service

Playa de Santiago | La Gomera


Information

Landmark: Playa de Santiago
City: La Gomera
Country: Canary Islands
Continent: Europe

Playa de Santiago is a charming coastal village located on the southern coast of La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands. It is a picturesque destination known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and striking natural surroundings. Playa de Santiago is one of the island's most important tourist areas, offering a more tranquil and less touristy experience compared to other parts of La Gomera.

Key Features of Playa de Santiago:

1. Geography and Landscape

  • Coastal Location: Playa de Santiago is located in a sheltered bay along the southern coast of La Gomera. The village is surrounded by steep cliffs, creating a stunning contrast between the dark volcanic mountains and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Beaches: The main beach, Playa de Santiago, features a mix of volcanic sand and pebbles, and its calm waters make it ideal for swimming and relaxing. The beach is relatively quiet, especially compared to the larger, more tourist-heavy beaches on other Canary Islands.
  • Cliffs and Ridges: The surrounding cliffs and ridges offer dramatic views of the coastline and the ocean. These natural features add to the rugged beauty of the area, making Playa de Santiago a prime spot for scenic walks and photography.

2. History and Culture

  • Fishing Village: Historically, Playa de Santiago was a small fishing village, and fishing remains an important part of local life. The village retains a charming, traditional character with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and small boats lining the harbor.
  • Local Culture: The village hosts various local festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, which honors the patron saint of fishermen. During these festivals, visitors can experience the island’s traditional music, dance, and religious processions.

3. Climate

  • Mild and Sunny: Playa de Santiago enjoys a warm and mild subtropical climate, making it a year-round destination. The area benefits from sunny weather most of the time, with temperatures that stay pleasant throughout the year. The sheltered location also helps to protect the village from the strong winds that can affect other parts of the island.
  • Microclimates: The village lies in a region with a relatively dry climate compared to the northern part of La Gomera. The sun shines more frequently here, with less rainfall, which makes it a perfect location for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.

4. Hiking and Nature

  • Hiking Trails: Playa de Santiago offers several hiking routes that lead visitors through the island’s beautiful landscapes, including views of the ocean, cliffs, and the Garajonay National Park. Popular hikes in the area include routes that take you through lush ravines, terraced fields, and forests, allowing you to experience La Gomera's varied natural beauty.
  • Botanical Beauty: The village’s location in the south of La Gomera means that visitors can easily access a range of flora, from coastal plants to endemic species found in the island’s forests. The contrast between the dry, sunny coastline and the lush, green mountains is a defining feature of the region.

5. Activities

  • Water Sports: Playa de Santiago’s calm waters are ideal for various water activities, including swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. The area is also known for its clear waters, making it perfect for those interested in exploring the marine life beneath the surface.
  • Fishing: Due to its history as a fishing village, Playa de Santiago is a great place for sport fishing. Many local fishermen offer excursions, allowing visitors to experience traditional fishing methods or try their luck catching local fish.
  • Relaxation: For those seeking a more laid-back experience, Playa de Santiago offers the perfect spot for relaxing by the beach, enjoying the tranquility of the area, and savoring local Canarian food at the village's beachfront restaurants.

6. Dining and Cuisine

  • Local Seafood: As a fishing village, Playa de Santiago offers a range of restaurants serving fresh seafood. Fish stews, grilled sardines, and other local specialties are often featured on the menus, providing visitors with the chance to taste the freshest ingredients from the sea.
  • Canarian Cuisine: In addition to seafood, the village’s eateries serve traditional Canarian dishes such as gofio (a type of flour made from roasted grains), papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes served with mojo sauce), and locally produced cheeses and wines.

7. Accommodation

  • Hotels and Apartments: Playa de Santiago offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, and self-catering apartments. Many accommodations boast stunning ocean views, making it easy for visitors to relax while taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Rural Hotels: For those looking for a more authentic experience, the village also has rural accommodations, such as traditional Canarian houses and guesthouses, which offer a more intimate and peaceful stay.

8. Accessibility

  • By Road: Playa de Santiago is accessible by car from the main towns of La Gomera, including San Sebastián de La Gomera. The drive takes visitors through the island’s scenic roads and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
  • By Boat: The village has a small harbor, which is mainly used by local fishermen but also accommodates ferries and boats. For those traveling between La Gomera and other Canary Islands, ferries from San Sebastián de La Gomera can be taken to Playa de Santiago.

Conclusion

Playa de Santiago offers a peaceful and picturesque getaway in the southern part of La Gomera. With its tranquil beaches, natural beauty, and rich local culture, it provides visitors with a relaxing escape from the bustle of more commercialized tourist areas. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, a taste of local Canarian cuisine, or simply a quiet retreat by the sea, Playa de Santiago is an ideal destination for those seeking authentic experiences on La Gomera.


Contact us

Inform us about text editing, incorrect photo or anything else

Contact us


Rate it

You can rate it if you like it


Share it

You can share it with your friends



Location

Get Directions

Landmarks in La Gomera

San Sebastián de La Gomera
Landmark

San Sebastián de La Gomera

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Garajonay National Park
Landmark

Garajonay National Park

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Valle Gran Rey
Landmark

Valle Gran Rey

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Agulo
Landmark

Agulo

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Mirador de la Cumbrecita
Landmark

Mirador de la Cumbrecita

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Ermita de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Landmark

Ermita de la Virgen de Guadalupe

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Alto de Garajonay
Landmark

Alto de Garajonay

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Mirador de la Degollada de Peraza
Landmark

Mirador de la Degollada de Peraza

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Vallehermoso
Landmark

Vallehermoso

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Playa de la Calera
Landmark

Playa de la Calera

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Hermigua
Landmark

Hermigua

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Roque de Agando
Landmark

Roque de Agando

La Gomera | Canary Islands
El Cedro Forest
Landmark

El Cedro Forest

La Gomera | Canary Islands
La Gomera Natural Reserve
Landmark

La Gomera Natural Reserve

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Parque Natural de Majona
Landmark

Parque Natural de Majona

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Mirador de los Roques
Landmark

Mirador de los Roques

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Playa de Valle Gran Rey
Landmark

Playa de Valle Gran Rey

La Gomera | Canary Islands
La Laguna Grande
Landmark

La Laguna Grande

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Los Órganos
Landmark

Los Órganos

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Parque Nacional de Garajonay
Landmark

Parque Nacional de Garajonay

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Playa del Duque
Landmark

Playa del Duque

La Gomera | Canary Islands
Pueblo Canario
Landmark

Pueblo Canario

La Gomera | Canary Islands

® All rights reserved