La Gomera's society has been shaped by production, mobility, ports, migration and the changing value of its landscapes.
San Sebastián de La Gomera became linked to Columbus's voyages as the last stop before the Atlantic crossing. Yet island history goes far beyond that episode: it includes seigneurial structures, internal conflicts and a long continuity of peasant practices adapted to demanding terrain. The island economy has changed according to available resources, external connections, population mobility and pressure on the territory.
Among its main reference points are Silbo Gomero, Garajonay, Atlantic stopover, which connect landscape, memory and everyday life. This section links production, society and landscape to explain the contemporary island without separating it from its history.
Key points
Agricultura en terrazas y economia familiar
La Gomera mantuvo una economia agraria de pequeña escala hasta el siglo XX; el cultivo en bancales de platano, tomate y frutas tropicales sigue siendo base de muchos hogares rurales.
Emigracion y despoblamiento
Como otras islas menores, La Gomera sufrió una emigración intensa hacia Venezuela y Cuba en los siglos XIX y XX; algunos municipios del norte perdieron más de la mitad de su población.
Turismo rural y alternativo
Valle Gran Rey fue pionero en los años 70 en atraer turismo alternativo europeo; la isla apostó por un turismo diferenciado basado en naturaleza, senderismo y autenticidad.
Fred Olsen y la conectividad
La empresa naviera Fred Olsen tiene una fuerte presencia en La Gomera; la frecuencia de conexiones con Tenerife y La Palma es fundamental para la economia y la vida cotidiana.
Municipalities of La Gomera
See all →- AguloAgulo is a municipality of La Gomera, presented through settlement, landscape, local memory and its links with the rest of the island.
- AlajeróAlajeró is a municipality of La Gomera, presented through settlement, landscape, local memory and its links with the rest of the island.
- HermiguaHermigua is a municipality of La Gomera, presented through settlement, landscape, local memory and its links with the rest of the island.
- San Sebastián de La GomeraSan Sebastián de La Gomera is a municipality of La Gomera, presented through settlement, landscape, local memory and its links with the rest of the island.
- Valle Gran ReyValle Gran Rey is a municipality of La Gomera, presented through settlement, landscape, local memory and its links with the rest of the island.
- VallehermosoVallehermoso is a municipality of La Gomera, presented through settlement, landscape, local memory and its links with the rest of the island.