Playa De La Cantera La Gomera (La Cantera Beach)

By Jill

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Playa de la Cantera La Gomera is a beautiful, isolated beach on the south of the island. This beach can only be accessed by boat or a difficult hike, and so it is very quiet. There is a good chance you will have the entire beach to yourself.

Basic Information Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

Playa De La Cantera La Gomera Canary Islands Spain Information Table
Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

An Introduction To La Gomera Beaches

La Gomera’s mild climate means its stunning beaches can be enjoyed year-round. However, if you are searching for long white beaches with endless lines of sun loungers, La Gomera may not be the place for you.

A typical La Gomera beach is small with black volcanic sand or shingle. Picture quiet (almost deserted) bays with crystal clear turquoise waters nestled between dramatic craggy cliffs.

Some beaches within the towns are busier with amenities nearby, while others can only be reached via boat or on foot. However, if you are prepared to walk, you are often rewarded with an entire beach to yourself.

Deserted Buildings At Playa De La Cantera La Gomera Canary Islands Spain With Rocky Beach And Sea In Foreground
Abandoned Buildings At Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

However, a word of caution is that swimming in the sea on La Gomera can be dangerous, especially during the winter. The island can be windy with large waves and powerful currents, especially during high tide.

Some beaches aren’t suitable for swimming (especially for children) at any time of year, while others are more sheltered and generally safe. Before swimming on any La Gomera beach, we recommend you take the advice of a local tourist office.

An Overview Of Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

Playa de la Cantera La Gomera is a stunning beach with crystal clear waters and dramatic rocky cliffs. It is around 300m wide in a sheltered bay, which is safe for swimming for much of the year.

The difficult access to this beach means that it is extremely quiet and often completely deserted. Whale-watching tour boats sometimes anchor in the middle of the bay, allowing their customers to swim from the boat, but it is rare for boats to come to shore.

Prepare For Your Visit To Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

There are a few things it is worth noting before visiting this beach:

  1. Sunburn – The coastal winds on La Gomera mean that sunburn is common. The sun here is powerful, and the cooling breeze can fool you into thinking you are not at risk.
  2. Stones – The beach is a mix of stone and rock and very difficult to walk on with bare feet, so take suitable shoes for the water if you plan on going in.
  3. Winds, Waves and Tides – It is worth repeating that all beaches on La Gomera can be dangerous. Although Playa de la Cantera is relatively sheltered, you should make sure you are fully aware of the conditions before swimming.
Interesting Rock Formations In The Cliffs At Playa De La Cantera La Gomera Canary Islands Spain With Blue Sea In Foreground
Rocky Formations At Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

Access To Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

Playa de la Cantera La Gomera is one of the more difficult beaches in La Gomera to access. There isn’t a road down to the beach, so the only access is via boat or hiking trail.

To hike to the beach, you must start from the car park near Ermita de San Isidro, a small church close to the village of Alajero. The hiking trail is around 13k (total out and back) and involves a cumulative elevation gain of 848m.

The hike is considered to be strenuous, and good fitness levels and sturdy hiking shoes are essential.

Amenities At Playa De La Cantera La Gomera

Playa de la Cantera doesn’t have any amenities at all. There are several buildings on the beach, but these are long abandoned and in a state of collapse.

Pros And Cons Of Playa De La Cantera

Pros Of Playa De La Cantera

  • Sheltered
  • Isolated and peaceful
  • Attractive beach/bay
  • Dramatic rocks/cliffs
  • Clear/clean waters

Cons Of Playa De La Cantera

  • Difficult access
  • Rocky beach
  • Lack of amenities

In Conclusion: The Allure of Playa De La Cantera, La Gomera

Playa de la Cantera in La Gomera is not your typical beach getaway; it’s an adventure waiting to happen. This isolated beach, accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, offers a tranquil escape from the world. With its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, it’s a paradise for those who seek solitude and natural beauty. However, it’s essential to prepare adequately for your visit. The beach lacks amenities, and the terrain can be challenging. But if you’re up for the adventure, Playa de la Cantera promises an unforgettable experience.

So, are you ready to take the road less travelled and discover this secluded haven? Would you prefer the tranquillity of a challenging-to-reach beach over the crowds of a more accessible one? And finally, how far are you willing to go for a slice of paradise?

About Us

We’re Kevin and Jill; we are from the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Canada but were blown away by the impossibly steep mountains and ravines of La Gomera. We hope to inspire you to visit this unique island and strive to create the ultimate guide.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

en_GBEnglish