holds services to which all of any religion or denomination are welcome. They are used to having English visitors and often read the Gospel in English as well for our benefit. Services are held in the church, which is located just above Casa Felipe, and also in a small chapel near the port. Service times and locations are posted on the doors.
There is a petrol station in the village centre. Since they are few and far between, it is essential that you have enough fuel before heading off on a day out! The garage shop has some hardware items as well. Petrol is very cheap, about ˝ UK price.
If you wish to hire a car in Playa de Santiago, there are a number of options: the airport has a number of hire car offices and there is also an office in the Hotel Tecina. Otherwise, the most local option is from the Pinero garage and office which is located on the seafront near to Restaurante Orone. The cars usually come with a full tank and you are expected to return them with a full tank.
Buses link all the towns of the island and run regularly and frequently. These make an excellent way to plan a walk, starting with a bus ride to the upper areas and walking home. Timetables are available on request. However, the easiest way to get to San Sebastian and Valle Gran Rey is by the Garajonay Express - for only a few Euros.
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