the best of Valle Gran Rey
(Leisurely strolls, good addresses and places not to be missed)
Valle Gran Rey is a great place to live. A relaxed atmosphere, near-perfect weather almost all year round, adorable little shops, nice restaurants, and that little quiet rhythm you learn to appreciate as soon as you settle in.
I’ve been living here for several months now, and I wanted to share with you my favorite places, my daily tips, and a few ideas for making the most of this unique corner of La Gomera – whether for a few days or longer.
Local walks and hikes
La Mérica
It’s a hike I really like, especially because you can start it directly from La Calera.
The path climbs for about an hour, sometimes a little steeply, but in good condition. All you need is water, a cap and good shoes, especially if the sun is shining. here’s the link to the start of the path.
At the top, you arrive on a large plateau, with a magnificent view over the whole valley and the ocean. It’s truly impressive.
You can stop here, take a break and come back down, or continue on to Arure, but this makes the walk longer, so it’s best to be well prepared.
Stroll to Playa del Inglés & Charco del Cieno
It’s a great walk to take at the end of the day, when the light is soft and the air cooler.
From La Calera, you can follow a small path that runs high above Playa del Inglés. It runs alongside the sea, with superb views of the ocean and cliffs.
On the way, we pass by a natural lake formed by the sea, and then cross the Charco del Cieno area, a protected zone with frequent birdlife and a very calm atmosphere.
It’s an easy, quiet walk, perfect for settling down, walking a little, and enjoying the atmosphere of Valle Gran Rey in a different way.
My favorite cafés & restaurants in Valle Gran Rey
I’ve got my own little routine here, and I have to say I’ve found some really top addresses. Whether it’s for a quiet coffee in the morning, a fresh and gourmet lunch or a nice dinner in the evening.
Maitia
It’s a café I love, in a pleasant spot to stop for a moment. The place is warm and bright, and everything is homemade with great care.
My favorites: BBKafé toast (a real treat), a soft banana bread for dessert, and a chilled matcha ice cream to round it all off. It’s the perfect combo for a good start to the day or a gourmet break. It’s a place where you feel good, where you take your time. I often go there for a quiet breakfast or a gentle moment during the day.
La Islita
An Italian restaurant with a wide choice à la carte, which I appreciate for the quality of the dishes and the careful presentation. My favorite: the pasta stuffed with squash, served with butter and sage.
This is a good option for a dinner in a pleasant atmosphere, with a fair and well mastered cuisine.
Querida Cereza
A truly original resto, based around hummus, falafels and other hyper-creative vegetarian dishes.
My favorite: the Maria salad, a sure bet. In fact, I like the whole menu.
The homemade drinks are also very good and super refreshing.
It’s beautifully presented, very good, and there’s always a little unexpected touch on the plates. If you like sweet, slightly oriental flavours that are well crafted, this is the place to try.
My favorite beaches
In Valle Gran Rey, there are several beaches, each with its own ambience. Some are perfect for swimming, others for simply relaxing or admiring the sunset.
Playa de Vueltas
This is the safest beach for swimming, well sheltered and calm. Ideal if you just want to float quietly or do a few lengths without worrying about waves and currents.
Playa La Puntilla
The one I prefer for the atmosphere. It’s beautiful, often wilder, with plenty of space to settle in. But beware: when the sea is rough, there can be currents, so you need to be careful.
Playa del Inglés
A large black sand beach, a little further out. The atmosphere is more alternative, and it’s a great place to relax, read or watch the waves.
But beware: the currents can be strong and swimming here is dangerous. Personally, I don’t swim there.
Shops & market
In Valle Gran Rey, there are also some nice places to shop differently, buy local or find a nice souvenir. Here are a few places I particularly like:
Sonia Medina’s boutique
A boutique full of charm offering a fine selection of objects, jewelry, clothing and accessories, most of them made in the Canary Islands. It’s an address I love for gifts, souvenirs or just for the pleasure of discovering pretty local creations. View location on Google Maps
La Finca El Lomo
Just a stone’s throw from the bus station, this small finca offers fruit and vegetables (some from La Gomera), as well as other organic produce. The place is quiet and pleasant, perfect for quiet shopping. Don’t hesitate to ask where the produce comes from if it’s important to you. View location on Google Maps
La Frutería in Borbalán
A good place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. There’s often a wide selection, including products from La Gomera such as dried herbs, mojo and cheese. Some organic products are also available. View location on Google Maps
Lino Dorado
A small, well-stocked organic store, with a bit of everything: food, natural products, herbal teas… It’s not just a herbalist’s shop, but rather an alternative grocery store where you can find a lot of things you can’t find elsewhere in the valley. View location on Google Maps
Sunday market
A fun little market that takes place every Sunday, from 9am to 3pm, just behind the bus station. It’s mostly handmade crafts, with local designers selling their jewelry, objects, illustrations or clothes. It’s a very small market – in 15 minutes, we’ve done the trick – but it’s well worth the detour. The atmosphere is relaxed, the exhibitors are often adorable, and you can always find a nice surprise or a little favorite. View location on Google Maps
To conclude
So much for some of my favorite places in Valle Gran Rey. There are plenty more to discover, of course, but I hope these will give you some ideas for exploring, savoring and enjoying in your own way.
And if you also have your own favorite places in the area, I’d love to hear about them!
Send me a message on WhatsApp, by email or on Instagram, I’m always happy to reply. 🪸
