Waterfront apartment in
Playa de Santiago, La Gomera.
1 double bedroom and 1 sofa bed, Sleeps 4
If
you fancy a week or a fortnights break from the British winter (or
summer), on a delightfully exotic island, then La Gomera could be the place
for you. The island is only 30 kms from Tenerife at its closest point, and
once you have landed you will see that the variety of landscapes on Gomera
are part of the islands charm. From the arid abandoned terraces and deserted
villages of the Barranco de la Negra in the south to the thousand and one
date palms of the lush Vallehermoso (valley beautiful) in the north. Adding
to the exotic flavour are banana plants, cacti with their edible red prickly
pears, groves of bamboo, cane, vineyards and many almond, avocado, papaya
and orange trees. There are also hundreds of species of plants and trees
unknown outside the Canaries.
Forming a natural harbour, the quiet village of Playa de Santiago
nestles beneath the cliffs. There are a number of simple restaurants along
the harbour, which serve mostly local dishes in a friendly and informal
atmosphere. The village square has 2 supermarkets, post office, 2 banks, 2
hairdressers, launderette, petrol station and a couple of cafes. You will
also find in the village a good pharmacy, stationers and laundry. Playa
de Santiago is not only an excellent centre for walking and exploring, it is
the home of the Gomera Dive Resort. Ideal for experienced divers and
beginners, there are many small caves to dive, displaying a spectacular
underwater world. Fish from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the north Atlantic
can be found in the Canarian waters. Tuna, Grouper, Stingray, Barracuda and
Merinas, schools of Mackerel and Sardine can be seen on almost every dive. The
Apartment: Is situated in a small block of 24 built on 3 floors, called
Las Vistas, which occupies a charming location on the waterfront of Playa de
Santiago with the cliffs as a magnificent backdrop.
Light, airy and comfortably furnished, the apartment has a double bedded
room, bathroom with shower and a large living room with a double sofa bed.
The kitchen area is part of the open plan living room and has simple cooking
facilities with a breakfast bar. The large terrace/balcony makes a pleasant
place for outside dining with its lovely sea views. On the roof is a
communal roof terrace and heated swimming pool.
Getting
There
From previous experience it is best to try and get an early morning flight
to Tenerife South to arrive by 11.30. This will then give you enough time to
catch the 12.30 hydrofoil from Los Cristianos to San Sebastian. Don’t
worry if you don’t catch the 12.30 ferry, there are two others later in
the day and also one at 09.00 in the morning if you arrive very early.
Arriving at Tenerife South airport, pass through the customs hall and head
for the taxi rank and ask the taxi driver for ‘Puerto Los Cristianos’.
The taxi ride will take about 20 minutes. On arrival at the port, head for
the Fred Olsen Lines booking office – where you may be asked to
produce your passports when paying for your tickets. Luggage may either be
carried with you (not recommended) or placed in a ‘cajon’. This is
basically a baggage cart on the quayside which is loaded onto the ferry
prior to departure and then wheeled off the ferry onto the dockside on
arrival. Once on board the hydrofoil you will find excellent aircraft-style
seating, a well stocked bar and a gift shop. The journey takes about 40
minutes from port to port. Upon docking at San Sebastian, collect your
luggage and you then have the choices of hiring a car from the Hertz office
on the quayside (pre-booking strongly recommended), taking a taxi or
catching a local bus to Playa de Santiago. The drive by car will take about
45 minutes, by taxi 30 minutes and by bus up to an hour and a half.
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