Motorcycle camping in Tenerife, is La Gomera worth it?
Motorcycle camping in Tenerife: is La Gomera worth it? Yes, for the laurel forests of Garajonay and the quiet roads, with a ferry from Los Cristianos.
Yes, La Gomera is worth it for motorcycle campers based in Tenerife, but as a two or three day side trip rather than a replacement for Tenerife. The crossing from Los Cristianos takes under an hour, and the reward is the laurel forest of Garajonay, quiet mountain roads and small campsites. Tenerife gives you the bigger loops, the gear shops and the resort coast; La Gomera gives you the contrast.
We took the early boat with loaded panniers and were riding the Garajonay road by mid morning. The island feels smaller and slower, and that is exactly the point. This post covers what each island offers a rider with a tent, where to stock up, and how to plan the crossing so the trip works.
Why ride from Tenerife to La Gomera at all?
La Gomera gives you a compact island with one central highland and roads that climb quickly from sea level to cloud forest. The UNESCO-listed laurel forest of Garajonay is the main draw, and it is genuinely different from anything in Tenerife. The roads are narrow and winding, so you ride slowly and stop often.
Tenerife is the better base for a longer camping trip. It has more campsites, more bike shops and easier resupply. The south coast resorts are busy, but the north and the Anaga mountains are quiet and green. Use Tenerife for your main miles and La Gomera for a short, memorable detour.
The ferry is the practical link. Boats run from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián de La Gomera, and the crossing is short enough to do in the morning and still ride in the afternoon. Book ahead in peak season, especially if you have a large bike.
What does Tenerife offer motorcycle campers?
Tenerife has the infrastructure you need before and after a ferry crossing. The Decathlon La Laguna store on Cam. la Hornera is the place to pick up camping gas, a sleeping mat or a dry bag if something fails. It is a large sports store with a rating of 4.5 from 19,945 reviews, and it is a short ride from the TF-5.
For wilder riding, head to the Parque Rural de Anaga. The park entrance on the TF-12 at Monte de Las Mercedes is the start of a network of narrow roads through laurel forest. The park holds a 4.8 rating from 15,074 reviews, and the roads are tight, so go early and ride within your limits.
The coast gives you options for a rest day. Playa de las Américas in Arona is a busy resort strip with easy access to the south coast road. It is not a camping spot, but it works for a shower, a meal and a laundry stop. The beach area has a 4.4 rating from 19,417 reviews.
Tenerife stops worth planning around
If you want a non-riding day, Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz is a large animal park with a 4.6 rating from 100,106 reviews. It is not a motorcycle destination, but it gives a rainy day a purpose. The same town has the Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez, a coastal complex with pools and a 4.4 rating from 29,243 reviews.
How do you get a motorcycle onto the La Gomera ferry?
You ride to Los Cristianos, buy or show your ticket, and board with the other vehicles. The crossing to San Sebastián de La Gomera takes under an hour on the fast ferry. Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, because loading is first come, first served within your booking.
Strap your gear down or carry it with you. The crew directs bikes into a line, and you leave the helmet with the bike. In rough weather the crossing can be bumpy, so secure loose items before you board. The return leg is the same process in reverse.
San Sebastián has the Marina La Gomera, a small marina on P.º de Fred Olsen with a 4.3 rating from 2,111 reviews. It is a useful landmark when you arrive, and the town around it is the island capital. Fill up with fuel here before heading into the mountains, because stations are sparse inland.
What is motorcycle camping like on La Gomera?
La Gomera is small and steep, and campsites are limited. The main camping area is in the highlands around Garajonay, where the laurel forest keeps things cool and damp. Expect basic facilities and bring your own water and stove fuel. Wild camping is not officially allowed, so plan around the designated sites.
The roads are the attraction. The climb to Garajonay from Hermigua or Valle Gran Rey is a series of tight hairpins with views down to the sea. The forest itself is often in cloud, so pack a waterproof layer even in summer. The Garajonay visitor area has a 4.8 rating from 5,365 reviews and opening hours of 11:00-21:00, so time your ride to arrive when it is open.
Fuel and food need planning. Fill up in San Sebastián or Valle Gran Rey before you climb. For a proper meal, Terraza Restaurante Los Telares in Hermigua has a 4.7 rating from 2,637 reviews and sits at the El Parque Etnográfico de La Gomera. It is a good stop after a morning in the forest.
La Gomera stops for riders
If you want a bed for one night, Hotel Jardín Tecina in Playa de Santiago is a full-service hotel with a 4.4 rating from 3,152 reviews. It is on the western side of the island and makes a comfortable base if the weather turns. The same property appears as Hotel Jardin Tecina under activities, with a 4.4 rating from 3,149 reviews.
Where should you camp on Tenerife?
Tenerife has more campsites than La Gomera, and they are spread around the island. The north and the highlands are cooler and greener, while the south is drier and busier. Book ahead for weekends and holidays, and check whether the site allows vehicles or tents only.
The Anaga mountains are the best wild-feeling area within easy reach of Santa Cruz. The roads are narrow and the forest is dense, so ride carefully and expect limited passing places. Camping is not permitted inside the park itself, so use it as a day ride and camp outside the boundary.
