Playa Santiago 
Playa Santiago - Overview:
Playa Santiago is a small fishing village in the south of La Gomera with a little harbour and pebble beach, about 1 hour's drive from San Sebastian. This stretch of coast is usually quite sheltered and enjoys a warm and sunny climate. Inland there are pretty villages and spectacular scenery leading up to the Garajonay National Park.
Playa Santiago, La Gomera - Geography & History:
Playa Santiago is population-wise the most important place in the south of the island of La Gomera. It belongs to both districts of Alajero and San Sebastian. Borne from a little fishing village, the town grew as processing factories, facilities for repairing ships, and a residential area for workers where built. In 1917, the Norwegian company Nowga (popularly called los Noruegos) came to the island, and the farming co-operative Rodrguez Lopez was established ten years later.
Crops grown on irrigated land grew in importance, thanks to the water canal from the upper area, and tomatoes and bananas where exported through its small port. Despite this rich land creating a thriving agricultural industry, the farming crisis in the 1960s and 1970s eclipsed this small southern area; agriculture was abandoned and the factories were closed. The crisis resulted in a large-scale emigration to Tenerife and South America.
Nowadays, however, Playa Santiago has discoved a new economy - rural tourism, mainly thanks to its good weather and lovely landscape. Improvements to the harbour for fishing and sports and some hotel developments have converted this area into one of the most successful of the island, yet it still successfully retains its traditional Canarian charm.
Playa Santiago, La Gomera - Out & About:
This area is a haven for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists. In addition to exploring beautiful scenery, other noteworthy places to visit are the water mill of Pastrana, and the villages of Benchijigua, Lo del Gato, Targa y Antoncojo, and beaches such as Santiago, Tapahuga, del Medio and Chinguarime.
Playa Santiago, La Gomera - Sighseeting recommendations:
- The 17th Century church of Salvador del Mundo
- The ermitage of San Lorenzo, near to the Herques ravine
- The water mill of Pastrana
- The hamlets of Benchijigua, Lo del Gato, Targa and Antoncojo
- The drago-tree in Agalan
- The beaches in Santiago, Erese, Tapauga, Chinguarime.
Playa Santiago - Our holiday accommodation and service:
If you travel with secretdestinations.com holidays you can choose from many hand picked hotels, privately owned holiday apartments and villas with pools in privileged secluded destinations in La Gomera, including Playa Santiago, in beautiful coastal, rural, mountain locations with an authentic taste of unspoiled la Gomera.
Additionally, all of the Canary Islands are ideal for a spot of winter sun. So if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling or trekking, exploring the Valle Gran Rey, or simply sunbathing or relaxing amid forest and mountains, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with Canaries flights to La Gomera (via Tenerife), ferry travel and island car hire.
