Valle Gran Rey is known for its beautiful beaches, which can be enjoyed year-round thanks to a warm moderate climate. Here we discuss the best beaches in Valle Gran Rey La Gomera, a small resort town on the west coast of the island.
An Overview – Beaches In Valle Gran Rey La Gomera
There are seven main beaches at Valle Gran Rey. With the exception of Playa de las Arenas, all have road access, and most have great access to amenities.
BEACH | LOCATION | ROAD ACCESS |
---|---|---|
Charco Del Conde | Valle Gran Rey | Yes |
La Puntilla | Valle Gran Rey | Yes |
Playa De La Calera | Valle Gran Rey | Yes |
Playa De Las Arenas | South Valle Gran Rey | No |
Playa De Valle Gran Rey | Valle Gran Rey | Yes |
Playa De Vueltas | South Valle Gran Rey | Yes |
Playa Del Ingles | Noth Valle Gran Rey | Yes |
Our best beaches in Valle Gran Rey La Gomera are typical of the island. Most are small with black volcanic sand or shingle. If you are searching for long white beaches with endless lines of sun loungers, La Gomera may not be the place for you.
La Gomera has a reputation as a hippy destination, and some of the beaches are known for attracting nudists. The most famous is Playa del Ingles at the north end of Valle Gran Rey.
One important word of caution is that swimming at La Gomera beaches can be dangerous, particularly during the winter. Some beaches aren’t suitable for swimming (especially for children) at any time of year. We recommend you take the advice of a local tourist office before swimming.
Charco Del Conde
Charco del Conde is a beautiful, pretty, sheltered bay in the centre of Valle Gran Rey. The water here is surrounded by a string of natural rocks, which form a natural barrier to the waves. The water is normally very calm and feels more like a small lake or lagoon.
This beach is sandy, with some umbrella shades, so it is an excellent choice for anyone with small children. Charco del Conde’s central location means that there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops within easy reach of the beach.
La Puntilla La Gomera
La Puntilla is a small section of rocky beach at the end of a wide bay in north Valle Gran Rey. The location of the beach is marked by a huge prominent bronze statue that sits on the edge of the beach.
The statue known as Hautacuperche commemorates an indigenous leader in the rebellion against the Spanish conquistadores.
La Puntilla is one of the less popular stretches of beach in Valle Gran Rey for sunbathing and swimming, which means that it is a peaceful place to hang out and enjoy the views of the bay.
Playa De La Calera
Playa de la Calera can be found at the north end of a kilometre-long bay in Valle Gran Rey. This section of the shoreline widens to give a mainly sandy beach, which is close to cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.
The bay is protected on one side by the promenade wall, which means that the water is sheltered and often safe for swimming. It is one of the most popular La Gomera beaches and a great choice for families.
Playa De Las Arenas
Playa de las Arenas (also known as Playa de Argaga) is a wide attractive beach with spectacular cliff and ocean views. This is a partially sandy beach with relatively calm waters means it is popular for swimming, especially with locals.
There are trees along the edge of the beach which provide shade from the sun, and the beach is also said to be popular with nudists.
However, Playa de las Arenas recently became difficult to access following a rockfall onto the only road to the beach. The road is indefinitely closed as the cliff area is considered unsafe. This means that for now, the only way to get to the beach is by boat or via a hiking trail.
Playa De Valle Gran Rey
Playa de Valle Gran Rey (also known simply as La Playa) is the central stretch of beach along a kilometre-long bay in north Valle Gran Rey. The southern part of the beach is very rocky and quite narrow, but there are sander patches at the northern end.
Playa de Valle Gran Rey doesn’t have amenities at the beach itself. However, there is a good selection of restaurants and cafes at the beach’s southern end (near La Puntilla) and at the northern end (near Playa de la Calera). These are just a few minutes walk away.
Playa De Vueltas
Playa de Vueltas is at the southern end of Valle Gran Rey, on the south side of the port. The beach shares its water with the town’s harbour, but the water is very clean and clear.
This is one of the few sandy beaches in La Gomera, and it is sheltered from the wind and waves by the harbour walls. This means that it is generally safe to swim here and a popular choice for families.
Playa de Vueltas has picture-postcard views of the harbour, neatly lined up sailing boats, and dramatic views of the volcanic cliffs and the sea. The beach also has an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes and shops nearby.
Playa Del Ingles
Playa del Ingles lies at the northern end of Valle Gran Rey, just outside the main town. Although it is a popular beach, rocks and sand dunes mean that you can normally find a quiet section to yourself. It is also one of the best places in town to watch the sunset.
For decades this beach has been known as a destination for hippies and nudists. There are quite a few (unofficial) nudist La Gomera beaches, but Playa del Ingles is the only one close to amenities.
One very important point is that you shouldn’t attempt to swim at Playa del Ingles. I have seen at least one website that describes the waters here as calm and safe for swimming, but this is definitely not the case.
There are strong undercurrents even when the sea appears calm. At the beach, there is a sign that states that 27 people have died swimming here in the past 10 years.
In Conclusion: Your Beachside Adventure Awaits In Valle Gran Rey
So, you’ve heard all about the seven incredible beaches in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a family with kids, or someone who just wants to unwind, there’s a beach here that’s perfect for you. From the sheltered bay of Charco Del Conde to the stunning cliffside views at Playa De Las Arenas, each beach offers its own unique charm. But remember, safety first—always heed local advice before taking a dip, especially during the winter months.
Ready to pack your bags and feel the black volcanic sand between your toes? Which beach will you visit first? And don’t forget, some of these beaches are accessible only by boat or hiking trail, making the journey itself an adventure to remember.