For Héléna, La Gomera was not just a vacation destination, but an island that had been calling to her for years. After visiting the island several times, she knew she wanted to make it her permanent home. Before taking the plunge, she embarked on an equally important journey: that of simplifying her life to live in harmony with nature and the essence of this magical island.
Three visits to prepare
Between her first discovery of La Gomera and her final move, Héléna visited the island four times. With each visit, she immersed herself more deeply in the local culture, explored the island’s various nooks and crannies, and thought about how she could create a life of her own here. These repeated trips only reinforced her decision: La Gomera was where she wanted to put down her bags for good.
The choice of simplicity, Marie Kondo
As her moving date approached, Héléna felt the need to simplify her life. Inspired by the minimalist movement, she began sorting through her belongings with a clear determination. She gave away or sold her clothes, furniture, books and even her crockery. She kept only the essentials that had real meaning for her. The rest she parted with without regret, as a symbolic act to make room for her new life on the island. Even before she thought of moving to La Gomera, Héléna was deeply influenced by Marie Kondo, the renowned tidying consultant and author of the best-selling The Magic of Tidying Up. As a teenager, Héléna discovered Marie Kondo’s method through her books and TV shows, and this approach resonated deeply with her. Kondo’s philosophy of keeping only those items that “bring joy” inspired Héléna to completely overhaul her possessions and adopt a minimalist approach. By getting rid of what was superfluous and keeping only those objects that had real sentimental or utilitarian value, Héléna paved the way for a smooth transition to a simpler life more in harmony with her values. The Kondo method thus played a key role in preparing her move to La Gomera, offering her not only practical tools for decluttering her space but also a new perspective on what is essential in her life. To buy Marie Kondo’s book, click here.
Travel light for a new life
By August 2024, Héléna was ready. Her studies would end in June, and she had already prepared everything for her big departure. She had reduced her possessions to two suitcases, and a third bag would join her later with her family, who would arrive a week after her final move. Héléna knew that thick sweaters, turtlenecks, boots and down jackets would no longer be necessary in her future daily life on the island. The warmth of La Gomera demanded only light, comfortable clothing, reflecting this new phase of her life.
Boris Cecez: The spirit of minimalism in La Gomera
Boris Cecez is a fascinating figure on La Gomera, embodying a minimalist lifestyle that resonates deeply with the spirit of the island. For years, Boris chose to live in a cave, detaching himself almost completely from material possessions to focus on the essentials: human connection, nature, and the quest for inner truth. Before settling in La Gomera, Boris worked in the field of psychiatry, where he helped individuals overcome their psychic crises and reintegrate into society. His unique approach, based on raising awareness, listening attentively and encouraging people to draw on their inner resources to overcome challenges, has always sought to bring out the best in others.
For Héléna, Boris Cecez is a source of inspiration. Although she has no intention of living in a cave, she is fascinated by his journey and follows his adventures and reflections on Instagram. Boris has adapted his skills to La Gomera by offering human design readings, a tool to help people better understand their deeper nature and live authentically. His simple, ascetic lifestyle inspires reflection on how to simplify our own lives and focus on what really matters. If you’d like to follow Boris’ activities and learn more about his minimalist approach, you can find him on his Instagram and on his Facebook.
Final arrival in La Gomera
In August 2024, Héléna set foot on La Gomera, this time never to leave. With just two suitcases and a heart full of dreams, she was ready to begin this new adventure. The island was finally welcoming her, no longer as a tourist, but as a new inhabitant ready to build something meaningful.
Héléna’s transition to a minimalist lifestyle and her definitive move to La Gomera are proof of her determination to live according to her values. By simplifying her daily routine, she has freed herself from the superfluous to concentrate on the essential: creating a warm welcome for travelers on this island that is so dear to her heart. Her adventure has only just begun, and she is ready to embrace each step with the same enthusiasm and simplicity that have guided her path so far.
Quote
“Minimalism is the art of living with less, making space for what’s really important.” – Joshua Becker
Link with La Gomera
In La Gomera, where most shops close at 2pm and even the police station keeps reduced hours, the notion of minimalism takes on its full meaning. This island, with its slower pace of life and community spirit, offers an ideal backdrop for those seeking to simplify their existence. Freed from the hustle and bustle of daily life, residents have more time to devote to enriching activities such as gardening, crafts or meditation. By adopting a minimalist approach, they not only optimize their space and time, but also cultivate a life more connected to nature and community. This lifestyle, then, resonates deeply with the spirit of La Gomera, where every moment is an opportunity to appreciate simplicity and refocus on what really matters.
Tenerife
The largest island is often the most popular with tourists, famous for its Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and its black sand beaches. With a surface area of 2,034 km² and a population of around 950,000, it is the economic and cultural heart of the archipelago. Tenerife is also renowned for its natural parks and exceptional biodiversity.
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Fuerteventura
The second-largest island, with a surface area of 1,659 km², is known for its spectacular beaches and desert landscapes. It has a population of around 120,000. Although popular with water sports enthusiasts, Fuerteventura retains a calm and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
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Gran Canaria
It is often referred to as a “continent in miniature” due to the diversity of its landscapes, ranging from golden beaches to verdant mountains. With a population of almost 850,000 and a surface area of 1,560 km², it combines highly developed tourist areas with unspoilt natural spaces.
