La Gomera is the second-smallest island of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Gomera is an Arabic word meaning 'small firebrand'. La Gomera is part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is divided into six municipalities. The island is of volcanic origin and roughly circular, about 22 km (15 miles) in diameter and rising to 1487 m (nearly 5000 feet) at the central peak of Garajonay. It is shaped rather like half of a peeled orange from which the segments have been parted, leaving deep ravines or barrancos which are coated, like icing, with laurisilva - or laurel rain forest. The upper reaches of this densely wooded region are almost permanently shrouded in cloud and swirling mist, which has created lush and diverse vegetation. This is the Garajonay National Park which enjoys UNESCO recognition and protection of the environment. The slopes are criss-crossed by paths, presenting varying levels of challenge to walkers, and stunning views to reward the energetic.

In 2003, some 19,580 people lived on La Gomera. The local wine is distinctive, and complements a tapa (snack) of Gomerian cheese, roasted pork or goat meat. The Gomerans have a unique way of communicating across the barrancos (valleys) by an amazing kind of whistled speech called Silbo. Silbo Gomero language, a whistled language, is an indigenous language, whose existence was known since Roman times. Invented by the original inhabitants of the island, the Guanches, Silbo was adopted by the Spanish settlers in the 16th century and survived after the extinction of the Guanches. When this unique medium of communication was about to die out early in the 21st century, the local government required all children to learn it in school.

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