How to get to La Gomera from Italy: ferries and flights
La Gomera is the island of silence and forests: the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park, the ancient laurel forest, terraced slopes and the "silbo gomero" whistling language locals use to communicate across the valleys. It's one of the quietest destinations in the Canaries, and you almost always get there via Tenerife. Here's how, simply.
The basic rule: you go via Tenerife
There are no direct flights from Italy to La Gomera. The natural route is:
- Flights to Tenerife from Italy (usually Tenerife South, TFS).
- Ferry from Los Cristianos (south of Tenerife) to San Sebastián de La Gomera.
The ferry is the main route, convenient and frequent, far more used than the island's small airport.
The flight from Italy to Tenerife
Direct flights from Italy land at Tenerife South (TFS), which is also the airport closest to the port of Los Cristianos where the ferry to La Gomera leaves:
- From Tenerife South (TFS) to Los Cristianos: 15–20 minutes by car or taxi.
This makes La Gomera easier than other minor islands: you land in southern Tenerife and the port is right there, no crossing the island.
The ferry from Los Cristianos
It's the main way to La Gomera. Two companies:
- Fred. Olsen: Los Cristianos → San Sebastián de La Gomera in about 50 minutes, several times a day.
- Naviera Armas: same route, similar times.
You can also take the car on board, handy because public transport on La Gomera is limited. Book the crossing ahead in high season.
What about the inter-island plane?
La Gomera has a small airport (GMZ) with limited inter-island flights from Tenerife North (Binter), only a few a day. It's an option only if you land at Tenerife North or you're in a hurry: for most travellers from Italy the ferry from Los Cristianos is more practical and cheaper.
When to go
- Cheaper and great weather: May, June, September, October.
- La Gomera is green and cool inland (Garajonay): bring something warmer for the higher-altitude hikes, even in summer.
Getting around La Gomera
Winding mountain roads, non-stop views. A car is the best choice (bring it on the ferry or rent one in San Sebastián). Public transport links the main villages but with few services.
In short
To get to La Gomera from Italy: a flight to Tenerife South (TFS) + a ferry from Los Cristianos (about 50 minutes) to San Sebastián. The inter-island plane exists but is marginal. The most convenient thing is to bring or rent a car for the island. Compare flights to Tenerife on the comparison tool: that's where you save.