La Gomera Holidays

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Spanish Canary Islands are closer to the coast of Morocco than to Spain. La Gomera's the second-smallest of the crew, but its capital San Sebastian is still a cool cluster of pastel buildings, market-stuffed streets and top-notch sights. Restaurants dish out Canarian goodies in the main square, and culture vultures can get their fill at the city's archaeological museum.

Valle Gran Rey means 'Great King Valley', and this spot on the western coast of La Gomera sure lives up to the title. Grand valleys come with double-take views, and the coast's dotted with upscale hotels and cosy villas here. Go boating in the bay for the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins.

An old-world agricultural town, Hermigua's for those who like some urban mod cons with their chilled surroundings. Wander around Bosque del Cedro forest, or take your taste buds on a trip around scattered eateries for patatas arrugadas – translated comically to wrinkly potatoes – and cheese with mojo sauce.

With valleys flanked by craggy mountains, the fairy tale feeling is at its strongest in La Laguna Grande National Park in the centre of the island – walking trails take you deep between the peaks here. A half-hour drive north and you'll reach the volcanic pebbles of Hermosa Beach, far from the crowds.