The beautiful Valle Gran Rey is still one of the insider tips for those visitors of the Canary Islands, who are looking for a holiday destination to relax.
!! The Speedy boat does not offer any tours at the moment !!
In recent years, the village has become the most important touristic place on La Gomera. However, it is not overcrowded with tourists. Valle Gran Rey is the perfect place for alternative vacationers, hikers, nature lovers and independent travelers.
Impressions of Valle Gran Rey
Idyllic situation in a beautiful canyon
Valle Gran Rey is located in the west of the island of La Gomera. The place extends over a huge, palm-fringed canyon, from the upper area of the valley downwards to the sea. The two giant cliffs La Merica and Teguerguenche which bound the valley on the right and left side, round off the beautiful image of Valle Gran Rey.
The name, which means „Valley of the Great King“, is an homage to the last native king Hupalupa who fought till the end against the Spanish conquerors.
Districts with different characters
Valle Gran Rey consists of various districts. In the lower part are located, right by the sea, La Playa and La Puntilla. Here are the most beautiful natural beaches of the island, called Playa Calera and Playa Ingles.
These districts make the „tourist center“ of Valle Gran Rey. Most hotels and apartments are located here, but mainly the locals with their typical colorful houses determine the character of the places.
Fortunately, Valle Gran Rey has maintained its village character and the canary charm and is not overrun by tourist crowds and huge hotels.
Vueltas in Valle Gran Rey – point of departure and information of Speedy-Adventure
Also at the bottom of the valley, directly by the sea there is Vueltas, the quaint harbor district full of character. Here you still get to buy fresh fish directly from the fishing boat – a freshly caught tuna fish or mackerel and sardines. Also in this district, next to the port, is the small beach of Playa de Vueltas.
It is also here in Vueltas, where our tours depart from for whale watching and to Los Organos. In our office in the port area, on the old pier, you will get all the information about the Speedy tours.
Further up the valley, a perfect mix of old and new
In recent years the district Borbalan has smartened up. There you will find many newer buildings and the main street has become a kind of shopping mall. Also there are a bigger supermarket, a private medical center (english speaking) and a gym.
Several small retail shops offer nice products, such as Gomera T-shirts, jewelry or hiking accessories. Furthermore, you can enjoy delicious bread, cakes and other delicacies from the German bakery.
On the way up the valley there is La Calera, the former chief town. Here one can find narrow streets which wind through the district and houses that have kept their traditional architectural style and character. It is probably the most traditional district of Valle Gran Rey.
In the upper valley lots of green palm trees and small settlements of pretty houses determine the image. Up there you can enjoy pure tranquility and a magnificent view over the valley below. Some people practice private farming on the terrace fields.
Valle Gran Rey, the former Hippie place
The character of Valle Gran Rey was strongly influenced by foreign hippies who discovered the place for themselves in the 70s and 80s. Therefore, the valley developed over the years into a place for people who wanted get out of their countries and living structures.
Some of the hippies from back then are still here, though most of them have disappeared. Still the place has retained its open character and continues to attract some colorful characters and many artists.
Especially popular is Valle Gran Rey for nature lovers and those who seek for quiet. From here there is an easy access to popular hiking trails.
In the evenings people get together at the beaches to view the sunset, for example at Playa Calera where drummers and fire dancers accompany the sunset.
Here in Valle Gran Rey, in the port in Vueltas, depart our Speedy Adventure tours.
More about La Gomera
- The Nature Monument Los Organos
- The South Coast
- The West Coast
- Valle Gran Rey in the south west of La Gomera
