The best running trails in La Gomera

La Mosca, or La Mouche, was a French privateer sunk off Vallehermoso in 1801, during the naval conflicts between France and England. According to local history, the ship arrived pursued by three English warships, and its captain, finding himself cornered, decided to run the corvette aground on the beach rather than surrender it intact to the enemy. Anglo-French sources cite the pursuit by HMS Diamond and link the episode to March 6, 1801. For years, the shipwreck left real traces in the area: cannons, bullets, metal fragments, and wooden remains documented on Vallehermoso beach; in 1969, two large bronze cannons, each weighing about a thousand kilos, were even recovered. Between history and legend, La Mosca remains one of the most powerful tales of this northern coast: a pursued ship, a captain with no way out, and a sea that still today seems capable of swallowing everything.

Small volcanic beach located below the northern cliffs of La Gomera, in a much wilder and more authentic setting than a tourist one. Here the Atlantic enters with force and the coast combines black sand with large pebbles polished by the sea, creating that characteristic landscape of the island. Even so, the area is very well equipped, with umbrellas, a beach bar, restrooms, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for stopping after a hike. Very close to here, ancient storms and shipwrecks caused by the harshness of this northern coast are remembered, where the ocean and the wind have always marked the life of Vallehermoso.

The so-called Castillo del Mar is not a historical or defensive castle, but a large structure built on the coast of Vallehermoso as part of an old recreational and maritime project. For years it functioned as a leisure area linked to the sea and the natural pools in the area, becoming one of the most recognizable places on the northern coast of La Gomera. The most striking thing is its location: built practically over the Atlantic and constantly battered by the sea and storms. Strong waves damaged the structure greatly over the years, and it ended up becoming almost a kind of "modern ruin" facing the ocean, much photographed for the contrast between concrete, waves, and volcanic cliffs.

This black sand and pebble beach hides one of La Gomera's most curious stories: the shipwreck of the ship “La Mosca” at the beginning of the 19th century. According to documents and oral tradition, the French vessel ended up running aground on this coast while fleeing or seeking refuge from English ships and Atlantic storms. For years, cannons and wreckage appeared on the seabed and some were even seen embedded in the old walls of the breakwater. Today the area is much quieter: sunshades, a relaxed atmosphere, and a wild beach surrounded by enormous volcanic cliffs. And right next door, it is highly recommended to stop at Bar Pirata for a bite to eat after the route. Simple cuisine, local produce, and that kind of place where a cold beer and any dish taste even better facing the Atlantic.

From El Drago, a short climbing tour over large stones leads to the GR hiking trail.

Great beach with a bay for swimming.

Moni has already noted everything very well, and I'd like to agree. The Hotel Valle Gran Ray is right across the street. It's a very good place to stay; cleanliness is a top priority there. The staff is always very attentive and tries to ensure our stay is pleasant. When the weather is nice, breakfast is served on the terrace with the wonderful sound of the sea in front of you. Many items from the breakfast buffet are freshly prepared on request. The swimming pool is a great place to cool off after a hike and work on a tan. We would be happy to book the Valle Gran Ray again.

Hautacuperche is one of the most famous rebels of La Gomera. Since 2007, he has been commemorated with a bronze statue on the beach of Valle Gran Rey. In 1488, Hautacuperche led a rebellion of the locals against the Spanish occupiers. The inhabitants of La Gomera suffered from various oppressions by the Spanish occupier Hernan de Peraza. When the Guanche princess Iballa was finally persecuted, the council of natives decided on a rebellion. Rebellion against the Spaniards In 1488, Hautacuperche is said to have killed Hernan de Perza in the cave. Thereupon Pedro de Vera, the governor of Gran Canaria, issued the order to kill all men over 15 years of age who belonged to certain tribes. The women and children were to be enslaved. The outcome was tragic, but Hautacuperche was given the highest respect. Leader of the insurgents In the summer of 2007, a monument was erected to Hautacuperche: his statue stands imposingly on the beach of Valle Gran Rey. The location is very close to the Baja del Secreto, from where Hautacuperche is said to have set out to lead the Rebelion der Gomeros. Bronze statue in Valle Gran Rey Cast entirely in bronze, the statue of Hautacuperche impresses with a height of four meters. It stands in La Puntilla in Valle Gran Rey, directly opposite the Hotel Gran Rey at the beach entrance with its back to the sea.