The islands sleepy capital comes alive with the daily arrival of tourists from the Tenerife ferry. The capital is developed around two points, one around the house of the Peraza family and the other around the Church of the Assumption, places that determined the future Calle Real ( Royal Street), itself the beginning of the Camino Real, the main avenue of the island. The church borders the Plaza Mayor, a spacious, restful place around which public buildings were erected.
Valle Gran Rey
This is the islands centre of tourism, Valle Gran Rey (valley of the great king), it is a complex of several seaside villages - La Calera, La Playa, La Puntilla and Vueltas. These towns run along the bottom of a deep gorge carved out of ancient inland rock. Bananas, tomatoes and tourists have made this area one of the islands most prosperous.
El Cercado
A small village best known for its handicrafts, especially earthenware products that are made of dark La Gomera clay, without the use of a potters wheel. Local traditions are being upheld by a small number of bars offering traditional cuisine.
Parque Nacional de Garajonay
Covering an area of 400 square kilometers (154 sq miles), La Gomera's national park is the largest intact area of ancient woodland in the archipelago. The unique weather conditions, caused by the constant flow of mist produced when the cool Atlantic trade winds encounter warm breezes, ensure constant dew and humidity conducive to the growth of some450 species of plants and trees. It is the only national park in Spain to be declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