For supplies, El Corte Inglés Tres de Mayo in Santa Cruz is a department store with a 4.2 rating from 17,881 reviews. It is not a camping shop, but it covers food and clothing if you need a city stop. Decathlon La Laguna remains the better bet for technical gear.
How does the riding compare between the two islands?
Tenerife has more variety and more traffic. You can ride from dry volcanic roads in the south to green laurel forest in the north in a single day. The TF-12 through Anaga is a highlight, but it is popular with cyclists and walkers, so go early.
La Gomera is quieter and steeper. The roads are narrower, the gradients are sharper and the surface can be patchy. The reward is empty corners and long views. If you are a confident rider with a light bike, La Gomera is the more memorable ride.
Weather matters. Tenerife's south is dry and sunny, while the north and the highlands can be cloudy. La Gomera is greener and wetter, especially around Garajonay. Pack layers and waterproofs for both islands, and check the forecast before you commit to a ferry.
What should you pack for a two-island motorcycle camping trip?
Pack for three seasons. A waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm mid-layer and a hat are essential even in summer. The highlands of both islands can be cold and wet, while the coast is hot and dry. Bring a dry bag for your sleeping bag and a small tarp for shade or rain.
Tools and spares matter more on La Gomera. Carry a puncture repair kit, a small compressor and cable ties. Fuel stations are limited, so plan your fill-ups and carry a spare litre if your tank is small. A paper map or offline navigation is useful because signal can drop in the forest.
Cooking gear needs fuel that you can buy locally. Decathlon La Laguna stocks camping gas and basic cookware. Buy before you cross to La Gomera, because the smaller island has fewer shops. A compact stove and a titanium pot cover most meals.
Is La Gomera worth it for a beginner motorcycle camper?
La Gomera is better for riders with some experience. The roads are narrow, steep and sometimes gravelly, and the campsites are basic. Beginners will have an easier time on Tenerife, where the roads are wider and the facilities are closer together. Build your confidence on Tenerife first.
That said, the ferry makes La Gomera accessible. You can ride the main roads and stay in a hotel if camping feels too much. Hotel Jardín Tecina in Playa de Santiago gives you a comfortable base with a 4.4 rating from 3,152 reviews. Use it as a fallback if the weather turns.
If you do camp, choose a site with facilities and ride during daylight. The forest roads are not lit, and the cloud can reduce visibility quickly. An early start gives you the best chance of clear views from the high points.
How long should you give each island?
Give Tenerife four to five days and La Gomera two to three. That gives you time to ride the Anaga forest, the Teide approach and the south coast without rushing. On La Gomera, one day for Garajonay and one for the coastal roads is enough.
If you only have a week, base yourself on Tenerife and do La Gomera as an overnight. Take the morning ferry, ride the forest, camp or stay in Playa de Santiago, and return the next afternoon. That keeps the trip simple and avoids moving camp too often.
Book your ferry and campsite before you travel in peak season. The fast ferry fills up with cars and bikes, and the best campsites on both islands are small. A little planning makes the difference between a smooth trip and a day spent waiting.
What are the practical costs and logistics?
Ferry tickets vary by season and operator, so check current prices when you book. Camping fees are modest on both islands, but facilities are basic. Budget for fuel, food and a few restaurant meals. The Terraza Restaurante Los Telares in Hermigua is a good mid-range stop with a 4.7 rating from 2,637 reviews.
Fuel is more expensive on La Gomera and stations are fewer. Fill up in San Sebastián before you head inland. On Tenerife, fuel is easy to find along the main roads. Keep some cash for small sites and restaurants that do not take cards.
Insurance and breakdown cover should include ferry crossings and the smaller island. Check your policy before you travel. A simple toolkit and a phone with offline maps cover most emergencies.
What should you not miss on each island?
On Tenerife, ride the TF-12 through Anaga and stop at the Parque Rural de Anaga entrance at Monte de Las Mercedes. The forest is ancient and the roads are tight. Allow a full morning and go early to avoid traffic.
On La Gomera, the Garajonay forest is the highlight. The visitor area has a 4.8 rating from 5,365 reviews and is open 11:00-21:00. Ride up from Hermigua or Valle Gran Rey and take the short walks into the forest. The mist and silence are the point.
For food, Laguna Grande in Vallehermoso has a 4.6 rating from 2,381 reviews and sits on the GM-2. El Mirador near Agulo has a 4.4 rating from 4,031 reviews and a setting on the road that carries its name. Both make good lunch stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a motorcycle on the ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera?
Yes, the ferries from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián de La Gomera carry motorcycles. Book ahead in peak season and arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for loading.
Is wild camping allowed on La Gomera?
No, wild camping is not officially allowed on La Gomera. Use designated campsites, which are limited, and plan your route around them.
How long is the ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera?
The fast ferry from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián de La Gomera takes under an hour. The crossing can be bumpy in rough weather, so secure your gear.
Where can I buy camping gear in Tenerife?
Decathlon La Laguna on Cam. la Hornera stocks camping gas, sleeping mats and dry bags. It is a short ride from the TF-5 and has a 4.5 rating from 19,945 reviews.
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