La Gomera, Sports Destination

Overcoming one’s limitations is the essence of sport and this is a maxim that is one hundred percent fulfilled when you live out physical activity on an island like La Gomera, with more than 600 kilometers of trails that cross its mountains and cliffs, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. That is why it’s the ideal place to get in shape and push our limits. The wild nature and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean result in unforgettable training that will also be useful for life. Garajonay National Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the marine strip surrounding the island is also a World Cetacean Heritage Site, after receiving the Whale Heritage Site awarded by the World Cetacean Alliance, giving the measure of the quality of its waters, which can be enjoyed all year round thanks to the good weather. These are some of the sports activities that can be enjoyed: 

Hiking

The nature of La Gomera makes you fall in love as soon as you see it, but when you walk through its more than 600 kilometers of trails, the vision you have of it is more profound, because it becomes a love for life. The map of trails is available on the Info La Gomera app, and includes 59 trails, 18 of them running through Garajonay National Park, while 41 are linear and circular routes with different difficulties, which can be performed throughout the island geography. These routes also include the GR-131, which links San Sebastián de La Gomera with the beach of Vallehermoso, and the GR 132, a circular trail that runs along the island’s coastline. 

La Gomera Paradise Trail

For mountain running enthusiasts, this is an annual event that attracts runners from all over the world. They test their limits with the orography of an island that, in just twenty minutes by car, goes from swimming in the sea to the more than 1,487 meters of altitude of Garajonay National Park. In fact, 3,800 meters of elevation gain must be overcome in the distance that reigns over this race, which runs through the wonderful corners of northern La Gomera as the Abrante Lookout, by the Canarian architect José Luis Bermejo, in Agulo, or the dam of Los Tiles, in Hermigua, and reach the finish line in San Sebastián de La Gomera. This is one of the most demanding mountain races, with distances ranging from Marathon (47 km), Trail (30 km) and Mini Trail (15 km), as well as Starter (10 km), a hiking route for those who want to enjoy the mountain at their own pace. 

Colombina Regatta

One of the most important nautical competitions in Spain is held in La Gomera. This is the Colombina Regatta, which links the port of Huelva with the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera. It is the route that Christopher Columbus took to go to the New World in 1492, and includes particularly tough crossings that will delight lovers of this sport. The regatta is designed for boats that sail like real Formula Ones, with open sea stretches where the team and skippers enjoy an unforgettable experience. 

Fotosub Contest

Diving in the extraordinary quality waters of La Gomera, which have been declared a European Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance, is a delight that attracts whale lovers to the island. In addition, with the Fotosub La Gomera contest, the snapshots taken of its volcanic seabed with a multitude of species are a treasure for photographers. The categories of landscape, vertebrates, invertebrates, models and compact cameras have been established. 

Cyclotourist

This event has established itself in the cycling world as one of the most anticipated races of the year, with a route of 100 kilometers and 2,800 meters of positive elevation gain. The race runs through municipalities such as San Sebastián de La Gomera, Vallehermoso, Agulo and Hermigua. La Gomera is a very special island for cycling in nature, as it has 7 bicycle routes of 90 kilometers signposted, which are in the Info La Gomera App. 

Talisker Race

The world’s toughest rowing race covers the more than three thousand nautical miles that separate La Gomera from the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. Every year, hundreds of people gather in teams from different countries to cross them, challenging the Atlantic Ocean. The crossing is made in rowing boats no larger than nine meters, with the port of San Sebastian de La Gomera as the starting point of an adventure from which none of the sailors return the same way they set sail, after 40 days at sea.

Tecina Golf Challenge Tour 

La Gomera is part of the best circuit in Europe with this tournament that brings together the greatest players in the world. Set in Playa de Santiago, in the municipality of Alajeró, the 18 holes facing the sea become a challenge for the hundreds of participants, of which only 60 pass the first round.