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Lanzarote
is famous for its volcanic landscapes, shaped by the eruptions that have marked its history. With a surface area of 845 km² and a population of around 150,000, the island stands out for its unique architecture, influenced by the artist César Manrique, who harmoniously integrated art and nature.
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La Palma
also known as “La Isla Bonita”, is the greenest of the Canary Islands. Covering an area of 708 km², it is home to around 85,000 inhabitants. La Palma is a paradise for hikers, with its laurel forests, waterfalls and mountainous landscapes.
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La Gomera
With a surface area of 369 km² and a population of around 22,000, it is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt islands in the archipelago. Its Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a subtropical laurel forest, a remnant of the Tertiary era. Unlike the larger islands, La Gomera is largely untouched by mass tourism, offering an authentic and soothing experience.
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El Hierro
The smallest of the main islands, at just 268 km², has a population of around 10,000. It is renowned for its commitment to renewable energies, and its wild, isolated atmosphere attracts those seeking tranquillity.
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La Graciosa
The smallest and most recently inhabited of the Canary Islands, La Graciosa is just 29 km² in size and home to around 700 inhabitants. Accessible only by ferry from Lanzarote, La Graciosa is a place where time seems to stand still, with pristine beaches and a simple lifestyle. It is often counted as part of Lanzarote.
A new start on La Gomera
It’s in La Gomera, with its wild landscapes, lush forests and peaceful atmosphere, that Héléna has decided to make this new start. Every day, she immerses herself a little more in the local culture, learns the language with passion, and carefully plans every step of her project.
This island, less touristy than its neighbors, offers an exceptional quality of life. The inhabitants of La Gomera live in harmony with nature, with a slower, more serene pace of life. It’s this simplicity and authenticity that appealed to Héléna, and which is attracting more and more visitors in search of tranquillity.
Practical information for travellers
If, like Héléna, you’re dreaming of discovering La Gomera, here are some practical tips for getting there from Switzerland.
From Switzerland
To reach La Gomera, you first need to fly to Tenerife Sud, the closest island to La Gomera with an international airport. From Switzerland, you have several options. You can fly from Basel or Geneva airport with EasyJet, or from Zurich with Swiss or Edelweiss. The flight takes around four and a half hours.
On arrival in Tenerife South
Once you’ve arrived at Tenerife South airport, you have several options for getting to La Gomera. If you’ve rented a car, it’s advisable to pick it up at the airport. This will enable you to transport your luggage comfortably and get to the port of Los Cristianos, around 15-20 minutes away. It’s important to note that not all car rental companies allow you to cross between islands. Only CICAR, a local company, allows crossings from Tenerife to La Gomera. CICAR is reputed to be a relatively expensive option, charging around 35 euros per day for car rental. This rate is similar on the island of La Gomera, where other local agencies charge comparable prices. However, choosing CICAR can offer greater flexibility if you plan to travel between islands with your rental car.
Take the ferry to La Gomera
At the port of Los Cristianos, you can buy your tickets for the crossing to La Gomera online or directly at the ticket office. Two main companies serve the island: Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen Express. The crossing takes around 50 minutes and costs around 100 euros for two people with a car, or around 30 euros for one person without a car. Residents of the Canary Islands benefit from substantial discounts, reducing the fare to just 10 euros per person.
If you don’t rent a car, on arrival in Tenerife Sud, leave the airport and follow the signs for cabs. Ask the driver to take you to the port of Los Cristianos, a journey that costs around 30 euros. Once at the port, buy your ferry ticket (approx. 30 euros per adult) and wait in the port hall. Your luggage will be taken care of free of charge, allowing you to board the boat with the other passengers, unencumbered by your suitcases.
On board the ferry
Once on board the ferry, you’ll find snacks to refresh you during the crossing. Although the sea can be a little rough at times, the crossing is relatively short, lasting just 50 minutes. The ferry is a fast and convenient way to reach La Gomera, while offering beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding islands. It’s a chance to relax before arriving at your destination, with the excitement of discovering the magnificent scenery that awaits you on the other side.
On arrival in La Gomera
Once you’ve arrived at the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, the island’s capital, you have several options for reaching your final destination. If you have a car, you can head straight for the road. La Gomera’s roads are in excellent condition, but they are winding and can be demanding for drivers not used to mountain roads.
If you prefer to use public transport, buses are also available to take you around the island. You can consult the timetables on the official La Gomera transport website. Buses are a convenient and affordable option, 5 euros from San Sebastian to Valle Gran Rey to explore the island without having to worry about driving on winding roads.
If you don’t have a car, take a cab to your destination. For example, a trip from San Sebastián to Valle Gran Rey, one of the island’s popular tourist destinations, costs around 75 euros. Alternatively, you can choose to spend a night in Tenerife before taking the ferry, depending on the time of your arrival flight.
There’s another, much smaller Fred Olsen boat that stops at san sebastian, playa santiago and Valle Gran rey. There are several boats a day, costing 20 euros from san sebastian to Valle Gran rey.
Conclusion
Héléna’s journey from Fuerteventura to La Gomera is a story of perseverance and passion. Her project is still a work in progress, but the foundations have been laid to transform her childhood dream into a reality firmly rooted in this magical island. This adventure has only just begun, and La Gomera, with all it has to offer, seems the perfect place to make this dream a reality.
