Pampered by the sun, avoided by the rain
Alajero
The small town lies between the Garajonay National Park and the beaches of the sun-drenched south of the island. It is surrounded by terraced fields and typical plants that appreciate the dry climate. In the winter months, cloud fog conjures up a special flair in the village, which is about 800 m above sea level.
Large parts of the resort of Playa Santiago and the small island airport of La Gomera belong to the sparsely populated municipality of Alajero. The profitable income enabled the municipal administration to build a new town hall. The simple parish church of El Salvador from 1512 impresses with its beautiful portal. The darkly clad bell tower and a wooden statue of Christ inside are interesting. In the church square, tall Indian laurel trees provide shade. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Calvarienberg, where there is a small chapel. The Ermita San Isidro on the top of the Calvarienberg (807 m) can be seen from afar. A short hike takes you up: a wonderful vantage point that gives you wonderful panoramic views of the south coast of La Gomera.
Stones are set as a reminder that the ancient Canary Islands already used this place.
Another chapel, the Ermita del Buen Paso, rises about three kilometers above the village. In mid-September, on the name day of the chapel's patron saint, the longest procession in La Gomera takes place here. Starting in Alajero, the parade stretches up the mountain road in a traditional dance rhythm.
The only and very imposing, wild-growing dragon tree on the island, Drago de Agalan, can be found in a lonely side valley near Alajero in the direction of Imada. Legends surround this botanical rarity. You can visit the dragon tree as part of a short hike on signposted, well-developed paths.
Surroundings of Alajero
It is only a few kilometers from Alajero up to the Garajonay National Park with its unique cloud forest and wonderful hiking routes.
Very close to the village, Gomera's small island airport offers flight connections to other Canary Islands.
Below Alajero is the port and holiday resort of Playa Santiago with its shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Here is the well-known Hotel Tecina with a golf course and some beautiful natural beaches.
Santiago Beach
The quiet holiday resort in the sun-drenched south of La Gomera offers a harbor, beach and golf course. It is surrounded by imposing gorges that converge here. Comfortable hotels with a wonderful view have been built on the adjacent plateaus.
The Plaza del Carmen is located in the port area of Playa and is the lively center of Playa Santiago and a popular meeting place for the locals. From here you can stroll along the small promenade along the harbor basin. The bars and restaurants offer typical Canarian cuisine and a beautiful view of the harbor and the sea. Further to the east, the houses in the idyllic district of Laguna nestle close to the slope. Further above, the old Tecina settlement stretches along the ridge. The luxury hotel Jardin Tecina is located high above the sea on its steep coast.
The recent history of Playa Santiago is closely linked to the influence of the Olsen family. As adept businessmen, the Scandinavians acquired land and water rights in the 20th century. After growing tomatoes and bananas, shipowner Fred Olsen turned his attention to fish processing.
He later turned to the tourism industry. Today the ferry companies, the luxury hotel Tecina and the associated golf course Tecina are under his management. Fred Olsen SA is currently the largest employer on the island of Gomera.
Although the small island airport was completed above Playa Santiago, the place is still very tranquil.
A few small aircraft regularly take off from the airport in intra-Canarian traffic. But so far there has been little sign of a rush of tourists in Playa Santiago.
