The Canary Islands are exceptionally popular with British tourists, but there’s one that oftem gets overlooked, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday without the crowds.  

La Gomera is the second-smallest in the island chain and features volcanic mountains crisscrossed with hiking trails.

While not as renowned for its beaches as some of its neighbours, the island boasts several secluded beaches with black sand and clear waters, including Playa de Santiago and Valle Gran Rey.

The waters around La Gomera are full of various species of whales and dolphins, with several tour operators offering whale-watching excursions.

The beach at the town of Playa de Santiago is one of the largest on the island. It’s a pretty, pebbled stretch of coastline, making it the perfect destination for sunny, lazy afternoons.

One person wrote of the town on Tripadvisor: “If you like crowds of sun seekers, noisy restaurants and shopping then Playa de Santiago isn’t for you.

“But if you are seeking a charming little fishing village with good restaurants then it’s a great base for exploring the extraordinary and breathtakingly beautiful island of La Gomera.”

Another added: “A fairly quiet, laid back, pebbled beach which was swimmable depending on tide. Family-friendly with some nice restaurants, ice cream kiosk and supermarkets nearby. Not too much to not like really, all good.”

A third chimed in: “Fantastic, what an amazing place to eat. The food was incredible, really authentic and delicious. Service was impeccable, highly recommended.”

The gorgeous natural landscape of La Gomera makes it the perfect destination for lovers of walking and hiking. There are trails in El Cedro, and you can hike through the misty rainforest at Garajonay National Park.

For those who prefer more relaxing holidays, La Gomera also boasts 56 miles of coastline waiting to be admired, including secluded beaches and bays.

In the evenings, head to the capital San Sebastian to explore a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and picturesque squares.

The stunning island can also get to 21C in January, considerably warmer than the UK average of 6C, making it the perfect place to get some winter sun.