Where to find the best views on La Gomera

Where is the mirador (viewpoint) in the Canary Islands with the most spectacular views? There are so many world class vistas to be enjoyed on all the islands that it's impossible to say. Tenerife boasts the most impressive landmark in Mount Teide; however, the most nerve-wracking viewpoint in the archipelago has to be the Mirador de Abrante on La Gomera.

Opened in November 2014, the viewing platform juts out over Agulo with views along the coast and across the sea to Mount Teide on Tenerife. But then, La Gomera along with Gran Canaria and La Palma are always boasting the best views of Mount Teide. What makes Abrante stand out is the fact that it has a glass bottomed patform – the sort of mirador where there's the illusion of stepping from the safety of terra firma into space. Think Wile E. Coyote chasing the roadrunner off a cliff. It is not for anyone with the slightest hint of vertigo.

Although Abrante may be the mirador with the fear factor gimmick, there are plenty of other on unspoilt La Gomera with equally thrilling views.

These are my favourite five.

Roque de Agando

Mirador Roque de Agando, La Gomera

Roque Agando is a favourite with coach excursions and therefore can get very busy, but it's worth a visit. The 1246 metre high bullet-shaped rock is the centrepiece of a sprawling vista that takes in Garajonay National Park, Los Roques and Benchijigua Reserve. If the miradors are packed with excursionists, walk along one of the hiking trails for a couple of minutes to escape the crowds.
Where is Roque de Agando?
Take the TF713 from San Sebastián until you reach the unmistakeable pinnacle.

Mirador Cesár Manrique

View of Cesar Manrique Mirador and Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera

If Cesár Manrique's name is attached, you know it's a guarantee of something quite special. The Mirador Cesár Manrique (also known as Palmarejo) looks down over the Valley of the Great King, Valle Gran Rey; a spectacular canyon filled with lush, narrow terraces. There's also a restaurant with floor to ceiling windows to enjoy some local nosh like almogrote (cheese paté) with the scenery.
Where is Mirador Cesár Manrique?
The mirador is on the CV6, the road that snakes into Valle Gran Rey.

Mirador Roque Blanco

View of Vallehermoso from path below Roque Blanco, La Gomera

More of an off the beaten track mirador, Roque Blanco overlooks what is possibly the most beautiful valley on La Gomera, the aptly named Vallehermoso. The views are stunning with scenery that could be a mix of Atlas Mountains, Far East palm groves and South American rainforest. They get even better if you follow the walking route connecting Roque Blanco to Encantadora on the valley floor.
Where is Roque Blanco?
Reach Roque Blanco by turning off the TF711 to follow the narrow country road through the hamlet of Las Rosas. There's also car parking and a restaurant at Roque Blanco.

Mirador de Igualero

Iglesia de San Francisco, Igualero, La Gomera

As well as offering panoramic views over the south of La Gomera, including the sacred, table-top mountain of La Fortaleza, Igualero is home to the domed Church of San Francisco and a rather funky statue dedicated to El Silbo, the Gomeran whistling language. On a clear day La Palma and El Hierro can be spotted on the horizon.
Where is Mirador de Igualero?
Take the CV17 towards Playa Santiago, staying on the CV17 towards Chipude when the road forks and the CV13 continues toward the coast and Playa Santiago. The mirador appears shortly after the roads split.

Mirador de San Juan

Mirador San Juan, Mount Teide, Hermigua, La Gomera

Possibly my favourite La Gomera mirador of all. The ermita sits on a hilltop overlooking the lush, narrow Hermigua valley with its rows of agricultural terraces carved into the steeply sloping hillside. Ahead is Mount Teide adding even more drama to an already breathtaking scene. The best view is to climb the path behind the small ermita for a couple of hundred yards so you get the little church in the frame as well.
Where is Mirador de San Juan?
The ermita can be reached by following Calle Convento as it snakes up the hill from the main road through Hermigua until, after it changes names a couple of times, Calle Cabezadas forks to the left, leading to San Juan and a dead end.